New 20-MPH Limit in NYC: Could It Help Those Injured in Car Accidents

A new speed limit of 20 miles per hour might be coming to New York City sooner than many motorists realize. If you do not own a vehicle, you might assume that this law does not affect you. However, it may provide you with an easier pathway to compensation after bike or pedestrian accidents in Manhattan. How could this new speed limit affect personal injury lawsuits in New York?

Sammy’s Law is “Set to Pass” in NYC 

Sammy’s Law has the potential to save lives. Of these supporters, none are louder than Amy Cohen – the mother of the bill’s namesake. Sammy Cohen was killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn at the age of 12 back in 2012. Her mother subsequently became a safety advocate and played a large part in the creation of Sammy’s Law.

 Is Speeding Always a Sign of Negligence in New York? 

While speeding is always dangerous, it might not always be a contributing factor in an accident. A defendant may attempt to claim that the accident would have occurred even if they were traveling below the speed limit. One might argue that there is not much difference between traveling at 20 miles per hour and traveling at 25 miles per hour. Generally speaking, speeding is only “negligent” if it seriously increases the chances of an accident.

On the other hand, a plaintiff might argue that Sammy’s Law would not have been passed unless there was clear evidence supporting the safety of a 20 mph limit. If there isn’t much difference between 20 mph and 25 mph, then why bother creating a new law? Even if a driver reduces their speed by just 5 mph, they give themselves more time to avoid potential hazards. Those few milliseconds could make all the difference when it comes to pedestrian or cyclist collisions.

 Key Takeaways 

• “Sammy’s Law” could lower the speed limit in New York City to 20 miles per hour
• Exceeding speed limits is a potential example of negligence
• You must prove negligence to recover non-economic damages after serious injuries

Contact Cohan Law, PLLC Today 

A New York personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need after a serious accident. The new, lower speed limit in New York City could allow you to pursue this compensation more easily after a serious injury. It may be easier to hold a recklessly speeding driver liable after contacting an experienced lawyer. Reach out to Cohan Law, PLLC – and get started today.

Sources: 

cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-speed-limit-lowered-sammys-law/

wassermanschultz.house.gov/uploadedfiles/sammys_law_one_page.pdf