If you are injured while you’re walking on a New York sidewalk because someone else was negligent, arrange at once to discuss your compensation right with a New York City pedestrian accident attorney at the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6,721 pedestrians lost their lives in the U.S. in 2020. Thousands more were injured. Of course, not every pedestrian accident in New York involves a car, truck, or motorcycle.

What Risks Do Pedestrians Face?

In today’s world, apart from motor vehicles, pedestrians also face risks from roller skates, skateboards, bicycles and e-bikes, and a variety of scooters and motorized scooters. On New York’s crowded sidewalks, danger can come at you from almost any source or direction.

Pedestrians typically wear no safety equipment, not even a bicycle helmet, so the injuries they can sustain on a sidewalk may be catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries, severe spinal cord damage, and injuries requiring amputation are, unfortunately, typical in pedestrian accidents.

In most cases, when a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the vehicle driver will be deemed at-fault. Nevertheless, pedestrians who are not in crosswalks cannot expect drivers to stop for them, and pedestrians who are injured by their own carelessness may have no legal recourse.

Consider These Tips for Pedestrian Safety

Almost everyone, sooner or later, is a pedestrian, so almost all of us are potential pedestrian accident victims. Obviously, in urban settings like New York City, the risk is higher. Here are some tips for staying safe while you’re walking in New York:

  • Use the sidewalks. Obey the signs, signals, and rules of the road.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic and as far from the traffic as possible.
  • Do not be distracted by any devices that take your eyes (or ears) off the road.
  • Where possible, cross at crosswalks or intersections.
  • Wear brightly-colored clothing, and carry a flashlight after dark.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs if you’re going to be walking on a New York City sidewalk.

If there is no crosswalk or intersection, don’t cross until you find a well-lit spot that gives you a clear view of the traffic. Never presume that a motorist sees you.

After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention and summon the police at once. If you file a personal injury claim, you’ll need medical documentation of your injury, and you should also have a copy of the written police accident report (if there is one).

As soon as you’ve been examined and treated, contact a New York City pedestrian accident attorney at the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices. Your first consultation is provided with no cost or obligation. Your attorney will help you determine if you should file a personal injury claim.

Pedestrians who have been injured by negligence pay no attorney’s fee to the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices until and unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

In or near New York City, if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, call the Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices now to find out more about your rights or to file a personal injury claim.