What Are the Pedestrian Laws in New York?

Multiple statutes under NY Vehicle & Traffic Law outline the rights and responsibilities that pedestrians have in New York. If you or someone you love has been injured while walking in New York City, our NYC pedestrian accident lawyers can use these laws to assert your rights and fight for financial compensation.

Oresky & Associates, PLLC, will help you understand New York pedestrian laws and how they apply to your case. You deserve the chance to focus on your recovery while our legal team confronts the liable party, the insurance companies, and anyone else who owes you damages.

Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way in New York?

Pedestrian crossing laws in New York grant pedestrians the right of way in some cases but not all.

It is important that you understand when you do and do not have the right of way so you can avoid being injured in:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Accidents involving a taxi
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents

If you were hit by any kind of vehicle, you may have the right to file a claim or lawsuit, especially if you know you had the right of way. Our New York law firm will investigate your accident and build your case file on your behalf.

When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way

According to the New York pedestrian crosswalk law, found at VAT 1151, pedestrians have the right of way at all times in crosswalks.

The only exceptions are when:

• A pedestrian enters the crosswalk when a vehicle is too close to stop for them.
• A pedestrian overpass or tunnel has been provided.

At intersections, crosswalks may be marked or unmarked, but pedestrians still retain the right to walk through them safely. Under VAT 1155, pedestrians should use the right half of the crosswalk whenever possible. This allows pedestrians coming from the opposite direction ample room to cross.

Pedestrians also have the right of way when they are on the sidewalk and a vehicle must cross the sidewalk to exit or enter a driveway or parking lot, per VAT 1151-a.

When a pedestrian has the right of way, all motorists must yield and wait. This includes drivers who approach behind another vehicle that has already stopped: motorists are prohibited from passing a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.

When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way

VAT 1152 says that pedestrians do not have the right of way when attempting to cross at any location without a crosswalk. Before crossing the road in this situation, pedestrians should check to make sure the way is clear. If vehicles are approaching, you must wait.

When a pedestrian is not crossing the road, VAT 1156 says that they must:

• Stay on the sidewalk.
• Stay on the left-hand side of the road, if no sidewalk is available.
• Move as far to the left-hand side as possible, if they are walking in the roadway and a vehicle is approaching.

VAT 1146 states that, even when pedestrians do not have the right of way, motorists have a responsibility to take every possible action to prevent a collision. For example, if a pedestrian does not see an oncoming car and steps into the road, the driver should slow down, sound their horn, and give the pedestrian every chance to get out of the way.

Our pedestrian accident lawyers will help you pursue a case against any driver whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

What Are Pedestrian Responsibilities in New York?

In addition to obeying pedestrian right of way laws in New York, pedestrians should behave with care and caution as they navigate city streets.

That includes:

• Paying close attention to your surroundings.
• Obeying all applicable road signs and signals, such as Walk/Do Not Walk signs.
• Not entering the road without warning.
• Avoiding erratic and unpredictable behavior, like stepping into the road and then turning back, that makes it difficult for vehicles to yield to you.

Pedestrians are also prohibited from standing in the road to hitchhike, sell products or services, or ask for money or assistance (per VAT 1157).

Walk Smart, Walk Safe: Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Pedestrian laws in New York are designed to prevent traffic accidents. However, you cannot always rely upon motorists to know and respect your rights.

You can protect yourself by:

• Wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing that helps drivers see you, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.
• Checking to see if the roadway is clear before crossing the street, even when you have the right of way.
• Firmly holding children’s hands or pets’ leashes so they cannot run into the road.

If the worst happens, Oresky & Associates, PLLC, will tell you what to do after an accident. We will explore your options for recovering financial compensation so you do not have to worry about medical bills, lost income or union benefits, or any other economic loss. Our legal representatives will also pursue damages for your non-economic losses, like past and future pain and suffering.

Even if you are unsure if you had the right of way at the time of the crash, do not let that stop you from getting legal help. You could still be entitled to damages.

Call Now for a Free Consultation

Contact Oresky & Associates, PLLC, at (718) 993-9999 for a free, confidential consultation today. Our attorneys are ready to start protecting your rights.

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Protect Your Rights as a New York Pedestrian

New York State traffic laws concerning pedestrians, crosswalks, and motorists are clear enough on paper, but in the aftermath of a chaotic accident, you might have difficulty proving that someone else violated your rights as a pedestrian. The liable driver may even try to blame you for the collision.

Since 1992, Oresky & Associates, PLLC, has fought for just compensation for traffic accident victims and their families. Let our auto accident lawyers get to work on your case as soon as possible. Call (718) 993-9999 to get started, and pay nothing until we win.