What to Do If I Am Hit by a Car While Crossing the Street?
New York is known for its pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and is considered the most walkable city in the country. Still, pedestrian accidents continue to happen and thousands of people are injured by motor vehicles every year.
Since pedestrians do not have any kind of physical protection, they are fully exposed to the force of impact when hit by a motor vehicle. As a result, they are at risk of suffering catastrophic and fatal injuries.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New York
Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, running red lights and stop signs, failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians, fatigued driving, and making rolling stops at stop signs are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in New York.
In some cases, pedestrian negligence can also contribute to accidents. The most common causes of pedestrian negligence include texting or talking on the phone while walking, walking while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and jaywalking.
The Most Dangerous Boroughs for Pedestrians in New York
Brooklyn is by far the most dangerous borough for pedestrians in New York. A combination of factors including traffic congestion, high population density, heavy pedestrian traffic, complex intersections, and erratic driver behavior make Brooklyn dangerous for pedestrians – particularly older people.
Other boroughs that are considered dangerous for pedestrians include Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx.
What is the Value of a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York?
The value of your claim depends on a number of factors including:
- How serious your injuries are
- The cost of your treatment
- Whether you will need medical care for the foreseeable future
- Whether you can continue to work while recovering from your injuries
- Whether your earning capacity has been impacted by your injuries
- Whether you have suffered permanent physical or cognitive damage due to your injuries
- Whether you are left disfigured as a result of your injuries
- Whether your ability to perform your household duties has been affected by your injuries
Can I Recover Damages Even If I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Yes, you can. New York’s pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages from the other party even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced depending on the extent to which your negligence contributed to the accident.
What Are the Steps Pedestrians Can Take to Stay Safe on the Road?
- Whenever possible, use marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals at intersections. Cross only when the "Walk" signal is displayed.
- Before crossing a street, look left and right for oncoming traffic. Continue to check for traffic as you cross.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as smartphones or headphones while crossing streets. Pay full attention to your surroundings.
- Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of their vehicles to ensure they see you.
- Follow traffic signals and obey posted signs, including "Don't Walk" signals and "Do Not Enter" signs.
- Vehicles have the right of way in most situations, so yield to them when required.
- Cross streets only at designated crosswalks and intersections.
- If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. This allows you to see approaching vehicles.
- Make yourself visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking at night.
- Always walk on the sidewalk when available. If there is no sidewalk, walk as far to the right as possible, facing oncoming traffic.
- Even when you have the right of way, be cautious at intersections, as not all drivers may yield as required.
- Be cautious around turning vehicles, as they may not see you while making their turn.
Injured by a Motor Vehicle? Legal Help Is Available from Our Top-Rated New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers!
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious, disabling injuries that might require extensive medical treatment. You need a capable and resourceful New York pedestrian accident attorney on your side to get the compensation needed to get back on your feet.
At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we have extensive experience in handling pedestrian accident claims and understand the complexities of this area of law. We can hold the at-fault driver and other negligent parties (if any) accountable, establish their liability, and fight aggressively to recover every dollar of compensation you are owed.
We have more than 150 years of civil litigation experience can get results beyond most other law firms.
To discuss your case with one of our experienced New York pedestrian accident attorneys, call us today at 212-962-1020 or fill out our online contact form and schedule a free consultation.