Walking is one of the most common modes of transportation for Brooklyn residents, whether they walk to work or just down the street to the subway. With so many pedestrians on the road, their safety should be a top priority. However, nearly 50 pedestrians are killed in accidents every year; many more are seriously injured.
To prevent these accidents, it can be helpful to know why they happen in the first place. Below, we examine some of the more common causes of pedestrian accidents and what you can do if you are among those injured in one.
Motorists
Often, drivers are involved in a pedestrian accident. A driver might make an illegal or unsafe turn, fail to stop at a traffic signal, or be unable to stop at a crosswalk because he or she is speeding or distracted. Impairment by fatigue, alcohol or drugs could also contribute to an accident between a driver and a pedestrian.
Pedestrians
Some accidents are caused by other pedestrians. People walking around Brooklyn may be looking at down at their phones or otherwise unaware of their surroundings. Intoxicated walkers can pose a threat to others as well, especially if they are aggressive, clumsy or if they don’t follow traffic laws.
Property owners
Keeping premises free from hazards is an important responsibility for property owners in New York. This means they must clear their walkways of snow, ice and other potential hazards. It also means they (or the Department of Transportation, depending on who owns the property) must repair defective sidewalks. Failure to do this could lead to hazardous conditions that put pedestrians in danger of slipping, tripping and falling.
What to do after a pedestrian accident
If you or your loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident recently, you may have grounds to file a legal claim seeking damages from a motorist, pedestrian or property owner engaging in the behaviors we discussed in this post.
Money from a lawsuit cannot undo the accident, but it can help injured parties get the help they need to recover from a serious accident. This money can be crucial, as pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries.