What Are the Pedestrian Laws in New York?

New York City is home to more than eight million residents. With so many people using the city streets, accidents and injuries are inevitable.

However, the likelihood of dangerous situations increases when motorists or pedestrians are negligent. For this reason, it is vital to understand the pedestrian laws in New York.

If you or someone you love has been injured while walking in New York City, do not wait. You may be able to secure significant compensation with the help of a knowledgeable Bronx pedestrian accident attorney.

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

Most people believe that pedestrians always have the right of way in and around public roads. Even when someone steps off of a curb or crosses without a crosswalk, motorists are expected to slow down.

Drivers typically try to avoid accidents, no matter who is in the wrong. But what are the pedestrian laws in New York?

When Pedestrians Have the Right of Way

According to New York law, pedestrians have the right of way at all times in crosswalks. At intersections, these pedestrian crosswalks may be marked or unmarked. Travelers on foot have the right of way when motorists are pulling onto a road from a parking lot or other parking structure. However, pedestrians must follow certain road rules.

For instance, pedestrians must obey electronic WALK and DO NOT WALK signs posted at intersections with traffic lights. These electronic signs for pedestrians should be given priority over traffic lights for motorists.

Motorists are expected to yield to pedestrians who are waiting at a crosswalk. In these situations, drivers should allow the person to cross the road safely before proceeding.

When Pedestrians Do Not Have the Right of Way

Contrary to popular opinion, pedestrians do not always have the right of way. There are certain legal restrictions on pedestrians’ behavior.

For instance, someone on foot is legally prohibited from walking in a lane of traffic. Even if a pedestrian blocks the road, motorists should slow their vehicles to avoid catastrophic accidents.

When walking into the street would endanger motorists or passengers, pedestrians are not legally permitted to do so. According to the laws of New York, pedestrians should not step off a curb when it is “impractical for the driver to yield.”

Even in situations when pedestrians violate traffic laws, motorists have a responsibility to take every possible action to prevent disaster. If you have been injured while walking in New York, make sure to speak with a legal professional to explore your options.

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Recovering Damages in a New York Pedestrian Accident Claim

Victims of pedestrian accidents are often badly injured. Personal injuries typically result in skyrocketing monetary costs and losses for victims. When a pedestrian is harmed because of another person’s negligence, they should not be held responsible for the ensuing costs.

With the help of a New York City pedestrian accident attorney, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Current medical expenses
• Loss of quality of life
• Lost income and wages from missing work
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Emotional anguish
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anticipated future medical care costs

Many people fail to account for the significance of their financial losses after a pedestrian accident. Do not let this happen to you. Consulting a knowledgeable legal professional in the Bronx will give you the best chance to secure the damages you are owed.

If you have experienced a pedestrian accident injury, you are not alone. There are more than 7.000 serious and fatal pedestrian accidents on record in New York City. Following this type of incident, you may be owed significant financial recovery.