Pedestrian Accidents at Intersections

Experienced Bronx attorneys serving injured New York pedestrians

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), one out of every five accidents at signalized intersections involves a left-turning vehicle hitting a pedestrian. New York intersections are often packed with eager pedestrians and impatient drivers. The result – pedestrians are often hit by a car at a busy New York City intersection.

While pedestrians are required to only cross an intersection when signaled, drivers are expected to practice caution, even if they have the right of way. One act of carelessness can result in a catastrophic injury or fatality. This is especially true when it comes to New York City pedestrian intersection accidents.

If you have been hit by a motorist while crossing an intersection in New York, you need to act fast. Consult an experienced New York pedestrian accident attorney at Giampa Law in the Bronx. We know how to handle intersection accidents involving pedestrians hit by a car in New York City.

How pedestrian accidents at intersections happen

In most cases, pedestrian accidents at intersections happen because of a driver's negligence. However, a pedestrian's carelessness when crossing an intersection can be a contributing factor. Accidents involving pedestrians at intersections usually happen because:

• Driver failed to yield the right of way: When a driver makes a turn while pedestrians have the right of way, devastating accidents occur.
• Driver ran a red light at an intersection: This happens when a pedestrian is crossing an intersection and a motorist runs a red light, hitting the pedestrian.
• Drunk, fatigued or distracted driving: Motorists who are impaired or distracted have difficulty safely navigating intersections, putting pedestrians at risk.

Fault is often disputed in intersection accidents. In this case, your claim could be downplayed or denied. If you're a pedestrian who sustained injuries after being hit, you need to fight to receive compensation for your medical bills and loss of wages. Contact our law firm and see what we can do for you. Our experienced attorneys know how to take on some of the most complicated cases.

Do pedestrians have the right of way at an intersection?

The law is clear in New York. Pedestrians have the right of way at an intersection if they are crossing the street in a crosswalk, whether the crosswalk is marked or unmarked, according to the State of New York’s website.

What if a driver is turning at an intersection and a pedestrian is crossing the street? Who has the right of way then? Again, according to the State of New York, the pedestrian crossing the street has the right of way. “Motorists turning right or left at an intersection should always look for pedestrians and yield the right of way to them,” according to the State of New York.

And what if a pedestrian is crossing the street and the light turns green? Who has the right of way at an intersection? According to the State of New York, if a pedestrian started crossing the street on a “walk” signal and the light changed from red to green, the pedestrian still has the right of way. “Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections, even if drivers have a green light,” according to the State of New York.

Don't wait to file a claim

After you've been hit by a vehicle at an intersection, you need immediate medical attention. Even if you think you're OK, you could discover internal injuries or other serious injuries hours after the accident. Always contact the police and obtain a police report. Take photos and speak to witnesses if you're able to. The sooner you take the appropriate steps to file a claim, the better your outcome will be.

Our law firm can help. We have decades of experience dealing with pedestrian accidents at intersections in New York. If you have been injured because of a driver's negligence, we will fight to maximize your compensation. Contact us at our Bronx office and find out how a New York pedestrian accident lawyer can help you.