Was Someone Hurt in an Accident at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue? Here’s What to Do Next

• Most New York car accident claims must be filed within three years. A crash involving a city vehicle or MTA bus can require a notice of claim in as little as 90 days.
• Between turning vehicles, bus traffic, rideshare pickups, cyclists, and heavy pedestrian volume, this intersection sees a mix of hazards that can make determining fault more complicated than a typical accident claim.
• Whether your case involves another driver, a city vehicle, or another party, The Law Offices of Richard M. Kenny offers free consultations to help you understand your options — and your deadlines — before time runs out.

The intersection of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue is a hub of traffic and pedestrians, and it is anchored by the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is the largest bus facility in the country. Unfortunately, the greater the volume of activity, the greater the odds of a serious accident occurring. If you are someone who has sustained an injury in an accident of any kind at the intersection of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, you need a seasoned legal professional who can help you fight for the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled. Contact a dedicated Manhattan car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about what we can do for you. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident Near 42nd Street and 8th Avenue?

Rather obviously, your health and safety should come first. If you can safely do so, move away from active traffic. From there, you should take the following steps:

1. Call 911 and wait for law enforcement and emergency services to arrive at the scene.
2. Take pictures of any injuries you’ve sustained, as well as of any vehicles and property involved in the accident.
3. Exchange information with each driver involved.
4. Ask any witnesses for their names and phone numbers.
5. Avoid apologizing, guessing about fault, or downplaying your injuries.
6. Seek medical attention, even if your symptoms seem minor.

Accidents here generally bring a response from the NYPD and, when someone is injured, FDNY EMS. The area is served by the NYPD Midtown South Precinct at 357 West 35th Street. Emergency personnel will decide where a victim is transported, though serious trauma patients may be taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, a verified Level I Adult Trauma Center located at 462 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016.

Why Is Evidence From This Midtown Manhattan Intersection So Important?

One of the most important things you can do after a car accident is document what happened. This is especially true here, where turning vehicles, heavy foot traffic, buses, rideshare pickups, cyclists, and construction may all factor into a collision. That being said, evidence can disappear once vehicles are moved, witnesses leave, and video is recorded over. Some of the most useful forms of evidence in these cases can include the following:

• NYPD collision reports and body-camera footage
• FDNY EMS pre-hospital care records
• Port Authority, business, bus, or traffic-camera video
• Photographs showing vehicle damage and the point of impact
• Vehicle data, cellphone records, and rideshare information
• Medical records connecting the collision to the injuries sustained

New York City’s Vision Zero View map allows users to review traffic injuries and fatalities in specific locations. Though this data provides context, your claim will depend on whether another party acted negligently and injured you as a result.

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Manhattan?

Generally, if you’re injured in a car accident in NYC, you’ll have to file your claim within three years of the date of your accident. However, certain circumstances can drastically shorten this deadline, so it’s always the best course of action to simply reach out to a seasoned New York City personal injury attorney sooner, rather than later. Your No-Fault insurance application, which covers medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash, generally must be filed within 30 days. This intersection is also a good example of why other deadlines matter: if a city vehicle, an MTA bus, or a dangerous road condition played a part in your crash, you generally have to serve a notice of claim within just 90 days and file suit within one year and 90 days, far shorter than the standard three-year window. Crashes involving Port Authority vehicles or the Bus Terminal’s own ramps follow separate rules: a notice of claim must be served on the Port Authority at least 60 days before you sue, and the lawsuit must be filed within one year. If an insurance adjuster reaches out before you’ve spoken with an attorney, it’s worth knowing what you’re agreeing to before you sign anything. Contact The Law Offices of Richard M. Kenny for a free initial consultation today.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM

Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our Manhattan personal injury lawyers. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.