New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

New York City is designed for pedestrians. However, the combination of locals, commuters, and tourists walking on congested streets alongside buses, cars, taxis, delivery trucks, and cyclists often results in pedestrian accidents. In addition to potentially serious injuries, victims face mounting medical bills and the inability to work, support their families, or pay for basic living expenses.

Since 2002, the New York injury lawyers at Douglas & London have secured more than $1 billion for clients in verdicts and settlements. We protect your rights while fighting for compensation for your damages and losses. We invite you to schedule a free consultation today. 

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New York City Pedestrian Accidents

In 2022, a total of 119 people lost their lives in New York City pedestrian accidents. Thousands more suffered serious injuries. Many of those injuries led to permanent disabilities. Since New York City adopted its Vision Zero plan to prevent motor vehicle accidents in 2014, pedestrian fatalities have dropped. However, far too many people are still severely injured by negligent drivers. 

Causes of New York City Pedestrian Accidents 

In New York City, most pedestrian accidents occur because the driver did not yield the right of way in an intersection or a crosswalk. Under New York law, drivers must yield to pedestrians when a traffic signal is not present–whether they were in a crosswalk or not. 

Beyond that, pedestrians are often hit by speeding vehicles or by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some motorists disregard traffic signals with catastrophic, and sometimes lethal, results. People are also hit by motor vehicles backing out of driveways when the driver fails to check their mirror or the car’s blind spots. 

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) implemented a Pedestrian Safety Study and Action Plan, which examined over 7,000 records of crashes that caused severe injuries or fatalities to pedestrians and identified underlying causes. DOT has said they will use this data “to inform the work the agency does to reduce traffic fatalities and make New York City streets safe for everyone.”

Types of NYC Pedestrian Accident Injuries

According to the DOT, pedestrians are ten times more likely to die than a passenger in a motor vehicle in the event of a crash. The average car weighs approximately 3,000 pounds, so even at low speeds, cars can have serious momentum and can cause serious injuries to pedestrians of any size. Examples of these kinds of injuries include:

  • Amputation
  • Crushing
  • Disfigurement
  • Internal bleeding
  • Internal organ damage
  • Multiple fractures
  • Spinal cord trauma
  • Traumatic brain injury

Some victims will eventually make a full recovery, while others will never hold a job or live independently again. A pedestrian accident lawyer experienced with this kind of case will know the settlement amount that is necessary to provide for the individual client’s needs. Our lawyers have access to medical and economic experts, who provide guidance regarding a client’s prognosis and how an accident affected their current and future employment prospects.

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Legal Recourse for Hit-and-Run Victims

Many New York City pedestrian accidents involve hit-and-runs. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but any actions taken by the criminal justice system are separate from filing a civil lawsuit. If the driver is identified or apprehended, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. If the hit-and-run driver is never identified, you still have legal recourse for compensation. You can file a claim for victim compensation through New York’s Office of Victim Services. 

Dangerous Streets and Intersections for Pedestrians in NYC

Intersections are some of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in New York City. Motorists frequently fail to yield when turning or merging, putting people at risk even when they have the right of way. Certain intersections across the five boroughs consistently record high accident rates.

In Brooklyn, Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue is one of the busiest gateways between Downtown Brooklyn and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, making it a hotspot for pedestrian accidents. Manhattan pedestrians often face hazards at 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street, near the Queensboro Bridge entrance, as well as at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, near the Midtown Bus Terminal, where crosstown buses and taxis flood the intersection. Other Manhattan trouble spots include Bowery and West Houston Street, Broadway and Union Square West, and Delancey Street and Allen Street, all of which combine heavy foot traffic with unpredictable vehicle movement.

In Queens, Queens Boulevard continues to earn its reputation as the “Boulevard of Death,” despite city redesigns aimed at improving safety. The Bronx is no less dangerous, with the Grand Concourse standing out as a corridor where pedestrians and motorists regularly collide. These locations are not random accident sites—they are well-known danger zones where walkers must stay constantly alert, yet often pay the price for a driver’s negligence.

Our firm has represented clients injured at many of these intersections. We understand that for pedestrians, what should be a simple walk to work, the subway, or home can become a devastating accident in a matter of seconds.

Resources in NYC for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Medical Facilities

New York is home to several world-class trauma centers that routinely treat injured pedestrians:

These facilities not only provide lifesaving treatment but also generate the medical records that serve as vital evidence in a personal injury claim.

Support Resources

Recovery from a pedestrian accident often extends beyond the hospital stay. Many victims find help through local rehabilitation programs and community organizations. The NYU Langone Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group connects patients and families coping with head injuries, which are among the most common outcomes of pedestrian accidents. Advocacy groups such as Transportation Alternatives continue to push for safer streets, offering education, community support, and policy change to protect pedestrians.

Our attorneys frequently connect clients with resources to ensure that recovery covers both physical healing and the ongoing support needed to move forward. Contact us to learn more.

Seeking Damages and Compensation After Being Severely Injured

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe, long-term, or permanent injuries. Those who survive face a long road ahead as they struggle to recuperate and rebuild their lives. 

Damage, or compensation, in a New York pedestrian accident may include:

  • Medical expenses, current and future
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Loss of quality of life 
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

If a person dies in a pedestrian accident, the deceased’s family members or the personal representative of their estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. 

Pure Comparative Negligence in New York

In some situations, the pedestrian may share some fault for the accident. Perhaps they were texting while crossing the street and not paying attention to traffic. New York State operates under a pure comparative negligence standard regarding liability. That means that even if the plaintiff is 99 percent at fault for an accident, they may still collect damages. These damages are reduced according to the percentage of the plaintiff’s fault, as determined by a judge or jury.

For example, if the plaintiff is 20 percent responsible for their accident because they were texting while crossing an intersection, a $100,000 award is reduced to $80,000.   

Why You Need a Specialized Lawyer for Pedestrian Accidents in New York City

If you are an accident victim, you need a NYC pedestrian accident lawyer with a strong record of recovering compensation for their clients. 

Whether your pedestrian accident case requires a jury verdict or a settlement outside the courtroom, we will work tirelessly to ensure you are fairly compensated for the injuries and losses you have experienced due to someone else’s negligence. We are well-versed in pedestrian rights and responsibilities, New York State vehicle and traffic law that pertains to pedestrian safety, and common driver violations. You can trust that we will leverage this knowledge and experience in your case. 

What to Expect When Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York City

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years from the accident date. Do not wait too long before filing a pedestrian accident claim, as important evidence, such as CCTV or dashcam footage that proves your claim may disappear. 

At Douglas & London, a seasoned New York City pedestrian accident attorney investigates every aspect of your claim. We review police and medical reports, obtain traffic and local surveillance videos, and interview eyewitnesses. We can determine a fair settlement amount based on your injuries and prognosis and negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to obtain a settlement that will cover your long-term needs. Most New York City pedestrian accident cases are settled. If the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement, we can take your case to trial. 

Every pedestrian accident case is unique. We may hire financial experts to determine long-term care costs for a severely injured victim. Medical experts may testify regarding the extent of your injuries and the types of treatment and rehabilitation necessary. In some cases, we may hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze how the collision happened. 

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How Douglas & London Can Help You

A pedestrian accident upends your life. You need a strong advocate with a solid and thorough understanding of applicable laws. If you were injured in a New York City pedestrian accident, contact our compassionate team of New York personal injury lawyers at Douglas & London. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.