How safe are Pedestrians in New York?
New York City pedestrian accident fatalities are more disturbing. The rate of pedestrian deaths due to automobile collisions is far more than the national rate. As per New York City’s Department of Transportation reports, 52% of city’s traffic deaths are due to pedestrian deaths. Around 67% New York City people walk and use public transportation for work – a national high. This means more New Yorkers are exposed to the hazards and perils of the road.
Initiatives to Minimize Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
Pedestrian welfare groups such as Transportation Alternatives have taken initiatives to reduce speed on the roads, minimize traffic accidents, and secure lives of New Yorkers besides trying to improve on-road experience. And Vision Zero is an ambitious plan to end traffic fatalities and injuries on the New York City streets. Each year around 4,000 pedestrians are injured and 250 are killed in automobile collisions especially in the crosswalks with the right of way. The city’s Right of Way Law also known as Section 19-190 of the New York Administrative Code, is in place to protect people on the streets, especially pedestrians. It has been found that most of the injuries to pedestrians are caused by drivers who do not yield to pedestrians. When a pedestrian is injured or killed in a crosswalk the driver is said to have committed a misdemeanor crime for not yielding the right of way.
Pedestrian Accidents and Deaths
Pedestrian deaths or injuries – major causes:
- Drivers not yielding right of way to pedestrians
- Negligent drivers jumping lights
- Drivers distracted due to cellular phone calls and radio
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving recklessly
Pedestrians can be injured in accidents involving:
- Speeding bus
- Bicycle collisions
- Hit and run accidents
- Crosswalk accidents
- Collisions with taxicabs
- Collision with parking lot vehicles
- Police pursuits
Traffic Laws in New York
Different sections under Article 24 (Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings) of the NY Code deal with obedience to traffic control devices, traffic signals, pedestrian signals, markings and lane direction control indications. Pedestrians injured in traffic collisions can file a claim against the negligent driver, for injuries and losses. Consult an experienced attorney who can find out if you can claim and suggest legal options. Your lawyer will interact with investigators, forensic experts, surgeons, accident re-constructionists, witnesses and law enforcement people to establish facts and causes to prove negligence and claim a good compensation.
You may File a Claim for Compensation
If you have suffered injury in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to seek legal recourse and recover millions for injury & losses. A fantastic financial result can help you get over the financial losses arising due to:
- Lost earnings
- Trauma and sufferings
- Funeral expenditure
- Medical expenses
- Expenses to engage additional support services such as physiotherapy
If you or your loved one has suffered a grievous injury because of pedestrian accident in New York City, our New York City pedestrian accident attorneys can work with you so that your story is heard. We know this arena and we have won millions of dollars for our clients. Do you want a larger bank account? Do you want your bills paid? Then give us a call! RMFW Law has law offices located in Astoria, Queens, New York City and two locations in Brooklyn. Call now: 212 697 9280. The first consultation is free.
