Dozens were injured in numerous car accidents in New York City earlier this month when a surprise “flash freeze” took the East Coast by storm. Moderately heavy rain combined with subzero temperatures and bare roadways to create the perfect conditions for icing. City streets and highways turned into skating rinks and emergency workers couldn’t keep up with the volume of calls. In fact, over 600 callers to 911 were put on hold.
As emergency calls to 911 dispatchers started to overwhelm the system, officials closed off:
- The eastbound portion of The Long Island Expressway
- Goethals Bridge
- Outerbridge Crossing
- And the New York Thruway
Bus service to the Bronx was also suspended for the duration of the storm after 59 separate bus related accidents. The City had 250 salt spreaders on the roads throughout the storm but they just weren’t able to keep up.
Indeed, the icing caught everyone by surprise, including emergency workers who were unable to handle the high number of car and pedestrian accidents in the city itself. Over 3,700 medical calls went out by midafternoon-thousands more than an average day-swamping ambulances and fire department first responders. 30 ambulance crews were called in from outside the city and crews that were already on duty were required to work overtime. Hospitals were flooded by those injured in unsafe highway car accidents in New York City including a massive 20 car pileup in The Bronx (in which 35 people were injured) and a 17 car pileup on the Bruckner Expressway caused by a tractor trailer.
Regardless of weather conditions, drivers who cause car accidents in New York City can be held responsible for the damage and injuries they cause.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident-no matter the road conditions at the time-contact a New York City car accident attorney to discuss your case. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.