In 2024, Orange County had a slight increase in its number of personal injury car crashes; it went from 2,509 in 2023 to 2,563. 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 Newburgh, NY, we’ve conducted an analysis of the latest data to help Orange County residents understand their risk and what to do after a crash.
Orange County Car Crash Injury Severity
In 2024, Orange County residents had 37 fatal car crashes, 379 “serious” injuries, 445 “moderate” injuries and 1,636 “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 Orange County in 2024
There were 2,563 crashes, and in those, 3,652 people were injured. They included 2,508 drivers, 930 passengers, 148 pedestrians, 53 bicyclists and 13 “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.
Orange County Car Crash Drivers by Gender and Age
52 of the 61 fatal car crashes of Orange County, NY involved male drivers in 2024, and 2,641 of the 4,475 (59%) personal injury crashes did as well. As far as ages, there’s a range that tends to skew younger. The largest age cohort was 21-29, where 948 drivers were in personal injury crashes ; that was closely followed by 30-39, where 931 drivers were in personal injury crashes.
Orange County Single-Car Crashes
In 2024, a little under 1/3 of Orange County’s personal injury car crashes (817 of 2,600) had only one vehicle involved. 1,783 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 Orange County Car Crashes?
In 2024, 12 fatal crashes were caused by unsafe speeds, 9 fatal crashes were caused by improper passing lane use, 7 were caused by failure to keep right, and 4 were caused by disregarded traffic control signals.
For personal injury crashes, 602 were caused by failure to yield right of way, 512 were caused by following too closely, 400 were caused by driver inattention or distraction, and 391 were caused by unsafe speeds.
What Caused Fatal Orange County Car Crashes?
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 21 tracked fatalities in 2024, 14 victims were wearing a seatbelt, and 6 were not. Injury severity statistics correlate closely with the use of a seat belt: 85% of “serious” injury occupants were wearing a seatbelt, 91% of “moderate” injury occupants, and 95% of “minor” injury occupants.
Where do Car Crashes Happen the Most in Orange County?
The most common places for crashes in Orange County were the following:
- Town of Newburgh – 351 Injuries, 3 Fatalities
- Town of Wallkill – 319 Injuries , 6 Fatalities
- City of Newburgh – 238 Injuries, 3 Fatalities
- City of Middletown – 145 Injuries
- Town of New Windsor – 136 Injuries, 2 Fatalities
- Village of Woodbury – 125 Injuries, 5 Fatalities
- Town of Montgomery – 105 Injuries
- Town of Cornwall – 91 Injuries, 1 Fatality
- Town of Warwick – 84 Injuries
- Town of Monroe – 81 Injuries, 1 Fatality
What Should You Do After a Car Crash in Orange 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 New Windsor, NY. Our representation will maximize your compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.