Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | May 13, 2025 | Pedestrian Accidents
Walking around busy city streets is part of everyday life in New York. Whether you’re heading to work or grabbing a coffee, crossing the road is something most people do without thinking. But what happens if you cross the street outside of a crosswalk or against a signal? Is jaywalking legal in New York?
In this blog, we’ll look at what jaywalking means, what New York law says about it, and how it might affect a personal injury case, especially if you’re a pedestrian who’s been hit by a car. You’ll also find helpful context that can support anyone looking into pedestrian injury claims, traffic accident laws, or personal injury lawsuits in the state.
What Is Jaywalking?
Jaywalking is when a person crosses a street illegally. This usually means:
- Crossing in the middle of a street instead of at a crosswalk
- Walking against a “Don’t Walk” signal
- Not yielding to traffic when required
Jaywalking is often seen as a minor issue, but in cities like New York where traffic is heavy and fast-moving, it can be dangerous. Pedestrians have to follow traffic signals and use marked crosswalks whenever possible.
New York doesn’t use the term “jaywalking” in its traffic code, but pedestrians can still get fined or held responsible if they cross in a way that breaks the law or puts them at risk. Learning about pedestrian right-of-way rules and traffic safety regulations is a smart way to stay safe.
Is Jaywalking a Crime in New York?
Technically, jaywalking isn’t considered a criminal offense in New York, but it is a violation of traffic laws. That means police can issue a ticket and fine you if you cross a street illegally. The fine is usually small, but if jaywalking leads to an accident or injury, it can have a bigger impact, especially in legal cases.
If a pedestrian gets hit while jaywalking, their actions could reduce the amount of compensation they can recover in a personal injury lawsuit. This is because New York follows comparative negligence rules, which means fault can be shared between the pedestrian and the driver.
For more details on how fault works in traffic accidents, it’s helpful to review information on injury compensation laws, negligence in personal injury cases, or pedestrian accident claims.
How Jaywalking Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured while crossing the street and the other person was mostly at fault, you may still have a case, even if you were jaywalking. Here’s how:
- You can still file a claim, but your compensation may be reduced
- The amount depends on how much fault is assigned to you
- You may need to prove that the driver was more careless than you
For example, if you were hit while crossing against a signal, but the driver was speeding or distracted, you could still recover damages. In this case, legal resources about driver liability and pedestrian rights can offer important insights.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of medical bills, accident photos, and witness statements to support your claim.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Personal injury cases involving jaywalking can be tricky. Insurance companies might argue that you’re fully at fault, even when that’s not the case. That’s why it’s helpful to read more about how pedestrian accidents are handled, especially in complex urban areas like New York.
Many people look into legal blogs or FAQ pages to understand how these cases are evaluated. Accessing this type of content can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to move forward.
Jaywalking and Personal Injury in New York
Jaywalking may seem like a small mistake, but in New York, it can carry big consequences, especially if you’re injured in an accident. While it’s not a criminal offense, it can affect your ability to win a personal injury case.
If you’ve been hurt while crossing the street, it helps to learn about pedestrian accident laws, comparative fault, and compensation options. This knowledge can make a big difference in how you recover, both physically and financially.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York City at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers For More Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our personal injury 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
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
