Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in NYC?
Motor vehicle operators have a responsibility to drive carefully, responsibly, and watch for pedestrians. When a motor vehicle strikes a person, the sustained injuries are often catastrophic. Victims of these accidents are left with broken bones, bodily, and brain injuries. These injuries often result in permanent disability or death. In these cases, it’s strongly encouraged to seek an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
In New York City, the number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles continues to steadily increase every year. Many of the deaths are a result of a driver’s negligence, including failure to follow traffic laws, recklessness, and/or drugs and alcohol. The horrific results of this negligence are inexcusable.
Someone should be held liable when a pedestrian is injured by a vehicle. You must reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney if you or a loved one has suffered from injuries or wrongful death due to a driver’s negligence.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents
When an accident occurs, pedestrians are not protected by the steel body of a vehicle. This makes it especially important for drivers to watch for them in all situations. Carelessness is usually to blame when a driver strikes a person on foot.
The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Distracted Driving (Calls, Texts, Eating)
- Failure to Yield
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving (Careless, Aggressive)
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol
Rain, ice, and snow also play a role in these accidents but are only particularly to blame. Drivers have a responsibility to drive slower and more attentively when these conditions exist. The driver is still liable for reckless driving when they are traveling too fast to safely stop during adverse weather conditions.
Where Do Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occur?
It is common to travel on foot in the city because it is faster, cheaper, and the most practical option for many individuals. Many people commute on foot to the subway, to work, and to run errands. On these routes, there are several common places that pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur.
Common Locations Include:
- Crosswalks
- Parking Lots
- Stop Signs
- Shoulder
- Shared-Use Paths
- Driveways
The majority of all pedestrian-related automobile accidents occur in urban areas.
How To Prevent Road Accidents as a Pedestrian
Accident prevention is a critical element in curving the excessive number of pedestrian deaths that continue to occur in NYC. Practicing preventive measures may help prevent the likelihood that you will be involved in an accident and save your life.
Nighttime
The majority of pedestrian-related automobile accidents occur in poorly-lit areas at nighttime. You should avoid walking in the dark, but if you must travel, make sure to cross only well-lit roads and intersections.
You should also wear high-visibility clothing and carry a flashlight to make it easier for vehicles to identify your presence.
Sidewalks
Many accidents occur on the shoulder or side of the road. Use sidewalks wherever they are available. If no sidewalk is available, walk towards traffic and stay as far away from traffic as possible.
Crosswalks
Many accidents occur because the driver did not anticipate that pedestrians would cross in the area. Use crosswalks and designated crossing intersections whenever they are available.
Parked Cars
There are numerous reports by drivers that they did not have to stop after a pedestrian became visible. Never walk out between parked cars. This applies to pedestrians when crossing the road and in parking lots.
Attentiveness
Always stay attentive and recognize that you are at an increased risk as a pedestrian. Never use electronic devices while walking, including cell phones and music devices. These electronics are distracting and could result in an inability to hear impending danger, such as a car horn.
Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
There have been countless reports filed of pedestrians hit by motor vehicles, many of these injuries suffer death as a result of their injuries. The following are recent fatalities that have occurred in the city.
West Street Near Canal Street, Manhattan- November 11, 2021
2:45 PM An elderly woman was crossing the west street, near canal street, when she was struck, ran over, and killed by the driver of a large pickup truck.
There is no intersection present or crosswalk to protect pedestrians because the city does not want to hinder the flow of traffic.
This is a particularly infuriating occurrence because city advocates have been pushing to have this intersection fixed for years. They argue that this is a popular crossing site because of nearby recreational areas, including Hudson River Park, and should be made safe for pedestrians.
Ocean Ave. and Avenue Z, Brooklyn- November 14, 2021
5:50 AM A man was struck by a BMW while crossing the intersection of Ocean Ave. and Avenue Z. The man suffered from fatal head and bodily trauma.
Bushwick Avenue Near Meserole Street, Brooklyn- November 16, 2021
12 AM A 32-year old man was crossing Bushwick Avenue near Meserole just after midnight when he was struck and killed by a black Camero. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Tyler Patrick, has been arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment, and DUI. The 18-year-old was driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.
Pedestrian Accident Lawyers NYC
There is no excuse for the excessive number of people that are injured and killed on foot by motorized vehicles. You must reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney if you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a pedestrian/vehicle-related accident.
Someone is to blame for the accident, whether it be the other driver, the city, or several parties. Goidel and Siegal fight for their clients, going after all the parties involved, and not settling until their clients are duly compensated for their injuries.
Contact Goidel and Siegal today for a free consultation with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney to get you the compensation that you deserve.
