New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney Serving NYC and the Hudson Valley
New York State witnesses hundreds of pedestrian fatalities every year, with thousands more individuals injured. These preventable tragedies are often caused by careless, reckless or negligent drivers who do not appreciate the dangers faced by pedestrians. Other times, accidents may be attributed to poorly-timed traffic lights, street repair or dangerous sidewalks. At Dupée & Monroe, P.C. in Goshen, our accident and injury attorneys carefully investigate pedestrian accidents throughout the Hudson Valley and fight to make sure the responsible parties are held accountable for the damages they have caused.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving, such as texting while driving
- Drunk drivers
- Failing to check for pedestrians before turning, especially when making a right turn on red when pedestrians may likely be entering the crosswalk
- Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
- Rushing through an intersection to beat a yellow light
- Broken or obstructed sidewalks
- Street repair and construction zones
- Poorly-timed or inoperational traffic signals
Sometimes a car may stop to allow a pedestrian to cross the street, but a trailing car will swerve around the stopped vehicle and strike the pedestrian. In New York, it is against the law for a car to overtake or pass a vehicle which has stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway.
New York Pedestrian Traffic Laws
Several sections of New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law apply to pedestrians. Some sections place duties and obligations on pedestrians, while others regulate the conduct of motorists regarding pedestrian traffic.
Duties of pedestrians
When crossing a street, pedestrians must obey all applicable traffic control signals, signs and pavement markings. If crossing at a mid-block location with no crosswalk, sign or signal, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to motorists. In addition, pedestrians are required to use sidewalks wherever they are provided and safe to use. When sidewalks are not present, pedestrians are required to walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, and to walk as far to the left as is safe.
Duties of drivers to avoid pedestrian accidents
Of course drivers are required to obey traffic signals and drive with care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Moreover, even if there are no traffic-control signals in place or in operation, the driver is still required to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing within a crosswalk. Yielding the right-of-way may involve slowing down or stopping if necessary. In addition, cars must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks whenever the driver is entering or exiting a driveway or alleyway.
Help is Available for Serious Pedestrian Accidents in Orange County
Pedestrians should always take care to see and be seen when traveling by foot, whether on a crowded city street or lonely country road. Drivers for their part must take care to avoid hitting pedestrians, regardless of who has the right of way. Pedestrian accidents can cause catastrophic personal injury or wrongful death, requiring significant compensation for accident victims and their families to cope with their injury or loss. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an Orange County pedestrian accident, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C. at our office in Goshen for a free consultation.
