Car Accident

At Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson, we’ve spent decades advocating for the rights and safety of New Yorkers—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The recent Bloomberg article, “Getting around New York City is safer than it’s been in years, city officials often say. So why doesn’t it feel that way?” highlights a troubling paradox: while traffic deaths have declined, serious injuries on our streets are on the rise.

The Numbers Behind the Headlines

Bloomberg’s reporting, based on NYCDOT data, reveals a 10% increase in serious injuries from vehicle crashes citywide between 2022 and 2024. Pedestrians and motorists each saw a 12% rise, while cyclists experienced a 10% uptick. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent thousands of New Yorkers whose lives have been forever changed by preventable crashes. Despite a decade of Vision Zero reforms—lower speed limits, red-light cameras, protected bike lanes, and intersection upgrades—serious injuries remain stubbornly high. The city touts historic lows in traffic deaths, but as the article points out, “serious injuries became more frequent in recent years.” For the families we represent, one life-altering injury is one too many. The Bloomberg article also exposes stark disparities in who bears the brunt of this crisis. In Queens, pedestrian injuries jumped 29% in three years. The Bronx saw 20% more serious injuries per capita than the city average. Low-income and Latino neighborhoods are disproportionately affected. These aren’t just numbers—they are our neighbors, clients, and friends.

Why Aren’t the Reforms Enough?

Vision Zero’s goal is not just to eliminate deaths, but also “severe injuries.” Yet, as the article notes, progress has been uneven and, in some cases, insufficient. While the city has made strides—daylighting intersections, expanding bike lanes, and deploying speed cameras—implementation lags behind legal mandates and public need. For example, the city is building fewer protected bike lanes than required by law, and only a fraction of intersections have received safety upgrades. Moreover, enforcement remains a challenge. Chronic speeders rack up hundreds of violations with little consequence. The expiration of programs that allowed the city to impound vehicles from repeat offenders is a missed opportunity to hold dangerous drivers accountable.

Behind every statistic there’s a story. The article shares the harrowing experience of Lauren Pine, who lost her leg after being struck by a dump truck. Our personal injury attorneys have seen firsthand the devastation that traffic violence inflicts on individuals and families. Serious injuries mean lost livelihoods, lifelong pain, and emotional trauma.

What Needs to Change?

The Bloomberg article raises an essential point: reducing the number of vehicles on our streets is the most effective way to reduce injuries. Congestion pricing, expanded public transit, and policies that prioritize people over cars are steps in the right direction. But we can go even further:

• Enforce Existing Laws: Chronic offenders must face real consequences, including vehicle impoundment and license suspension.
• Accelerate Infrastructure Upgrades: The city must meet or exceed legal requirements for protected bike lanes and intersection improvements, especially in high-risk neighborhoods.
• Equity in Safety: Resources and reforms must be targeted to communities with the highest rates of injury and death.
• Support for Victims: Those injured in crashes deserve robust legal support and access to medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation.

Take Action for Safer Streets: Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson Is Here for Crash Victims

We’re committed to fighting for safer streets and justice for crash victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic incident, know that you are not alone. We are here to help you navigate the legal system and advocate for the changes our city so desperately needs. Vision Zero is a promise—a promise that every New Yorker deserves to get home safely. As the Bloomberg article makes clear, we’re not there yet. If you have questions about your rights or need legal assistance after a crash, contact Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson today.

Disclaimer: This post is for legal education purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been formed. To the extent this post constitutes attorney advertising, past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.