New York City is bustling with people walking every day, and pedestrian safety is a big concern. Accidents can happen, especially at traffic signals where cars and pedestrians meet. If you’re walking in the city, it’s crucial to understand how these accidents occur. Most pedestrian accidents at signals are due to drivers not paying attention or not following traffic rules. But sometimes, pedestrians might not follow the signals properly, leading to accidents.

Being aware of the risks at traffic signals can help you stay safe. It’s not just cars that can cause accidents; bicycles and even electric scooters are common on New York streets and can cause accidents with pedestrians. Remember, at a traffic signal, everyone has a role in safety. It’s important for drivers to watch out for you, but you also need to be careful and follow the signals when you walk.

In New York, pedestrian accidents can happen for several reasons. Maybe a driver was in a hurry and didn’t stop at the red light, or they were distracted by their phone. Weather conditions, like rain or snow, can also make it harder for drivers to see you or stop in time. Understanding these risks can help you be more alert and careful when crossing the street, especially at traffic signals.

New York Traffic Laws and Pedestrian Rights

As a pedestrian in New York, you have certain rights, especially at traffic signals. These laws are there to protect you. For example, when the walk signal is on, you have the right to cross the street, and cars should stop for you. But it’s also important for you to follow the rules. If the signal says “Don’t Walk,” wait until it changes. This keeps you safe and helps prevent accidents.

Drivers in New York must follow laws that protect pedestrians. They must stop for you when you’re crossing at a signal. But sometimes, drivers might not follow these rules, and that’s when accidents can happen. If you’re hit by a car while following the rules, the driver might be responsible for the accident. This means they could be legally responsible for your injuries and any other harm caused by the accident.

Our firm understands these laws well and can help if you’re in an accident. We know how to determine if the driver broke traffic laws and how that affects your case. If a driver didn’t stop for you at a traffic signal or if they were driving carelessly, we can use that information to help with your case. Understanding these laws helps us protect your rights and seek your best outcome.

Factors Contributing to Pedestrian Accidents at Signals

Driver distraction is a big reason for pedestrian accidents at traffic signals. When drivers look at their phones, eat, or do not focus on the road, they might not see you crossing the street. This can be very dangerous, especially in busy places like New York. If you’re walking, always be extra careful at signals and keep an eye on the cars around you.

Pedestrians need to be careful too. Sometimes, accidents happen because a pedestrian doesn’t follow the traffic signal or is distracted, like by looking at their phone while walking. It’s important to pay attention when you’re crossing the street. Look at the traffic signals and make sure it’s safe to cross. This can help prevent accidents and keep you safe.

The environment also plays a role in accidents at traffic signals. Poor lighting, bad road conditions, or confusing signals can make it harder for drivers and pedestrians to see each other or know when it’s safe to cross. Our attorneys understand how these factors can contribute to accidents. We look at everything that might have caused the accident to help you with your case.

Injuries and Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries. When a car hits someone walking, they might get hurt badly, like broken bones, head injuries, or even worse. These injuries can change your life, making it hard to work or do things you used to enjoy. Getting the right medical care is really important after an accident.

These injuries can affect you for a long time. Some people might need lots of medical treatment or help to get better. Others might have pain or problems that last a long time, even forever. This can be hard, not just physically but also emotionally and mentally. Dealing with injuries from an accident can be overwhelming, and it can affect your whole life, including your family and your job.

The cost of these injuries can be a lot. Medical bills can add up quickly, and if you can’t work because of your injuries, you might lose money that you need to pay your bills and take care of your family. This financial stress can make things even harder when you’re trying to recover from your injuries. That’s why knowing about getting help for these costs is important.

Navigating the Legal Process after a Pedestrian Accident

If you’re in a pedestrian accident, there’s a legal process to follow. It starts with gathering evidence. This means getting photos of the accident scene, the police report, and information from people who saw the accident. This evidence is important because it helps show what happened and who might be responsible for the accident.

Police reports and witness statements are key parts of this evidence. The police report can give details about the accident, like where and when it happened and what the police think caused it. Witnesses who saw the accident can also provide important information. Their statements can help support your side of the story and make your case stronger.

Compensation and Claims for Pedestrian Accident Victims

If you’re hurt in a pedestrian accident, you might be able to get compensation. This means money to help with medical bills, lost wages if you can’t work, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation depends on many things, like how badly you’re hurt and how the accident affects your life.

Filing a personal injury claim is how you ask for this compensation. This is a legal process where you tell the court about your accident and injuries and ask for money to help with your costs and losses. It’s important to do this the right way, and there are rules about when and how to file these claims.

There’s also a time limit for filing these claims, called the statute of limitations. In New York, you usually have a certain amount of time after the accident to file your claim. If you wait too long, you might not be able to get compensation. Our attorneys at the Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. can help make sure you file your claim on time and do everything needed to give you the best chance of getting help.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents at Traffic Signals

Staying safe as a pedestrian is important. When you’re walking, especially at traffic signals, make sure to do the following:

Follow Traffic Signals and Crosswalks: Always obey pedestrian signals and only cross at designated crosswalks.

Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like using your phone or headphones while crossing streets.

Make Eye Contact with Drivers: Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you before crossing.

Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in bad weather, to increase your visibility to drivers.

Drivers also have a big role in keeping pedestrians safe. If you’re driving, always watch for pedestrians, especially at traffic signals and crosswalks. Here are some tips to prevent pedestrian accidents by a driver:

Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, as required by law.

Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting, and always keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially in high foot traffic areas.

Slow Down in Pedestrian Areas: Reduce speed in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present, such as near schools, parks, and shopping areas.

Be Extra Cautious in Bad Weather: Poor weather conditions can reduce visibility and make it harder to stop quickly.

Communities and the government can also help make streets safer for pedestrians. This includes better lighting, clearer traffic signals, and safer crosswalks. There are also laws and programs that aim to improve pedestrian safety. We all can play a part in making our streets safer for everyone.

Contact The Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C. to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, our firm, the Law Office of Frank J. Cassisi, P.C., is here to help. We understand what you’re going through and can guide you through the legal process. Contacting us is the first step to getting the help you need.

You can call us at (516) 294 5050 to talk with one of our attorneys. We’re ready to listen to your story and give you advice on what to do next. Or, if you prefer, you can submit a form on our website. We’ll review your case and get back to you with a plan to help.