Pedestrian Injury in New York
In any event involving a pedestrian and an automobile collision, there is a high probability of serious injuries. Even at low speeds, a pedestrian can suffer catastrophic injuries or death when struck by several thousand pounds of moving steel and glass. Especially in crowded metropolitan areas, pedestrians sometimes enter the roadway without taking the proper precautionary measures.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Most New York pedestrians are aware of the dangers of walking on streets and crossing intersections. Sometimes though, being careful on the part of a pedestrian is not enough to prevent an accident. Even the most careful pedestrian cannot prevent a distracted driver or a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol from striking them. Even if they are obeying all traffic signals, pedestrians may be seriously injured or killed at intersections and crosswalks.
Pedestrian accidents may also be caused by pedestrian error or disregard for traffic laws. For example, a pedestrian is very likely to be injured or killed if they attempt to cross a highway on foot. A pedestrian may also be involved in a pedestrian accident if they “jaywalk,” or cross the street in a non designated area. A pedestrian acting irresponsibly can cause other auto accidents when cars swerve to try and avoid them.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents
Most people consider a pedestrian accident to be the result of a car striking or knocking down a person on foot. Pedestrian accidents can also involve bicycle accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, segway riders, joggers, rollerbladers or skateboarders. Pedestrian accidents can also involve commercial buses or school buses.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrians are more vulnerable to injury than car passengers and drivers. Without a seatbelt, airbag and steel cage of protection, a person on foot is at high risk for permanent disability and life threatening catastrophic injuries. Types of pedestrian injuries also include:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
Pedestrian fatalities most often occur at night. The influence of drugs or alcohol can be a factor for both the driver and the pedestrian.
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The Underwood Law Firm has years of successful trial results* but we attempt to resolve disputes outside of the court system first, if possible. We are one of the few firms in the Syracuse area that offers free consultations so that everyone has an opportunity to speak with an experienced attorney about their case.
If you or someone close to you has suffered an injury, call our office at (315) 445-3005 for a free consultation so that you can quickly know your rights under New York Law. Or email us your contact information (in the email form on the right column of our website) and we will call you.**
Underwood Law Firm, P.C.
The White House
7030 E. Genesee Street
Fayetteville, New York 13066
Tel: (315)445-3005
Fax: (315)446-7521
The Underwood Law Firm handles all aspects of personal injury and workers’ compensation law including auto accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, and premises liability cases in the following areas: Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Watertown, Oswego, Binghamton; Onondaga County and Madison County, including the towns, cities and villages of: Fayetteville, Manlius, DeWitt, Morrisville, Cicero, Liverpool, East Syracuse, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Camillus, Clay, Fabius, Elbridge, Geddes, Jordan, Lafayette, Lysander, Marcellus, Minoa, North Syracuse, Otisco, Pompey, Salina, Skaneateles, Spafford, Tully, Van Buren, Eaton, Cazenovia, Canastota, Brewerton, Solvay, Central Square, Cato, Chittenango, Oneida and many other areas.
* Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
** Submitting an email does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Updated: 1/7/17
