Watch Where you walk in NYC

The National Highway Traffic Administration reports pedestrian fatalities have decreased in the U.S. in 2017, with nearly 6000 deaths resulting from pedestrians being struck by drivers that year.

Dangers of Walking in NYC

New York City is one of the largest and most traffic-congested cities in the world. Some reasons why pedestrians could suffer serious injuries while walking include:

• No designated place to walk/lack of sidewalks
• Overly narrow sidewalks/walking paths/insufficient space between the sidewalk and street
• Sidewalks too broken or covered in debris on which to walk safely
• Wide intersections with long distances to cross. These intersections allow vehicles to make turns at high speeds
• Busy intersections with non-working signals or crossing islands
• Lack of adequate lighting for pedestrians crossing streets after dark
• Scarce or missing guidance signs posted when construction is taking place at intersections and crosswalks

Unsafe Pedestrian Behaviors in NYC

Pedestrians, as well as drivers, are expected to follow safe practices when occupying the streets of New York City. If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle and police discover the pedestrian was doing something negligent or unlawful, that pedestrian could be held liable for the driver’s damages.

When you are a pedestrian in NYC, you should ways follow the Vehicle & Traffic Laws, and exercise due care to avoid collision with a car.

Pedestrians struck by vehicles often suffer severe injuries because they are not protected by a two-ton hunk of metal like drivers can be. William Mattar’s pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to handle your case if you or someone you know has been hit and badly injured while walking in NYC. Call today to make a consultation appointment. You may be entitled to receive compensation to pay for your damages.