In New York City, crossing the street is practically unavoidable. Each day, millions step onto the street and trust that the cars around them will stay vigilant and follow the rules of the road. Despite this, hundreds of New York pedestrians are hit by cars and seriously injured each day. To help navigate these difficult situations, we’ve put together this guide explaining everything you need to know about NYC pedestrian crashes.
How Common are Pedestrian Crashes in NYC?
Pedestrian crashes typically account for about 25% of all traffic-related injuries in NYC and. These crashes tend to cause more severe injuries than other collisions and send nearly 1-in-10 victims to the hospital. That’s because the pedestrian has almost no protection from the force of impact. Additionally, pedestrian crashes account for around 30% of the city’s traffic fatalities, totally around 100 deaths each year.
With so many pedestrians struck each day, it’s crucial that every New Yorker understand how pedestrian crashes can be prevented, where they’re most likely to occur, and what to do if they’re ever hit by a motor vehicle.
When is a Pedestrian Crash Most Likely?
The when and where of NYC pedestrian crashes are well documented; generally speaking, about 22% of pedestrians are hit on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is likely from the combined impact of people walking home and commuting home at the same time. Notably, that same accident spike is not seen during the a.m. hours.
Be mindful that the time of the accident has a significant impact on the severity of the injuries. During the day, about 1-in-10 pedestrian crashes are fatal. Between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., the fatality rate is closer to 1-in-5.
Where is a Pedestrian Crash Most Likely?
Just as important as knowing when crashes are most likely is knowing where they occur. Sadly, 25% of NYC pedestrians hit by cars were following best practices and using a crosswalk with a signal at the time of the crash. Another 24% of victims were crossing the street where there was no crosswalk or signal. Overwhelmingly, these people were injured due to a driver’s inattention or failure to yield the right of way.
Curiously, while those following the rules of the road made up about 50% of all pedestrians struck by cars, another 20% were struck while crossing against the signal’s instructions. Remember that your life is worth more than saving a few seconds at the crosswalk. It’s always better to stop at the intersection and wait your turn than risk stepping into oncoming traffic.
With so many pedestrians crashes each day and so much to consider while standing at the crosswalk, it’s crucial that every New Yorker understand what steps they should take if they’re ever struck by a motor vehicle.
What to Do When Hit by a Car
Getting hit by a car is a painful and emotional experience. While many panic and make mistakes that could affect their recovery and future health, it’s critical that you stay calm and remember these four steps.
Step 1: Get to Safety: After a pedestrian crash, the first thing you should do is get out of the road if it is safe to do so. If you feel any immediate pain or if you see blood or broken bones, call for an ambulance and police presence. Additionally, you should avoid sudden movements until you’re examined by a doctor. The adrenaline spike from the crash may cloud your judgment and can numb you to the pain of your injuries for several hours.
Step 2: Collect Information: If you’re able to walk around, try to collect information as you would after a car crash. Take pictures of the scene and the driver’s car. You should also get the driver’s insurance information and contact information. If you’re too injured to move, don’t panic. A police report will include all the information you need to start your case.
Step 3: See a Doctor: Upon leaving the scene of the crash, you should either go to the hospital or your nearest urgent care facility. The sooner you are examined by a doctor, the better your odds of identifying latent injuries and getting the treatment you need to recover. If you wait too long to visit a doctor, the driver’s insurance may argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim.
Step 4: Contact an Attorney: Once you’ve left the doctor, you should schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney. When you’re injured because of a driver’s negligence, an attorney can fight on your behalf to help recover the maximum damages you’re entitled to under the law.
Why Call a Personal Injury Attorney After a Pedestrian Crash?
Injuries from a pedestrian accident tend to be far more severe than those from other car crashes. When you’re seriously injured or in the hospital, worrying about paperwork, court filings, and insurance negotiations should be the last thing on your mind. When you hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case, you can focus on feeling better while your legal team handles the rest.
If you or someone you love were struck by a car, you need affordable representation from a team you can trust. If you’d like an experienced New York City car accident attorney from Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices to evaluate your case, please call us at (718) 690-3132 or send us an email!