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.
Pedestrian Knockdown – A Highly Prevalent Phenomenon
Pedestrian knockdown, which is a pedestrian hit by a motor vehicle, is one of the most common forms of road accidents in the United States. It is very unfortunate to note that due to the high density of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, pedestrian knockdowns are nearly an everyday occurrence in the United States, and in New York as well. Unfortunately, pedestrian knockdowns can lead to irrevocable and serious life-long injuries. Sadly, the chances of severe injuries are more because a moving vehicle can do a lot of damage to a pedestrian who may be walking or jogging on the road. Moreover, a pedestrian knockdown can be caused by any motor vehicle, be it a car, motorcycle, bus, or a truck, hence, the extent of injuries may also vary. Regardless of the injuries, an accident can leave behind a lot of mental trauma and fear. Some of the common reasons for pedestrian knockdowns in New York are: Drunk driving – Like a common cause for motor vehicle accidents, even pedestrians can fall prey to drunk drivers. Distracted driving/texting while driving–One of the most common reasons for motor vehicle accidents continues to be distracted driving largely due to talking on the phone or texting. In such a case, pedestrians are also at equal threat of meeting with an accident. Speeding vehicle –A speeding vehicle, if out of control of the driver, can lead to a pedestrian knockdown. 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, making them vulnerable to an accident. Reckless driving – Needless to say, reckless driving can become a cause of a pedestrian knockdown if the driver fails to control the vehicle in time. A pedestrian accident can impact the individual and their family. The strain of the injuries, as well as the financial burden, can become a huge liability. Moreover, if the victim has sustained long-term injuries, the challenges increase manifold. But if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian due to someone’s negligent driving, you’re entitled to compensation. A capable and committed personal injury 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, the deteriorated standard of living, etc. are covered in the compensation you’re offered. In addition, the medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, etc. will be duly covered under the compensation suit filed by the personal injury attorney. If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian 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.
October Launches National Pedestrian Safety Month
During October, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is raising awareness of the dangers that pedestrians face on the road. On September 29, 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designated October as National Pedestrian Safety Month. According to the NHTSA, there was more than a 3% increase in pedestrian deaths from traffic crashes in 2018. In total, there was 6,283 deaths, which is the highest death rate since 1990. Statistics by New York State Department of Health show that Long Island is one of New York’s locations with the highest risks for pedestrian-related accidents. 2020 marks the first year that this October’s awareness month will focus on pedestrian safety as part of their initiative to improve safety for walkers who are exposed to the dangers on the road. The initiative is meant to educate the public with facts and safety tips that people can use to protect themselves and their families when walking. Knowing Your Safety as a Pedestrian is Always At Risk New York pedestrians are exposed more to the risks of injury as there is nothing protecting them. In 2017, every 88 minutes there was a pedestrian killed due to being involved in a traffic crash. Many pedestrians do not think there is a risk of being hit by a vehicle when walking. Especially New Yorkers walking on the same roads day after day. However, as a pedestrian awareness is key and knowing these safety precautions will help reduce the chances of being involved in a traumatic accident. Practicing these walking safety tips by the NHTSA can maintain your safety: Be predictable for Drivers. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. Always walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment. Young Pedestrians Whether you are a concerned resident, parent, or caregiver, a young pedestrian’s safety requires additional precautions from adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every five children who are 15 years or younger were killed by a traffic crash in 2017. The following is a list of resources that can help your children safe while walking: Prevent Pedestrian Crashes: Parents and Caregivers of Elementary School Children Elementary Five Tips to Keep Your Children Safe on Their Way to and from School A Kid’s Guide to Safe Walking Tips for Preteens & Teens: Prevent Pedestrian As children are learning and developing, they still need guidance to implement practicing pedestrian safety. In addition, it is also important to remind young adults that they need to use critical thinking while on the road. Driver Safety Tips It is important that drivers understand the importance of practicing safety rules and tips while sharing the road with pedestrians. Drivers who are protected by a vehicle are expected to be more aware of those on foot and yield when appropriate. According to the NHTSA these are some tips drivers should keep in mind when they are behind the wheel: Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path. Overall there is an unspoken trust between motorists and pedestrians that results in being aware of each other’s surroundings and maintaining the safety of everyone who uses the roads. Unfortunately, a lack of safety practice results in devastating injuries, which are often fatal and avoidable. New York City and Long Island Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Our personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Siler & Ingber, have over 20 years of experience serving clients across New York City and 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 past 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 someone in your family has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the negligence of another, our team at Siler & Ingber is here to help. Contact us today at 1-877-529-4343 or schedule an appointment online anytime. We never charge a few unless we recover money for you.
Top 5 Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents in New York City are getting out of hand. According to NYC Open Data, over 11,000 pedestrians were injured in 2018 due to traffic accidents and an additional 114 pedestrians were killed. Despite NYC seeing the lowest number of traffic fatalities last year since records began in 1910, seven more pedestrians died in 2018 than in the previous year and accidents continue to be on the rise. When a pedestrian goes head-to-head with a vehicle on a busy New York City street, the results are catastrophic. Pedestrian accident injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, long-term health conditions, and pricey medical bills, all which place additional stress on an individual and their family. It’s critical for New Yorkers to understand the dangers of being a pedestrian and the severe injuries they could face if they are not staying alert on the road. These are the top five pedestrian accident injuries all New Yorkers should know about and how to avoid accidents to reduce their risk of harm. Head Trauma A brain injury is one of the most life-changing and devastating injuries a pedestrian can face. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer multiple different types of injuries to the brain, including: Concussions; Contusions; Diffuse axonal (tearing of brain structure); Penetration; Anoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain); Hypoxia (minimal amount of oxygen to the brain); and Traumatic Brain Injuries (mild, moderate, or severe). Depending on the location of the brain injury and the force of impact to the head, a pedestrian can sustain damage to one or more parts of the brain. These injuries can affect an individual’s cognitive, emotional, psychological, physical, and social abilities, often requiring a lifetime of care and recovery to cope with. Spinal Cord Injuries Pedestrians who are struck by vehicles may sustain significant injuries to the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can result in loss of physical functioning, mobility, or even feeling in the upper and/or lower extremities. According to the Shepherd Center, there are two types of spinal cord injuries: Complete: These types of spinal cord injuries result in permanent damage to the area of the spine where the injury occurred. Examples of permeant injuries include paraplegia or tetraplegia. Incomplete: These types of injuries cause partial damage to the spine and may affect an individual’s ability to move or feel depending on the injury. These effects can be long-term or temporary. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive and long-term rehabilitation. Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, or canes may also be necessary for an individual to move around after a spinal injury. These devices are expensive and place additional financial hardships on individuals and families on top of the medical bills for the injury. Internal Injuries Even vehicles traveling at moderately slow speeds can cause life-threatening internal damage to pedestrians in an accident. The most common internal injury according to WebMD is internal bleeding. The most serious sources of internal bleeding include: Brain bleeds; Bleeding in the lungs; Bleeding around the heart; Damage to the abdominal organs such as the liver, or spleen; and Tears in blood vessels near the center of the body. Internal bleeding put organs and tissues at significant risk. Pedestrians with internal injuries often have to undergo emergency surgery minutes after arriving at the hospital and require a long, slow recovery to ensure proper healing. Bone Fractures Broken bones and fractures occur often in pedestrian accidents and can be incredibly painful. The extensive force placed on a person’s bones in the case of a collision can cause bones to shift, chip, break, split, or even shatter depending on how fast the far is going. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the most common areas affected by bone fractures are the lower extremities (hip, thigh, leg, ankle, knee) and the upper extremities (shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand). Depending on the extent of the broken bone or fracture, pedestrians can require extensive surgeries to correct the damage and experience chronic pain if nerve damage accompanies the injury. Pelvic Injuries When most individuals stand in front of a car, their pelvis is perfectly aligned with the hood. This puts pedestrians at serious risk for pelvic injuries which can have several negative health consequences: Fractures: According to OrthoInfo, there are two types of pelvic fractures pedestrians can experience in an accident- stable and unstable. Stable fractures involve only one break in the pelvic ring and are generally easier to recover from. Unstable fractures involve two or more breaks and can cause alignment issues. Pelvic fractures can also be “open”, where the broken bones penetrate the skin and increase the risk of dangerous infections for the victim. Organ Damage: The pelvic cavity contains reproductive organs, the bladder, pelvic colon, and various major arteries, and veins. Severe trauma in these areas could pose a risk of internal bleeding, difficulty going to the bathroom, and lead to devastating reproductive damage, particularly for women. Chronic Pain: Serious pelvic injuries can make it difficult for pedestrians to walk and move around. Because the muscles in the pelvic area are so often used, nerve damage could cause chronic pain requiring years of recovery and treatment to correct. Unfortunately, all of these injuries can lead to the wrongful death of a pedestrian, either immediately after an accident or from injury complications down the line. Motorists are responsible for using caution on the road and staying alert to pedestrians, but this doesn’t always happen. It is up to pedestrians to use safety measures every time they share the streets to reduce their risks of being injured. How To Reduce Your Risk of Injuries The AAA offers several safety tips and defensive walking suggestions pedestrians can use to avoid becoming a victim in an accident. Pedestrians should take these steps every time they are walking in the city, especially during rush hour and at night when most accidents occur: Stay visible by wearing reflective clothing at night and
A Spike in Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween
The fear of finding razor blades in your children’s candy can be terrifying, but unlikely this Halloween. The real dangers you should be warning your children about are typical daily hazards often forgotten on this holiday: automobiles. Four times as many children are injured on Halloween and twice as many are killed in pedestrian automobile accidents in comparison to the rest of the year! The death rate for teenagers, in particular, is twice as high as that of children killed on Halloween. Halloween is packed with trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and costume parties. Children and teens are hyped with excitement and may not be paying attention as usual while hustling about from activity to activity. Teens and adults are equally as distracted this holiday, both on the streets and in their cars. Drunk driving incidents increase 23% every Halloween. A terrifying statistic when you think of the hundreds of thousands of small children running through the streets on this night. Even without using substances, it only takes one incident of distracted driving to miss a tiny Superman ‘flying’ across a dark road. Before your children and teens set out on their Halloween adventures, don’t forget to review all the safety protocols in your neighborhood to decrease the chance of pedestrian accidents this holiday: Follow pedestrian traffic laws by walking facing traffic, not away. Always use sidewalks or footpaths if available, or walk well within the grass if they are not. Make sure you are looking from left, to right, and left again before crossing the street to ensure no vehicles are coming Use reflectors and flashlights as a costume addition to help cars see you on the road. Remind your teens of safe driving practices before they are out for the night. Review the dangers of driving when drinking or using substances and create a safety-ride plan if if necessary. Finally, if your child is not of the age to understand or remember walking traffic rules, please do not allow them go out unsupervised by an adult. We know it can be un-cool to bring mom or dad trick-or-treating, but your child’s life and safety is not worth the risk. Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents can be devastating to both children and parents. If child has sustained an injury as a result of a reckless pedestrian accident, contact our winning team at Siler and Ingber for your free consultation. Call today at 1-877-718-6079 or contact us online through the form below to schedule an appointment.