Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | August 21, 2025 | Personal Injury
Unmarked crosswalks can appear at intersections throughout New York City. These crosswalks extend from one side of the road to the other side. However, unlike marked pedestrian crosswalks, unmarked crosswalks do not have painted lines on the road or traffic signals and signs. Unfortunately, the lack of signals, signs, and painted lines can make unmarked crosswalks in New York more dangerous and cause pedestrian accidents.
Understanding New York City Laws for Unmarked Crosswalks
New York Traffic Laws subject pedestrians to traffic regulations. Pedestrians must follow traffic laws, including traffic-control signals at intersections and crosswalks. Generally, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Drivers must yield the right of way when a pedestrian is crossing the road within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
An exception occurs when the pedestrian is crossing the road where an overpass or pedestrian tunnel is provided. In those situations, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to vehicles. Furthermore, pedestrians should not suddenly enter the path of a vehicle when it is impractical for the driver to yield the right of way, and must yield the right of way to vehicles when crossing at a point other than a crosswalk.
What Should Drivers and Pedestrians Do at an Unmarked Crosswalk in New York City?
Pedestrians and drivers can reduce the risk of accidents at unmarked crosswalks by:
- Understanding the traffic laws for pedestrian crosswalks, including the rules for Enhanced Crossings in New York City
- Drivers should avoid distractions and look out for pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks
- Pedestrians should check for oncoming traffic in all directions before crossing at unmarked and marked crosswalks
- Motorists should never pass other vehicles stopped or slowed near a pedestrian crossing
- Individuals can increase visibility when walking by wearing brightly colored clothing and using reflectors and/or flashlights at night
- Never operate a motor vehicle or walk while texting or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
Even after taking all precautions, you may still be involved in a pedestrian accident in NY. Knowing the tests to take if you are injured in an unmarked crosswalk can help you protect your legal rights to a fair personal injury settlement.
Steps to Take if Injured in an Unmarked Crosswalk Accident
If a reckless or negligent driver hits you in an unmarked crosswalk, you could be entitled to compensation for injuries and losses.
To protect your rights, follow these steps after a pedestrian accident:
Report a Pedestrian Accident and Gather Evidence
Call 911 to report a pedestrian accident to the police. The emergency operator will send police and emergency medical services to your location.
Gather evidence from the accident scene, if you can do so without causing yourself further injury or danger. Evidence includes photographs of the accident scene and contact information for witnesses and bystanders.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment for Injuries
Unmarked crosswalk accidents can cause catastrophic injuries for pedestrians, including spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Seeking prompt medical care can improve your chances of recovery. It also documents your injuries for a personal injury claim. Delays in medical care could hurt your health and your injury claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to report the accident. You may receive compensation from your insurance company or the driver’s insurance provider. Most insurance policies require individuals to report accidents and injuries promptly.
Seek Legal Advice from an Attorney
Pedestrian accidents in unmarked crosswalks can be challenging personal injury cases. Talking with an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer helps you understand your legal options for filing a lawsuit against the driver. An attorney can also help you with no-fault insurance claims and other actions that may provide compensation for damages.
Contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You deserve to be compensated fairly when a reckless driver causes you to be injured. Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers offer free consultations for accident victims and their families. Our New York pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you when you need trusted legal advice.
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
