Given the population density of New York, a significant portion of its inhabitants rely on walking for transportation. Regrettably, encounters between pedestrians and vehicles frequently result in severe, potentially fatal injuries. Victims of such incidents often endure long-term consequences, encompassing physical, financial, and emotional burdens. It’s therefore crucial that those affected by pedestrian accidents consider consulting with a seasoned New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer who can evaluate your claim and ensure accountability from responsible parties. Contact The Bàez Legal Group today to discuss your case.
What Makes Pedestrian Accidents Especially Dangerous in New York?
New York City and the surrounding metropolitan area, like many cities, generally sees a concerning number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities on an annual basis, due to the heavy foot traffic and congestion in the area. While pedestrian fatalities have decreased by 9% in 2025, these accidents are still, unfortunately, occurring at high rates. Unlike accidents that occur between vehicles, a collision between a car and a pedestrian can have catastrophic consequences. This is due, in part, to the fact that pedestrians have no external protection to absorb impact, making collisions that occur at low speeds incredibly dangerous.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of New York, delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, and commercial traffic, in conjunction with congestion and foot traffic, create conditions that put even high-alert pedestrians at risk of injury, especially during peak commuting hours.
What Are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in NY?
In New York, pedestrian accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons, but one of the primary causes is driver error. When drivers fail to adhere to traffic regulations, the likelihood of an accident increases significantly. Understanding the different causes can help pedestrians stay alert to and avoid potential injuries while strengthening claims against negligent drivers or other liable parties.
Driver Negligence and Traffic Violations
- Speeding in residential areas or near schools
- Aggressive driving behaviors, like tailgating or making unsafe turns
- Failure to stop at red lights and stop signs
- Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Distracted driving
Roadway and Environmental Factors
- Poorly marked crosswalks or faded road marks
- Obstructed visibility caused by parked cars or construction work
- Inadequate street lighting
- High-traffic areas with limited pedestrian traffic safety protections
What Steps Should I Take if I’m Struck by a Vehicle in New York?
Following a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to act swiftly to ensure you receive the necessary medical attention for your injuries. While every accident is unique, the steps that you take in the immediate aftermath can have a significant impact on the outcome of your injury claim.
Report the Accident to the Authorities
Following an accident, the most important thing you can do is call 911 to report the collision and request medical assistance at the scene. Obtaining a police report helps establish an official record of the accident, while medical attention, even if you feel fine, can uncover hidden injuries.
Why Immediate Medical Attention Matters
- Adrenaline may mask pain and symptoms
- Internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may not immediately appear
- Medical records can help link the injuries to the accident
- Delayed or missed treatment may be used against you to reduce the value of your claim
Prompt medical care does more than ensure your physical health and well-being, as it can also play a critical role in determining the value of your accident claim. Medical records created immediately after an accident can help establish a direct connection between the injuries you’ve suffered and the accident you are involved in, which is heavily considered when determining the outcome of an accident claim. As such, consistent and timely medical documentation is critical to strengthening the outcome of your claim.
Importance of a Police Report
- Contains witness reports and driver statements
- Can note traffic violations or contributing factors
- May become a key piece of evidence when filing a claim
Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you are physically able to do so, you should gather as much information and evidence at the scene as possible. This includes:
- Photos and videos of the damage to the vehicles, your visible injuries, and the contributing road conditions
- Video footage of traffic signals and signs at the scene
- Timestamped photos showing lighting and weather conditions
Gather Witness and Driver Information
Testimony and statements from unbiased witnesses can be incredibly important in fighting for the compensation you deserve if you were injured while walking in New York. As such, you should gather the following information from witnesses:
- Full names and contact information
- A brief statement
- The names and badge numbers of responding officers
In addition, you’ll need to gather the following information from the other driver involved in the collision:
- Full name and contact information
- Address, license number, and insurance information
- Vehicle make, model, color, license plate number, and VIN, if available
Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
At the scene of the accident, there are missteps commonly made that can impact the outcome of a claim. As such, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with the most common issues so you can best protect yourself and your right to compensation. In the aftermath of an accident, you should avoid:
- Admitting fault or apologizing
- Providing recorded statements to insurance
- Posting accident details or discussing the matter on social media
- Delaying or avoiding medical care
Contact an Experienced New York City Pedestrian Injury Attorney Today
Although a lawsuit may never fully reverse the significant impacts of a pedestrian accident, it can offer substantial financial relief and contribute to a sense of justice following the incident. Should you require an effective attorney capable of advocating on your behalf, we encourage you to contact The Bàez Legal Group today to arrange a consultation.
