May 31, 2022 Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are far from uncommon in New York City. According to the NYPD collision statistics, a total of 273 people died in motor vehicle accidents in New York City in 2021 — among those numbers, 124 were pedestrians.
Although pedestrian injuries and deaths are on a decline since the introduction of Vision Zero, an initiative set to eliminate pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in New York City, pedestrian accidents are still far too common and can end with tragic results. Here are some of the main causes of pedestrian accidents that happen in NYC:
Distracted Driving/Distracted Pedestrian
As one of the major causes of most car crashes, distracted driving has become a major hazard to both drivers and pedestrians across the United States. Drivers that are distracted by smartphones, GPS systems or even eating while driving may not be able to adequately assess their surroundings and fail to yield to proper traffic signals or crosswalks.
Likewise, any pedestrian who is distracted by cellphones or something else may fail to yield to traffic signs, signals, appropriate crosswalks, or other hazards resulting in injuries and sometimes fatalities.
Driving While Intoxicated
When drivers make the choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, serious consequences can result from those actions. While driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, motorists have slower reaction times and inhibited judgment — making them a danger to other drivers and pedestrians.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
Speeding and reckless driving are often overlooked and dangerous driving behaviors that have become the norm for many drivers in NYC.
Impatient drivers will often drive recklessly; failing to fully stop at stop signs, speed through neighborhoods, or even disregarding turn signals. Speeding and driving recklessly puts many at danger, especially children and pedestrians in highly populated or residential neighborhoods.
Failing to Obey Traffic Signals
By failing to properly obey all traffic signals on the roadways, drivers and pedestrians alike are putting themselves and others in a potentially dangerous situation.
Drivers and pedestrians should always be aware of posted traffic signals including yield signs, stop signs, crosswalk signals and traffic lights. Failure to do so could result in serious injuries to the pedestrian, regardless of who is at fault.
Physical Environment
Sometimes, the cause of the accident doesn’t lie fully on either the driver or the pedestrian. The physical layout of NYC can cause some issues that may compel pedestrians to enter or cross roads in unsafe situations.
Some physical factors that can contribute to pedestrian accidents can include inconvenient crosswalk placements, narrow roads that encourage jaywalking, poor sidewalk conditions or absence of walkable sidewalks and inadequate crossing devices.
What To Do If You’re Injured In A Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians who are involved in traffic accidents can suffer from catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, disfigurement, broken bones, or death. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a negligent driver, it is important for you to have a lawyer represent your interests.
A competent and experienced personal injury lawyer will fight on your behalf to ensure that you or your loved ones receive the maximum amount of compensation for their injuries including pain and suffering. The team of personal injury attorneys at Cellino Law have decades of experience working with pedestrians who have been severely injured due to negligent drivers. Call us today at 800-555-5555 for your free and confidential case consultation.