Steps To Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident In New York
Although New York City is a lively city, pedestrians may find themselves in peril on its busy streets. In New York, pedestrian accidents result in about 15,000 injuries and 300 fatalities annually. For the victims, these mishaps can be debilitating, resulting in high medical costs, missed income, worry, and anxiety. What to Do Right Away in the Event of a Pedestrian Accident in New York City As an accident occurs, how you respond is crucial. Any slight mistake in speech or action might decrease your chances of receiving the deserving amount of compensation. Let us discuss the crucial steps you need to follow right after you get into an unfortunate event of accident. For your convenience, our knowledgeable New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney has put together the steps. Get Away First and foremost, move to a safer place. Ask for help from the bystanders. Because of the traffic in our metropolis, you might not be seen by other cars. Make every effort to avoid traffic and other dangers. Document the Mishap According to New York law, drivers must report every injury-causing auto accident. But you can’t rely on the driver to take this action. For insurance claims and related legal actions, it is imperative to have an official record of the accident. Information Exchange Trade contact and insurance details with the other driver in the collision. Obtain their insurance information, name, phone number, and number plate number. Record the Scene Take pictures of the accident scene, making sure to capture the traffic signs, road conditions, vehicle damage, and injuries. Take pictures from a variety of viewpoints and positions to accurately portray the events leading up to the mishap. What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in the First Few Days After you’re able to leave the scene of the accident, give yourself some space. Don’t hesitate to take each of these actions, though. See a Physician Even if you feel like there are no severe injuries, because they are not all visible, you still might have internal injuries. Seek medical help so as to keep yourself safe and also to keep the medical record of the physical injuries. Keep the track of all the bills to build a strong case. Cautious of Insurance Adjusters After the accident, insurance companies might get in touch with you. It’s crucial to use caution when speaking. These adjusters might attempt to coerce you into saying something that would damage your claim. Wait to talk to them until you’ve had a chance to consult with an attorney who can provide you advice on what to do next. Consult a Lawyer Seeking early legal counsel is essential. A New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney can assist you in comprehending the amount of compensation that is available to you as well as your rights under New York’s personal injury statutes. Legal Choices Available An outline of this procedure after a pedestrian collision in New York City is as follows: First consultation. Meet a personal injury lawyer and discuss the terms of settlement and the evidences you can provide with. Look into it. Your Bronx pedestrian accident attorney will look into the collision and compile documentation, including witness accounts and medical records. Request. A list of damages will be made and the amount of calculated compensation request will be sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Talking things out. Following the demand letter, your New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney will start communicating with the other party as well. Until a common settlement is reached, the negotiation goes on. Trial. Your Bronx pedestrian accident attorney might take the lawsuit to the court demanding the fair settlement from your insurance company. Although this is just an outline, the specifics of your case will determine by how it goes and what it is put up for. Consult a Bronx pedestrian accident attorney for more detailed guidance on your claim. Get in touch with us After a pedestrian accident, our lawyers at NYlawnet know how to get you the most money possible. Trust us and rest assured.
100 Deadliest days in NYC
The summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day have earned the moniker “100 Deadliest Days” because they are among the riskiest times of the year for drivers in the United States. Car crashes and road fatalities substantially increase during this time of year. New York City Car Accident Lawyers often see a spike in cases during these months due to the increased risks on the road. It will be necessary for all drivers, especially teenagers, to be aware of the hazards and know how to manage them to get through the first post-pandemic summer safely. With millions of Americans anticipated to take their cars on much-needed vacations in the upcoming weeks and months, it’s crucial to be prepared. Car accident lawyers in New York advise that being vigilant and cautious can help reduce the risks. Summertime increases the danger of crashes for all drivers, but younger drivers should be especially aware of the “100 Deadliest Days.” According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, over 8,300 people lost their lives in crashes involving teenage drivers during these months between 2008 and 2018. That’s more than seven people every day over the summer. Engaging with a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can provide guidance on staying safe during this risky period. Teenagers should exercise caution during the summer, but 2021 might be the most hazardous summer ever. By actively participating in your teen driver’s driving this summer, you can contribute to the safety of both them and other drivers. Professionals advise parents to: Have early and frequent conversations with teenagers about driving safety and the need to refrain from harmful behaviors like texting, speeding, and driving while intoxicated. Provide a positive example for your adolescent by driving safely yourself. This includes utilizing turn signals, staying off of cell phones, always fastening your seat belt, and monitoring your speed. Establish family guidelines for young drivers in a parent-teen driving agreement. For example, forbid them from transporting other teens while they are still learning to drive or from riding with other teen drivers. While there may never be a “good” time of year for teenage drivers, summer driving poses particular risks for these drivers. However, they must learn that driving entails taking precautions to guarantee a safe journey each and every time. Additional Summertime Driving Dangers The summertime surge in fatal auto accidents is caused by a variety of factors. Among these are: Increased Traffic In the summer, Americans drive more miles than at any other time of year, whether they are traveling across the nation or just having a backyard BBQ. When traveling this summer, make a strategy in advance to investigate the best routes, locate any construction zones or detours, and steer clear of the worst traffic. An Increase in Out-of-Towners The likelihood of crashes is greatly increased by tourists and out-of-town drivers. According to research, drivers from out of town are more likely to drive recklessly if they are unfamiliar with the local roads, traffic laws, or environment. This is when the assistance of a personal injury attorney can be critical. Watch out for inattentive pedestrians if you reside in a tourist hotspot like New York City or are visiting a place where many visitors from other cities will be present. Driving While Intoxicated Summertime celebrations are often associated with an increase in drugged and drunk driving, particularly during big holidays such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Whether you’re going to an event, vacationing, or visiting a friend, it’s crucial to either prepare ahead for a sober ride or to drink responsibly. Fatigue of the Driver Research has indicated that sleep deprivation can affect one’s driving skills in a similar manner as excessive alcohol consumption. We refer to this as cognitive impairment. When traveling longer distances, provide enough time to reach your destination and alternate driving duties with a co-pilot to ensure that the driver is constantly well-rested. Tire Defects and Explosions Our bodies and cars can suffer damage from extended drives or hot weather. Make sure you bring additional water and supplies in case of an emergency and have your car inspected by a skilled mechanic. Combating for Accident Victims Happy and safe summer to all from NYLawnet! As a law firm that has represented injured plaintiffs throughout New York City, we are aware that even the most cautious drivers can sustain injuries due to other people’s negligence. Whether it’s seeking help from a Car Accident Attorney New York or consulting a New York pedestrian accident lawyer, we are here to provide legal support. Contact us if you need any legal assistance during these dangerous summer months.
What is the Pedestrian Law in New York?
There are many pedestrians in New York City. Every day, a lot of people utilize the streets, both on foot and in cars, thus accidents do happen. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in New York, it’s crucial to understand the pedestrian law in order to protect your rights. New York has specific laws and regulations that govern pedestrian safety and determine liability in such cases. To navigate through this complex legal landscape, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of experienced New York pedestrian accident attorneys. They possess the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rightful compensation. Do Pedestrians have the right of way every time on the New York streets? People often mistakenly believe that pedestrians have the right of way on public streets. In light of this, it follows that even when a pedestrian is not paying attention, the driver of a car should always yield to them. But is this actually the case? In some circumstances, a pedestrian in New York has the right of way. Pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks, according to state law. Although there may be marked crosswalks, pedestrians always have the right of way whenever there is a junction. However, this does not exempt pedestrians from adhering to the laws. At intersections with traffic lights, pedestrians are required to abide by electronic signs. They therefore have the right of way and can walk if the sign says it is time to do so. However, they do not have the right of way if there is a “don’t walk” signal. It is important that both drivers and pedestrians take every precaution to prevent an accident that could result in harm or even death. In the event that something unfortunate occurs, you need to contact New York pedestrian accident attorneys. Basic Pedestrian Law in New York When crossing a street, pedestrians are required to abide by all traffic control signals, signs, and surface markings. On expressways and interstates, pedestrians are not permitted. When there is no traffic control signal, automobiles are required to give pedestrians the right-of-way. This is especially true when a crosswalk is present. A pedestrian using a cane or being led by a guiding dog has the right-of-way whenever a motorist is approaching an intersection or a crosswalk. If a crosswalk, sign, or signal are absent in the middle of the street, pedestrians are required to give way to all moving cars. A vehicle approaching or exiting from an alley, building, driveway, or private road/driveway must cede right-of-way while a pedestrian is on the sidewalk. Pedestrians must use the sidewalk if it is present and safe to do so on a road. People must walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk. Recovery of Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York Pedestrian accident victims frequently sustain severe injuries. Typically, sufferers of personal injuries incur exorbitant expenses and losses. Someone should not be held accountable for the expenses that result when negligence causes harm to a pedestrian. You might be able to get the following types of damages with the aid of a New York City pedestrian accident lawyer: Distress and suffering Losing quality of life Present-day medical costs Lost wages and revenues from unpaid absences Permanent or temporary impairment Emotional distress Trauma-related stress disorder Future medical care costs The financial losses following a pedestrian accident can be enormous. To get your life back on track as you heal from an accident, you should hire an expert lawyer as soon as you can. Don’t delay! Contact a team of reputable New York pedestrian accident attorneys today at Siler & Ingber to ensure that your rights are protected and justice is served.
What Happens When a Pedestrian Injures a Driver?
Assigning blame in a collision between a car and a pedestrian may appear simple. But it’s important to understand that a careless pedestrian might make things difficult for a vehicle that is attempting to avoid a collision. As a result, the motorist might run into the pedestrian, veer off the road, or even strike a driver in a moving vehicle. A number of possible events a number of possible events that could happen when a pedestrian initiates a collision with an automobile. First, a New York pedestrian accident lawyer may be needed to collect compensation because the pedestrian may be held accountable for the harm the driver suffers. Such damages can encompass medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and property damage to the vehicle. Instances Of Pedestrian Liability When a pedestrian is at fault for an accident, the driver may have the option to file a claim against the pedestrian with the assistance of a pedestrian accident attorney. Some scenarios include: Using an undesignated crosswalk to cross the street. Ignoring traffic signs and signals. Walking across the street when intoxicated or using drugs. Walking on public streets where it’s against the law to do so. Running or darting into the road without paying attention to oncoming traffic. In these situations, the pedestrian may bear fault for the accident. To obtain compensation, the driver may need to establish that the pedestrian caused the accident and that they were unable to avoid the collision or prevent a wreck. The role of a New York pedestrian accident lawyer is crucial here. Establishing Liability In A Pedestrian-Caused Accident Proving the innocence of the driver following a pedestrian accident can be challenging. To establish liability, a pedestrian accident lawyer might need to gather proof that the pedestrian was at fault for the collision.. Evidence in such cases may include: Photos or video footage: Surveillance cameras in crosswalk areas or any visual documentation of the accident scene can provide clear evidence of what transpired and who was at fault. Eyewitness statements: Testimony from witnesses present at the scene can be valuable to the driver’s case. Witnesses may provide written or verbal accounts affirming the pedestrian’s fault and the driver’s inability to avoid the collision. It is advisable for the driver to gather contact information from witnesses, if possible. Expert testimony: In complex cases involving pedestrian negligence or careless actions, accident reconstruction experts may be hired by pedestrian accident attorneys to provide testimony in defense of their client. Comparative Negligence In A Pedestrian Accident It is plausible that the driver may share some responsibility for the accident. For instance, a pedestrian may have been jaywalking, while the driver might have been speeding or distracted by their phone, leading to a failure in observing the pedestrian. In cases where both parties bear some degree of fault, a comparative negligence approach may be employed. This entails the pedestrian and driver entering a comparative negligence case, where liability is apportioned accordingly. Recoverable Damages In A Pedestrian-Caused Accident Similar to other personal injury cases, victims of pedestrian-caused accidents are entitled to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. These may include: Medical expenses. Lost wages, benefits, bonuses, or tips. Physical suffering. Emotional or mental distress. Property damage. The value of a claim depends on various factors, including the circumstances of the accident, the parties involved, the extent of losses, and the degree of comparative negligence. Working with a personal injury law firm experienced in handling traffic accident claims is advisable to determine an appropriate settlement value. The New York pedestrian accident lawyer possesses the knowledge to evaluate the value of a case, considering potential future expenses and intangible losses. Contact Siler & Ingber It is crucial not to settle with an insurance company or law firm representing an at-fault pedestrian without seeking legal advice about the case’s true value. Accepting a payout without proper guidance from a lawyer could result in missing out on thousands of dollars in potential damages. For fair compensation, contact Siler & Ingber to get help from a skilled New York pedestrian accident lawyer. Call us today for a consultation!
Pedestrian Accidents on a Rise in New York
Every single day we hear of pedestrian accidents in New York. It has been observed lately that the traffic accident rates have skyrocketed as a result of more and more pedestrians in New York wearing headsets or headphones or fiddling with their phones while walking on the road. In the past decade the number of pedestrians who have been injured or killed while using their phones or wearing headphones has tripled. Each of us is aware of the risk of using cell phones when walking on the road or when driving, but unfortunately, a lot of teens or even adults are distracted by their phones. The distraction which is caused by these smart phones can cause ‘inattentional blindness’ which means that a person’s mental attention to their surroundings is reduced. Those wearing headphones can experience sensory deprivation, in which the person’s ability to hear an approaching car or its horn is blocked by the sound that is coming from the device. Pedestrians at Risk Generally, people equate a car accident to one which involves two or more motored vehicles but quite often an accident can involve a truck, car or bike hitting a pedestrian. In such conditions /circumstances, the results are more often than not, catastrophic. It is because of the relative size and speed of the motor vehicles versus the person walking on the street. There has been a large increase in car accidents involving pedestrians and the research shows that the main blame is to be put on the modern technology that has exploded in popularity in the past few years. A pedestrian walking the street without being distracted can dodge speeding vehicles on the road but a pedestrian who is wearing headphones or is distracted by the phone is unable to hear any signs of an approaching vehicle which makes them more likely to be hit by it. In many cases, the motorists do warn the pedestrians of the impending danger by honking their horns but even then the pedestrians are injured anyway. Under the New York state law, a pedestrian has the right of way when crossing a street without a crosswalk or when it has been directed by the traffic signal. A car on the road when approaching must yield to a pedestrian at intersection crosswalks or when entering a driveway. Even after this if an accident occurs involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, it is the pedestrian who potentially has the right to seek damages. The damages could include loss of wages, medical bills, emotional distress or pain and suffering. On the other hand, if a pedestrian has been hit by a car or a bike and it was proven that the pedestrian contributed to the accident by wearing headphones and not paying attention to the laws of safety, then the amount of compensation that the pedestrian can seek in such an accident may be limited by the part for which they were considered at fault. As pedestrian accidents are on a rise, it is important for all those walking the streets to be extra cautious and be mindful of all the traffic safety laws. If god forbid, you or your loved one is caught in a pedestrian accident or a crash involving a motor vehicle then it is an experienced attorneys team like the one at Siler & Ingber that you will need to file your claims. Rest assured they are the best in New York. Contact the personal injury lawyer at Siler & Ingber today to find out if you are entitled to financial compensation after a pedestrian accident.
With Spring Here, Bicycle and Pedestrian Knockdowns are Common
While spring is a beautiful season, it can also be very dangerous. During this season a lot of people get injured on the road. As the temperatures begin to rise, New Yorkers start spending more time outdoors, walking, jogging, biking, etc. Whilst you are enjoying these activities, it is important to be cautious. However, you being cautious might not always save you from injuries; you might get injured due to another’s negligence too. During spring, the number of Bicycle and Pedestrian knockdowns increase and therefore are the most common ways in which people suffer injuries. Bicycle Accidents After a long winter, there are many people who look forward to taking their bicycles out of their garages. New York City has thousands of miles of designated bicycle lanes but when bicycles ride alongside cars, SUVs, trucks and taxis, the risk of bicycle accidents can significantly increase. For a bicycle accident, all it takes is a distracted, careless and inattentive driver. Every motorist needs to be cognizant that they are sharing the road with cyclists. A single wrong move can change the motorist’s and cyclist’s life forever. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by the negligence of a driver, then they will be held responsible for your lost work hours, unreimbursed medical expenses and the pain & suffering in a personal injury lawsuit. Pedestrian Accidents Unfortunately, New York City is a crowded and chaotic place where pedestrians getting injured are not at all uncommon. Furthermore, when such accidents involve bikers, cars or heavy vehicles, the injuries can be serious or even fatal in the worst cases. It has been observed that pedestrian accidents rise during the springtime. A pedestrian knockdown can occur when a person is simply walking on the road, crossing the road in a crosswalk, jogging on the sidewalk or even when waiting for the right of way. The cause of accidents could be, not paying attention to your surroundings when walking on the road. Many pedestrians are distracted by their phones when crossing the street which leads to serious accidents. Pedestrian accidents can occur during any time of the day but walking or jogging without a reflective gear after the sun is down can be particularly hazardous. Such knockdown injuries can be very serious and can include permanent disability, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, disfigurement or even fatality. In cases where you or your known has been knocked down by a negligent driver, the driver will be held accountable for the non-economic and economic damages which they caused you to go through in connection with your injuries. Get in touch with a skilled New York Personal Injury Attorney In case you have been in an accident, it is essential to know what to do. Firstly, you need to seek medical attention. Afterwards, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Siler & Ingber is a law firm in New York which has a team of the best lawyers who will study your case and help you claim the compensation you deserve. They have years of experience in handling all kinds of personal injury cases. Siler & Ingber firm is committed to ensuring those who have been injured due to the recklessness and carelessness of another recover maximum compensation that they deserve. Contact Today for a free evaluation of your case.
Which regions of New York are the Most Dangerous for Pedestrians and Why?
While walking on the streets of New York City, you got to be extra cautious. It is no secret that New York is a fast-paced city. To match up with the city’s pace, you need to be on your toes all the time. This city is known to never sleep, which is why you need to be fully alert whenever you are walking on the streets. It has been observed that more than a quarter of all the traffic-related injuries & fatalities in the city of New York are suffered by pedestrians. Let’s have a look at some data that has been collected and compiled from the New York City Police Department’s database (NYPD):- Brooklyn The city of Brooklyn stands at the top and has been marked as the most dangerous city for pedestrians in New York. If we look at the stats, about one-third, 33.2% pedestrian accidents in New York take place in Brooklyn. Queens Next up is Queens. It accounts for 24.98% of injuries and fatalities in NYC Manhattan Manhattan is at position 3 and accounts for 21% of pedestrian accidents in New York The Bronx Not far behind at no 4 is The Bronx. 17.3% of pedestrian fatalities/accidents occur there. There are countless factors that could cause a pedestrian accident in New York- be it the risky street conditions or the negligent motorists. No matter what caused the accident, it sure can have a tremendous impact on the life of the victim. If you have been in a pedestrian accident, then you are entitled to some kind of compensation. Attempting to seek compensation on your own can backfire. For this, you will need to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer who will guide you properly in your pursuit of righteousness and justice. Here we have listed some contributing factors to the increasing pedestrian accidents in New York City:- Speed of the Vehicle Many pedestrians are hit because of this major reason. The drivers sometimes don’t realise their rash driving behaviour is putting all the pedestrians at risk. High speeds do not give enough time to the driver or to the pedestrian to avoid the crash. Distracted driving With the increased cell phone usage, more and more drivers are driving distracted. A distracted driver would not be able to control his/her vehicle in time to avoid crashing into a pedestrian crossing or running down the street. Absence of sidewalks There are many streets in New York that do not have a sidewalk at all. On such streets, the pedestrians are forced to walk on the road. If the road is narrow, chances are that the pedestrian might get hit by a motorist from behind. Poor Timing Some of the crossing signals in New York have very less time for the pedestrians to cross. In such situations, certain groups of pedestrians like the elderly do not have enough time to cross over completely before the traffic starts again. Drivers in haste miss out the pedestrian still crossing and then crash into them causing dreadful injuries or this could even be fatal for the pedestrian. Contact an experienced New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney Traffic collisions involving pedestrians could be life-threatening. They could cause lost income, decreased quality of life and even heavy medical bills. You can recover all of this as compensation with the help of the best personal injury attorneys, Siler & Ingber. The team of attorneys here have helped several pedestrians to secure adequate compensation for their losses and injuries. Let us help you get justice. Contact our office and get a free case evaluation!
Pedestrian Accidents on Crosswalks – Be Careful Out There!
A pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle has emerged to be a common cause of road accidents. In bigger cities such as New York where the density of vehicles and pedestrians is very high, this becomes an even larger issue. Pedestrian accidents on crosswalks are also becoming very common due to reckless and distracted driving. A Pedestrian Accident Attorney can be a testament to the number of pedestrian accidents increasing over time. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents may result in severe injuries after being hit by a moving vehicle. Regardless of the extent of injuries, an accident can leave behind a lot of trauma and fear. Some of the common reasons for pedestrian accidents in New York are: Drunk driving – Pedestrians are at risk of drunk drivers especially on a crosswalk as a drunk driver may not notice whether the light is red or green and rush past the signal. Distracted driving – Distracted driving due to reasons such as texting or talking on the phone puts pedestrians at severe risk of injury. Speeding vehicle/Reckless driving – A speeding vehicle, if out of control of the driver, can lead to a pedestrian accident. Any type of rash driving, whether speeding or changing lanes in an improper manner can put the pedestrians at risk. Inadequate lighting – Driving at night and improper lighting on the road can hinder the vision of the driver and they may not be able to see a pedestrian at a crosswalk or otherwise, leading to an accident. A pedestrian accident can impact the individual and their family. The strain of the injuries, as well as the financial burden, can become a long-term liability for everyone involved. The accident may lead to lifelong mobility issues or other challenges that may hamper their quality of life. Hence, if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian at a crosswalk due to someone’s negligent driving, you’re entitled to compensation. A capable and committed Pedestrian Accident Attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. A top injury lawyer will make sure that all your costs as well as other peripheral losses, such as loss to income, deteriorated standard of living, etc. are given in the settlement offered to you. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, etc. will be duly covered under the compensation suit filed by the personal injury attorney. Recently, Siler & Ingber has settled a case of a pedestrian accident in New York City and our able top injury lawyers provided a settlement to the victim for $450,000. If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian on a crosswalk due to a driver’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber, today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Dead Man Walking- Don’t Text and Walk
Walking while talking or texting on your cell phone in New York City can be deadly. With millions of people and cars out and about on any given day, commuters must stay alert to avoid pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians who travel on their phones can miss critical hazards that lead to catastrophic injuries and death. Here’s what all New Yorkers should know to avoid making these fatal errors. Pandemic-Related Road Hazards Distracted walking can be just as dangerous as distracted driving. Drivers who take their eyes off the road can miss critical hazards, including pedestrians, cyclists, other motor vehicles, and stationary objects. Pedestrians are equally at risk of missing these hazards when their attention is on their phone, with a higher risk of injury due to minimal protection. As NYC roads become even more treacherous in a post-COVID city, pedestrians cannot afford to be distracted. In 2021 alone, over 100 people have died in pedestrian accidents across the five boroughs. Speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, and fatigued driving have all contributed to the uptick in road fatalities– these are the drivers least likely to spot a pedestrian who is distracted on the road. As the pandemic calls for less public interaction, food delivery has been more popular than ever. An increase in delivery and food trucks make navigating roads as a pedestrian even more difficult. It takes every bit of concentration you have to ensure a driver sees you, that you’re crossing when allowed and to avoid drivers who are breaking the rules. Distracted walking is comparable to walking across NYC with your eyes closed, something most pedestrians would never even think to do. Common Distracted Walking Accidents Distracted pedestrians are more likely than non-distracted pedestrians to display risky behaviors that lead to accidents and injuries. Sometimes, pedestrians don’t even know they are doing these behaviors because they aren’t paying attention. These incidents include: Tripping and falling on corners and curbs; Walking into oncoming traffic; Not crossing at crosswalks; Ignoring traffic signals; Walking into walls, trash cans, poles, and other stationary objects; Falling downstairs; Colliding with bicycles, e-scooters, and e-bikes; and Falling off bridges, into lakes and fountains. Some of these examples may seem silly, but thousands of these careless accidents result in severe injuries and tragic deaths every year. Any pedestrian that walks while on their phone immediately increases their risk for injuries by nearly 50 percent. A pedestrian’s ability to sense danger declines when focused on a phone. Their perception of all activity surrounding them is reduced to no further than a few inches outside of their screen, no matter how hard they try to input more. Multitasking Is Not Safe Pedestrians who think they can multitask on their walking commute have one thing right –it’s not impossible to do two things at once. The problem with multitasking is that just because you can do two things simultaneously doesn’t mean you should, and it doesn’t make it safe. According to the National Safety Council (N.S.C.), our brain is not meant to function on two cognitive tasks equally at the same time, such as navigating dangerous NYC roads while typing an email. We may physically be doing both tasks at once, but our brain is only partially focused on each. Our brain will block out several hazards to process the cognitive tasks we are actively pursuing. When pedestrians are on their phone, they may be glancing up to look where they are walking, but their brain purposely only picks up a few auditory and peripheral cues to maintain focus on the other task on the phone. Reduce Distracted Walking Deaths and Injuries Accidents caused by distracted walking are entirely preventable. To help reduce these types of injuries, the N.S.C. encourage pedestrians to use the following safety tips every time they walk: Put the phone down; Look both ways before crossing intersections and crosswalks; Always cross at designated crosswalks and wait for signals; Make eye contact with drivers– never assume they see you; Don’t wear headphones while walking to increase auditory awareness; Do not try to cross busy highways; Never use designated bike paths for walking; Stand far from the curb when waiting for a ride; Walk in groups when possible; and Wear reflective gear and bright colors for better visibility at night. If you must use your cell phone, be smart about it. Sit on a bench or stand clear of foot traffic until you are finished. Avoid playing virtual games or following a GPS that requires you to keep your eyes on your phone while walking. If you have to take a call, stop. There is no conversation worth putting your life at risk. New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims on Long Island. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process, using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment online at any time. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
Pedestrian Accidents Skyrocketing in NYC Since Pandemic
Pedestrians are more terrified than ever to walk on New York City streets. Last Saturday while walking home from a late-night shift, a hardworking and beloved chef named Marco Carrizo from the Bronx was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident. On the same day, two other pedestrians were killed in separate hit-and-run accidents: one on the Bruckner Expressway, another crossing Atlantic Avenue. Sadly, these reckless incidents are far from the only pedestrian tragedies the city has experienced this year. According to the NYPD, Carrizo’s fatal accident marked the 99th pedestrian traffic death in NYC since the beginning of 2021. Reckless driving and speeding have been frequently cited as leading factors in these accidents. Local drivers, who became accustomed to empty roads for months, are now battling for space among the return of NYC rush hour. Additionally, thousands of New Yorkers leaped to purchase personal vehicles to avoid public transportation during the pandemic. In August 2020, the Department of Motor Vehicles reported that nearly 40,000 vehicles were registered in July 2020 up 9,000 vehicles from 2019. The more cars that frequent NYC roads, the more chances there are for fatal accidents to occur. When the city shut down in 2020, the dynamic of life in NYC experienced a great shift. Pedestrians fell in love with traveling around their neighborhoods by foot, sparking an old-school ideal of community that many residents have been missing. As life began to return to normal, reckless and aggressive drivers returned in full force. Pedestrians have been the ones to bear the burden of post-pandemic roads ever since, risking their lives on every commute. At the law firm of Siler & Ingber, we believe all pedestrians have a right to walk safely in NYC. While the city is equally responsible for doing its part to ensure safer walking conditions in all five boroughs, drivers must be held accountable when their negligent acts lead to preventable tragedies. Pedestrian safety is becoming a public safety concern across the country, and we can all do our part to protect their rights to safer roads. Pedestrian Fatalities Climb Nationwide in Recent Years In 2020, the Governors Highway Safety Administration (G.H.S.A.) released a report on the Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State, illustrating the uptick in pedestrian accidents since 2019. Despite the lockdowns experienced nationwide, pedestrian fatalities in 2020 increased an unprecedented 21 percent from the year prior. At least 6,721 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents, most of which could have been prevented. Seven states were responsible for most pedestrian fatalities experienced in the first half of 2020: New York, California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. Unfortunately, a rise in fatal pedestrian accidents is not a new trend. Between 2010 to 2019, the G.H.S.A reported a 46 percent increase in fatal pedestrian accidents. All other traffic deaths only increased by 5 percent in the same nine-year span. Factors leading to a rise in pedestrian accidents across America included several of the top five causes of car accidents, such as reckless and drunk driving practices. Lack of visibility was another leading indicator of fatal accidents, with three out of every four pedestrian fatalities occurring after dark. Other leading factors included outdated crossing signals, confusing crosswalks and roadways, and a sudden uptick in drivers purchasing sports utility vehicles (SUV). How To Keep Pedestrians Safe In October 2021, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A) and Federal Highway Administration, and the G.H.S.A announced the first National Pedestrian Safety Month. According to Silive.com, the inspiration to create yet another safety month in October was an emergency attempt to reduce fatal pedestrian accidents across the country. Aside from spreading awareness, some of the suggestions for decreasing pedestrian fatalities in communities, as highlighted by the G.H.S.A, include: Safety campaigns and initiatives directed towards reducing acts of reckless driving; Reduce speeding zones at intersections prone to deadly accidents; Creating more visible crosswalks attracting the attention of both pedestrians and drivers; Increasing visibility in intersections with more effective lighting; Updating street designs that curve pedestrian traffic away from vehicle lanes; and Increasing law enforcement and stricter policies for drivers who are caught putting pedestrian lives at risk. In addition to infrastructure updates, drivers can significantly decrease their chances of causing a fatal pedestrian accident by following basic traffic safety guidelines and local laws to keep others safe. These steps include: Following all speed limits and reducing your speed while approaching school zones, crosswalks, and intersections; Reducing distractions inside of your vehicles, such as loud music, conversations with passengers, personal hygiene practices, and cellphone use; Stopping at all stop signs and traffic lights; Using your turn signals with enough time for pedestrians to predict your direction; Driving sober and uninfluenced by substances; and Always giving pedestrians the right of way. Even cars traveling at a moderate speed can cause fatal injuries when colliding with a pedestrian. Don’t take the chance. Stay alert and drive smart to help protect your community. New York City Vehicle Accident Lawyers Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber have over 20 years of experience representing accident victims in New York City. We protect your rights by maximizing recovery and securing the financial support that our clients need to succeed on their road to recovery. Our winning attorneys know how to navigate through the claim process, using our experience as insurance defense attorneys. We are not afraid to fight and are fully prepared to take your case to trial to get a justified verdict over settling for less. If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. With a 98% success rate, we have the experience and the know-how to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343, or schedule an appointment online anytime. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
