Most pedestrian accidents occur at intersections in New York. The continual exposure to fast-moving, heavy vehicles combined with an overarching lack of protection can put the average person at risk for a life-changing accident.
Fortunately, pedestrians have the right to hold negligent drivers accountable for losses sustained due to unchecked negligence. If you’re in the process of recovering from a recent collision, you can work with a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer to file a claim before your statute of limitations expires.
Most Pedestrian Collisions Occur in These Places
Most pedestrian collisions occur:
- In urban areas – over 84% of pedestrian accidents involving a fatality occur in cities
- In dark or unlit areas – almost 40% of fatal incidents occur at night
- On Saturday nights – fatalities increase on weekends at night, even in lighted areas
The National Safety Council (NSC) study providing this data indicates that pedestrian accidents reach their lowest points on Wednesdays and continue to increase throughout the week, with a decline on Sundays.
Recognizing that as the dynamics of urban travelers change to embrace more environmentally friendly transportation modes, such as walking and cycling, the number of severe pedestrian accidents rises. However, all pedestrians should have access to safe travel without the threat of injury.
Where do Most Pedestrian Fatalities Occur?
Most fatal pedestrian accidents occur at non-intersection locations, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Roadway location is a significant factor in fatal crashes involving pedestrians. The report data suggests:
- 73% of pedestrians suffer fatal injuries at non-intersections
- Roadways with five or more lanes account for 70% of fatalities
- A road with a speed limit of 30mph is the location for 75% of fatal injuries
- Roads with daily traffic volumes exceeding 25,000 motor vehicles are the location of 62% of fatal pedestrian accidents
Poor lighting, curvatures in the road, and visual obstructions can compromise the safety of pedestrians.
A comprehensive review of the safety issues impacting a pedestrian accident by a Long Island car accident lawyer can determine contributing factors to a pedestrian accident in New York. You may have the right to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider if you reach your policy limits.
Identifying the Most Dangerous Intersections for Long Island, NY, Pedestrians
Even following pedestrian laws and crossing at designated intersections in Long Island may not prevent severe or fatal injury. An observational study by the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety noted these intersections as some of the most dangerous intersections in Long Island. They include:
- Straight Path
- Long Island Avenue in Wyandanch
- Wellwood Avenue and 27A in Lindenhurst
- South Main Street and East in Freeport
- West Merrick Road in Freeport
- Route 110, 15th Street, and West Hills in Huntington Station
Speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Long Island with our firm as soon as possible if you suffer injuries in an accident. The costs of your recovery and future care may be the responsibility of a negligent party. Learn more about us and our willingness to relentlessly pursue compensation for you.
Pedestrian Safety in Other Locations
There are additional areas with walking traffic where most pedestrian accidents occur. Our team applies local pedestrian laws to your case to determine who is liable for your damages. We are ready to offer assistance if you suffer injuries while traveling in these areas.
- Parking Zones: Drivers may employ aggressive tactics to secure a parking spot, fail to see pedestrians around them in an effort to beat another driver to a parking space, or navigate around other cars in tight parking spaces.
- Sidewalks: Pedestrian sidewalk accidents are most often the result of negligent driving. Sidewalk incidents are often surprising because pedestrians have an assumed idea of safety in these areas and are off-guard for vehicle danger.
- Shared Use Paths: As more cycles and power-assisted transportation use multi-use trails, pedestrian accidents may also result from negligent cyclists’ actions.
- Roadsides: In some instances, drivers are forced to become pedestrians on road shoulders and roadsides when car trouble arises, leading to the significant threat of being struck by a vehicle. According to New York state vehicle and traffic law, pedestrians may not travel on limited access roads like expressways and interstates.
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Why Most Pedestrian Collisions Occur
Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers attribute the majority of pedestrian accidents to negligence, including behaviors like the following:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Obstructed views
- Unsafe backing practices
As vehicle sizes increase, so does the risk of significant injuries in a New York pedestrian accident. Many pedestrian crashes are preventable with behavioral changes. Pedestrians may also contribute to their safety by avoiding using electronic devices and earbuds while maintaining awareness during commutes.
Steps to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident in New York
You have the opportunity to ease your recovery immediately following a Long Island pedestrian accident. You can turn to a personal injury lawyer for help gathering the evidence you need to name a negligent actor liable for your losses and subsequently responsible for your recovery.
If you lose a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident, a Long Island wrongful death lawyer can fight the legal battle to help compensate for your tremendous loss.
We recommend that pedestrian accident survivors and their representations take the following steps to streamline their recovery after a collision:
- Call 911
- Remain where your pedestrian accident occurred until officers and emergency responders arrive
- Seek medical care immediately to document your injuries
- Take pictures of the accident scene
- Document your injuries
- Gather eye-witness contact information
- Reach out to a Long Island pedestrian accident attorney
Reach Out to Our Long Island Pedestrian Lawyers Today
Your injuries may be more severe as a result of a bodily collision with a moving vehicle. Levine And Wiss offers the guidance you deserve and will continue to document your case to preserve time-sensitive information.
Contact a Long Island pedestrian accident attorney to protect your claim and seek maximum compensation for your damages in a New York pedestrian accident.
