In 2024, Dutchess County had a slight increase in its number of personal injury car crashes; it went from 1,588 in 2023 to 1,664. This is according to the latest preliminary statistics from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research.
As a personal injury law firm that serves car crash victims in Poughkeepsie, we’ve conducted an analysis of the latest data to help Dutchess County residents understand their risk and what to do after a crash.
Dutchess County Car Crash Injury Severity
In 2024, Dutchess County residents had 26 fatal car crashes, 248 “serious” crashes, 264 “moderate” injuries and 1,017 “minor” injuries.
Fatal injuries may result in families and loved ones seeking a wrongful death claim. Serious injuries tend to be life-threatening, and require long hospital stays, traumatic surgery and lost work. Moderate injuries may include broken bones, concussions or deep lacerations, that require surgeries, rehab and weeks of recovery. Minor injuries can present as sprains, bruises or other injuries that could turn into chronic pain or lost work, especially if they’re not treated effectively.
No matter how severe your injuries are, it’s important to get checked by a doctor right away.
Who Got Injured in Dutchess County Crashes in 2024
There were 1,664 crashes, and in those, 2,305 people were injured or killed. They included 1,612 drivers, 543 passengers, 86 pedestrians, 58 bicyclists and 6 “unknown.”
By far, drivers were the most likely to be killed or seriously injured in a crash.
No matter how you were injured in a crash, and if you were driving, partially or not at fault, or a passenger, there are recourses for recovering damages from either your insurance provider, the responsible party’s and more.
Dutchess County Car Crash Drivers by Gender and Age
35 of the 42 fatal car crashes of Dutchess County involved male drivers in 2024, and 1,537 of the 2,828 (58%) personal injury crashes did as well. As far as ages, there’s a range that tends to skew younger. The largest age cohort was 30-39, where 605 drivers were in personal injury crashes; that was closely followed by 21029 , where 520 drivers were in personal injury crashes.
Dutchess County Single-Car Crashes
In 2024, a little under 1/3 of Dutchess County’s personal injury car crashes (548 of 1,664) had only one vehicle involved. 1,116 crashes involved multiple vehicles.
Even if you’re in a single vehicle crash, you still have recourse to recover damages for your injuries. You have “no-fault” insurance that’s capped up to $50,000, regardless of fault. It’s possible that another party contributed to the crash, which would allow you to pursue a lawsuit for pain and suffering due to road maintenance failures, vehicle defects, your employer’s negligence (if you were in a company car), or if you were a passenger in the crash.
What Caused Fatal Dutchess County Car Crashes?
In 2024, 10 fatal crashes were caused by unsafe speeds, 9 were caused by pedestrian or bicyclist error or confusion, 8 were due to improper passing lane use, and 3 were caused by illegal drugs.
For personal injury crashes, 351 were caused by failure to yield right of way, 343 were caused by following too closely, 312 were caused by unsafe speeds, and 296 were caused by driver inattention or distraction.
Did Dutchess County Car Crash Victims Wear a Seatbelt?
One of the biggest single things a car occupant can do to protect against death and serious injuries is the use of a seatbelt.
Of 20 tracked fatalities in 2024, 16 victims were wearing a seatbelt, and 4 were not. Injury severity statistics correlate closely with the use of a seat belt: 85% of “serious” injury occupants were wearing a seatbelt, 93% of “moderate” injury occupants, and 94% of “minor” injury occupants.
Where do Car Crashes Happen the Most in Dutchess County?
The most common places for crashes in Dutchess County were the following:
- Town of Poughkeepsie – 280 Injuries, 4 Fatalities
- City of Poughkeepsie – 252 Injuries, 2 Fatalities
- Town of Fishkill – 163 Injuries, 3 Fatalities
- Town of East Fishkill – 156 Injuries, 2 Fatalities
- Town of Wappinger – 122 Injuries, 5 Fatalities
- City of LaGrange – 112 Injuries, 4 Fatalities
- Town of Hyde Park – 75 Injuries, 3 Fatalities
- Town of Pleasant Valley – 52 Injuries, 3 Fatalities
- Town of Rhinebeck – 52 Injuries
- Town of Beekman, 37 Injuries
What Should You Do After a Car Crash in Dutchess County, NY?
A car crash is a serious matter. Check for injuries and call 911, so emergency responders can provide immediate care. If you were in a single-car crash, note the road conditions and potential vehicle malfunctions, and if another driver was involved, collect their name, contact info, license number, insurance details, and vehicle make and model.
If you are able to, document the scene with photos or videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Seek medical attention, even if your injuries aren’t immediately obvious. In addition to ensuring that you recover as quickly as possible, medical records are critical for proving your injuries.
Report your crash promptly to your insurance company to begin a no-fault claim, which can cover your medical expenses and lost wages, even if you are completely at fault. If your injuries are serious and cause expenses above and beyond the $50,000 threshold for no-fault insurance, give us a call at 845-600-0000 to set up a free personal injury consultation at our office in Poughkeepsie, NY. Our representation will maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.