New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

A pedestrian should always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk in the road, you should walk facing traffic.  This will allow you to see oncoming vehicles.

Dress in brightly colored clothing.  This makes it easier for drivers to see you during the day.  Reflective clothing should be worn in the evening, such as shoes or jackets to reflect the headlights of oncoming vehicles.

You should always cross the street at a marked crosswalk.

• Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road.
• Stop and look left, then right, then left again, before you step into the street.
• If you see a car, wait until it goes by. Then look left, right and left again until no cars are coming.
• If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the car. Then go to the edge of the car and look left-right-left until no cars are coming. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing, and remember, walk. Don’t run.

In 2004, there were 15,266 pedestrian accidents, of which approximately 10,228 occurred
at intersections. We have listed some of the statistics as reported by the New York State
Department of Motor Vehicles:

Severity of Accidents

Fatal Accidents                             322

Non-Fatal                                     15,522

Property Damage Accidents           16

Top Ten Causes of Pedestrian/Auto Accidents　

1. Pedestrian Confusion                3,556

2. Driver Inattention/Distraction    2,857

3. Failure to Yield Right of Way      2,005

4. Backing Up Unsafely                 654

5. Unsafe Speed                           383

6. Alcohol Involvement                 357

7. Traffic Control Disregarded       357

8. Aggressive Driving                   272

9. Drive Inexperience                  248

10. Passing of Improper Lane Usage 171

Top Five Reasons for Pedestrian Accidents　

1. Limited/Obstructed View     521

2. Slippery Pavement             384

3. Glare                                331

4. Obstruction/Debris             34

5. Animal Action                     21