Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | April 1, 2025 | Pedestrian Accidents
New York City is known for its busy streets, towering buildings, and bustling atmosphere. With millions of pedestrians walking to work, school, or simply enjoying the city, it’s important to focus on pedestrian safety. Unfortunately, accidents involving pedestrians happen far too often. In this article, we’ll discuss how to stay safe while walking the streets of New York and what to do if you’re involved in an accident.
Pedestrian Accidents in New York
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents in the Bronx and throughout New York City are common. In the first nine months of 2024, 645 pedestrians were seriously injured in New York City. This is a 13% increase from the same period in 2023. Pedestrians are at risk when vehicles don’t stop or yield properly, especially in busy areas like Times Square or the Financial District. While drivers can be reckless, some pedestrians don’t follow traffic rules, contributing to accidents.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
Here are some tips you should follow if you are a regular walker in New York:
Always Use Crosswalks
The best way to avoid accidents is by following basic pedestrian safety rules. Always use crosswalks when crossing streets, and wait for the pedestrian signal to light up before stepping onto the road. Even if no cars are in sight, using designated crossing points is crucial.
Look Both Ways
Before crossing, make sure to stop and look both ways for oncoming traffic. Even when it’s your turn to walk, it’s important to check for vehicles that might not stop for you. This simple step can save your life.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Distracted walking is just as dangerous as distracted driving. Many pedestrians are guilty of looking at their phones while walking or failing to notice cars coming their way. Always stay alert and avoid using your phone or wearing headphones when walking, especially in busy areas like intersections.
Avoid Crossing During Red Lights
Even if you’re in a hurry, never cross the street when the traffic light is red. Waiting for the light to change gives both pedestrians and drivers a clear understanding of when it’s safe to move. This will reduce the chance of accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.
New York Pedestrian Laws
New York has its own set of laws that all drivers and pedestrians are required to follow:
Right of Way Laws
New York State law states that drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. If a driver hits a pedestrian in a crosswalk, the driver may be legally responsible for the accident. Pedestrians must also follow traffic signals, but they have the right of way when they are crossing at a green light or crosswalk.
Jaywalking Laws
While jaywalking (crossing the street outside of a crosswalk) is not always illegal, it can be dangerous. New York City police may issue fines to pedestrians who jaywalk in certain areas, especially on busy streets or near schools. Additionally, jaywalking increases the risk of getting hit by a vehicle. Always use a designated crosswalk to stay safe.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Here are some steps that you should take if you get hit while walking:
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been hit by a vehicle while walking in New York, it’s important to get medical attention right away. Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should still visit a doctor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Report the Accident
Make sure to report the accident to the police, even if the injury seems minor. Having a police report can be essential if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Collect Evidence
If possible, take pictures of the scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and the driver, as their statements may help with your case. This evidence will help strengthen your case.
Contact the New York City Pedestrian Accident Law Firm of Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our pedestrian accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St, 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in NYC
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.7051415,-74.0067386
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(929) 447-2347
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in the Bronx
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.8468944,-73.8483118
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 550-3601
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Brooklyn
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 40.692948,-73.991038
The tips offered in this article can help keep you safe, but they may not be able to mitigate the risk completely. If you’ve been involved in an accident in New York, it’s best to contact a pedestrian accident attorney. They will be able to guide you through the legal process and make sure you have every opportunity to receive compensation.
