New York has its fair share of pedestrians. As such, motorists need to be extra careful when driving around the city. Failing to yield at a crosswalk or fully stop prior to an intersection when the light is red can cause a pedestrian to be struck, leaving him or her with serious injuries. The harm suffered can span the severity spectrum, too. Some victims are able to walk away with nothing more than some scrapes and bruises, but others may suffer broken bones, torn ligaments or head or neck injuries. Some victims are left permanently disabled. Sadly, a significant number of them end up dying.
In fact, a recent study released by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association found that New York was the sixth deadliest state in 2018 when it came to pedestrian accidents. Across the U.S., more than 6,000 people died in pedestrian accidents, which is the highest rate since 1990. New York had well over 100 pedestrian fatalities in the first six months of 2018 alone.
There are a number of causes of pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving caused by cell phone usage is a major culprit, but so, too, is using high-tech infotainment systems in newer vehicles. Although these devices can be distracting to anyone, the study found that older drivers generally take longer to complete tasks such as programing a navigation system. This, in turn, leads to more distraction, more distance traveled without eyes on the road, and an increased likelihood of an accident, including those that involve pedestrians.
Sadly, there isn’t much pedestrians can do to fully protect themselves. The best they can do is obey traffic signals, only cross at crosswalks and remain alert. Those who are injured in a car accident, though, should consider their legal options, especially considering the physical, emotional and financial toll that can be inflicted upon them. Legal advocates in New York know how to assess these cases to determine if negligence caused an accident in question and, if so, how best to fight for compensation.
