Too Many Injuries and Deaths to People Hit by a Car While Crossing the Street
In many ways, New York City is fantastic for pedestrians. The city is easy to navigate, and moving through the city by foot can be a pleasant activity. Unfortunately, pedestrians are also very vulnerable in New York. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, pedestrians accounted for 52% of all fatal traffic accidents in the city between 2005 and 2009. More than a third of the time, when people were hit by a car while crossing the street, it was because a driver was inattentive or reckless in operating the vehicle. Sadly, pedestrians are ten times more likely to be killed than the driver in such a collision. If you were hit by a car while crossing the street, and the driver was at fault, you have a right to pursue compensation for damages.
How Pedestrian Accidents Are Caused
Most New York City intersections are well sign-posted, and it is clear when pedestrians have the right of way to cross a street. Nonetheless, even the most careful pedestrian who only crosses legally can be at risk of being hit by a car while crossing the street. Some common ways these accidents happen include:
- Speeding: When drivers speed through busy intersections, they risk hitting pedestrians who have the right of way. A speeding driver is unable to stop the vehicle fast enough, and may not even check for oncoming cars or pedestrians.
- Drivers failing to yield: It’s common to see cars and taxis alike edging into the crosswalk on a red light, quickly turning right or left, and failing to observe a pedestrian. Even at low speeds, drivers who fail to yield can cause serious injuries to those who are hit while legally crossing the street.
- Driver errors while turning: Even when vehicles have the green light, drivers must check carefully to ensure that no pedestrians are crossing at the intersection.
- Distracted driving: If a driver’s hands and eyes are on a cellphone, a conversation, or other distraction, rather than the road ahead, it becomes far more possible to miss the presence of a pedestrian, and cause a serious injury accident.
Hit By a Car While Crossing the Street? Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
A large percentage of the collisions between cars and pedestrians are not the fault of the person on foot. If you were hit by a car while crossing the street, you may be able to bring a claim against the driver who hit you. You may be compensated for costs associated with your injuries, including all hospital bills, medical bills, and other treatments, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.
It is exceptionally important to have an experienced lawyer on your side in any pedestrian accident case. Insurance companies generally offer lowball settlements to victims, but you may be entitled to much more. Never sign anything or discuss your injuries without first consulting with a pedestrian accident lawyer. Contact us at the Law Offices of Justin D. Brandel to schedule a free consultation.
- January 6, 2016
- 9:41 pm