Pedestrian Accident Attorney NYC

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC

Pedestrian accidents in New York City result from a complex interplay of factors involving both drivers and pedestrians. Addressing these common causes requires concerted efforts from city planners, law enforcement, and the public. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, New York City pedestrian injury attorney Michael Lamonsoff, "The Bull," will find the evidence to prove the negligent driver's liability and recover the largest possible compensation for your injuries and losses. 

Key causes of pedestrian accidents in NYC include: 

Distracted Driving

Drivers using cell phones, eating, or engaging in other activities that take their attention away from the road constitute a major cause of pedestrian accidents. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a tragic accident, especially in a city as busy as New York.

Speeding

Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. In densely populated areas, speeding drivers pose a significant risk to pedestrians who may not have enough time to react to an approaching vehicle.

Failure to Yield Right-of-Way

Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. This is especially dangerous at unmarked crosswalks where drivers might not expect pedestrians to cross.

Turning Vehicles

Left turns at intersections are particularly hazardous for pedestrians. Drivers may focus on oncoming traffic and fail to notice pedestrians crossing the street. Right turns on red lights can also be dangerous when drivers do not fully stop and look for pedestrians.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Impaired drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents.

Jaywalking

While drivers are often at fault, pedestrians who cross streets outside of designated crosswalks or against traffic signals can also contribute to accidents. Jaywalking can catch drivers off guard, especially in high-traffic areas.

Poor Visibility

Accidents frequently occur during low-light conditions, such as at night or in inclement weather. Poor street lighting, heavy rain, fog, and other visibility-reducing factors can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.

Inadequate Infrastructure

Areas with poor pedestrian infrastructure, such as a lack of crosswalks, pedestrian signals, or sidewalks, can increase the risk of accidents. Construction zones and poorly maintained roads also pose hazards to pedestrians.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and running red lights can endanger pedestrians. Aggressive drivers are less likely to yield to pedestrians and more likely to cause accidents.

Dooring Incidents

In areas with heavy bike and pedestrian traffic, dooring incidents—where a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming pedestrian or cyclist—can cause serious injuries.

Bicyclist Collisions

Pedestrians can also be injured in collisions with bicyclists, especially in areas where bike lanes and pedestrian walkways intersect. Both cyclists and pedestrians need to be aware of each other and follow traffic rules.

Public Transportation

Buses and taxis can pose risks to pedestrians, particularly at bus stops and taxi stands where there is frequent loading and unloading. Pedestrians may step into traffic unexpectedly, or drivers may not see them while maneuvering.

Construction Zones

Construction sites often create temporary changes in pedestrian routes, which can be confusing and hazardous. Inadequate signage and barriers can lead to pedestrians walking in unsafe areas.

How Speeding Increases the Severity of Pedestrian Accident Injuries in New York

Speeding is a key factor in pedestrian accidents, dramatically increasing the severity of injuries sustained. In a bustling city like New York, where pedestrian traffic is high and streets are often congested, the dangers of speeding are magnified. Here’s how speeding exacerbates pedestrian accident injuries:

• Higher Impact Force: The severity of an accident is directly proportional to the speed of the vehicle involved. At higher speeds, the force of impact is exponentially greater, leading to more severe injuries. For instance, a pedestrian hit by a car traveling at 40 mph is far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries or fatalities than one struck at 20 mph.
• Reduced Reaction Time: Speeding drivers have less time to react to unexpected situations, such as a pedestrian stepping into the crosswalk. This reduced reaction time increases the likelihood of a collision and diminishes the driver’s ability to take evasive action to minimize the impact.
• Longer Stopping Distance: Vehicles traveling at higher speeds require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. In urban settings like New York, where pedestrians often cross streets at intersections and between parked cars, the extended stopping distance can mean the difference between a near miss and a devastating accident.
• Increased Fatality Risk: Studies have shown that the risk of fatality for pedestrians increases sharply with speed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the likelihood of a pedestrian fatality is approximately 5% at 20 mph, but it jumps to about 45% at 30 mph and skyrockets to 85% at 40 mph. These statistics highlight the critical impact of speed on survival rates.
• Severe Bodily Harm: Speeding often results in more severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. The higher the speed, the more likely it is that the pedestrian will be thrown a significant distance, increasing the chance of multiple impact points and compounded injuries.
• Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of speeding. Their ability to react quickly is often diminished, and their bodies are less resilient to the high-impact forces of a speeding vehicle.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, the psychological impact on pedestrians involved in high-speed collisions can be profound. Survivors may experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression, particularly if they witnessed or were involved in a high-speed crash with severe outcomes.
• Legal Implications: In New York, drivers who speed and cause pedestrian accidents can face significant legal consequences, including criminal charges and civil liability. The severity of the accident, combined with evidence of speeding, often leads to higher compensation awards for victims due to the reckless nature of the behavior.