How Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws Affect Your Injury Case in NYC

How Pedestrian Crosswalk Laws Affect Your Injury Case in NYC

Pedestrian accidents are common in New York City, and the outcome of a pedestrian injury claim often depends on how New York pedestrian laws and right of way rules apply at the moment an accident occurred. Hill & Moin represents injured pedestrians across New York who were struck in marked or unmarked crosswalks and need to understand how traffic laws affect their ability to recover compensation.

Crosswalk laws play a major role in determining fault, insurance liability, and the value of a personal injury case.

Pedestrians Have the Right of Way — But Not Always

Under New York law, pedestrians generally have the right of way when legally crossing the street. This includes:

• Marked crosswalks
• Unmarked crosswalks at intersections
• Pedestrian crossing areas controlled by traffic signals

However, right of way is not absolute. Pedestrians must still obey traffic control signals, including traffic lights and pedestrian signals.

Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks in NYC

Marked Crosswalks

A marked crosswalk is clearly identified with painted lines. When pedestrians have the walk signal or a green light, drivers are legally obligated to yield.

Accidents involving motor vehicles that fail to yield in marked crosswalks often place liability on the at fault driver.

Unmarked Crosswalks

Unmarked crosswalks exist at most intersections, even without painted lines. Pedestrians still have the right of way when crossing with the signal or when traffic laws allow them to proceed.

Many pedestrian accident cases involve drivers who wrongly assume pedestrians must yield in unmarked crosswalks.

How Traffic Signals Affect Pedestrian Injury Claims

Traffic signals are critical in determining fault.

• A green light with a walk signal usually gives pedestrians the right of way
• A red light or “Don’t Walk” signal can shift partial responsibility
• Traffic control signals and traffic light timing may be reviewed

Traffic camera footage, police reports, and accident scene photos are often used to confirm signal status.

Right of Way Laws and Driver Responsibility

Under right of way laws, drivers must:

• Yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk
• Obey speed limits
• Remain alert for pedestrian crossing activity

Accidents occur when drivers engage in distracted driving, fail to see pedestrians, or rush through intersections.

When a driver’s negligence causes a pedestrian accident, the injured pedestrian may pursue legal action.

Pure Comparative Negligence in New York

New York follows pure comparative negligence, meaning:

• An injured pedestrian can still recover compensation even if partially at fault
• Compensation is reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault

For example, if a pedestrian began crossing late but the driver was speeding, liability may be shared rather than denied entirely.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC

Pedestrian accidents often involve:

• Car accidents at intersections
• Drivers ignoring traffic rules
• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Speeding through traffic signals
• Oncoming vehicle visibility issues

Pedestrian accident victims frequently suffer severe injuries due to the lack of physical protection.

Injuries and Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Pedestrian accidents can result in:

• Serious injury or severe injuries
• Extensive medical attention
• High medical bills and medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost income
• Long-term rehabilitation

These damages form the basis of a pedestrian injury claim.

Evidence That Strengthens a Pedestrian Injury Case

Strong evidence is critical to establish fault and recover compensation. This may include:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera footage
• Accident scene photos
• Medical records

Gather evidence as early as possible to support the legal claim.

How Insurance Companies Evaluate Crosswalk Cases

An insurance company will closely analyze:

• Whether pedestrians have the right of way
• Whether traffic signals were obeyed
• Comparative negligence arguments

Insurance adjusters often try to reduce payouts by claiming pedestrians were not paying attention or crossed improperly.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Pedestrian injury cases involve complex traffic laws and liability rules. An experienced personal injury attorney understands:

• New York traffic laws
• York State vehicle statutes
• How to establish fault
• How to pursue full compensation

Pedestrian accident attorneys help injured pedestrians navigate the legal process and protect their legal rights.

When to Pursue Legal Action

If you were injured as a pedestrian due to a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to:

• Economic damages
• Pain and suffering
• Fair compensation for long-term harm

Prompt legal action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

Speak With Hill & Moin Today

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City, crosswalk laws may play a key role in your case. Hill & Moin represents pedestrian accident victims across NYC and helps them pursue compensation under New York law.

Call Hill & Moin at (212) 668-6000 today for a free consultation and to discuss your pedestrian injury case.