Pedestrian Accidents
Upstate New York Law Firm Seeks Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Saratoga Springs Attorney is a Strong Advocate for Pedestrians
The streets of New York State can be a dangerous place, especially for pedestrians, who are 10 times more likely to be killed in a collision with a motor vehicle than a driver. If you’ve suffered critical injuries walking on or near city streets in New York, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Gerard V. Amedio, P.C. are ready to put their experience to work for you.
Rights and Duties of Pedestrians in New York
Pedestrians are often entitled to compensation for injuries suffered in an accident with a car, but they need to be aware of the laws that apply when they are walking on and near city streets:
- When crossing a street, pedestrians must obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Drivers generally are required to yield right-of-way to pedestrians, particularly when they are entering or exiting from driveways, alleys or building entries and when there is no traffic light or sign or when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk.
- Pedestrians must yield right-of-way to vehicles at mid-block locations where there is no crosswalk, sign, or signal.
- Pedestrians must stay on sidewalks when they are available and considered safe. If there is no sidewalk and a pedestrian has to walk on the roadway, they must walk toward traffic on the left side of the road.
- Pedestrians must stay off interstate highways, expressways, and some bridges.
No matter who has the right-of-way, New York drivers are required to take as much care as possible to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Injured Pedestrians Are Entitled to Medical Benefits
If you were struck by a vehicle in New York State as a pedestrian, you are entitled to medical benefits, no matter who caused the accident or the state in which the driver lives:
- For collisions involving an insured driver, medical benefits are available through New York’s No-Fault Law. The car owner’s no fault coverage will pay for injury claims made by the driver and passengers as well as pedestrians and cyclists who were struck by the driver.
- For hit-and-run or uninsured motorist accidents, pedestrians can apply for benefits under the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Act, although strict requirements apply, such as reporting a hit-and-run crash to the police within 24 hours.
Don’t Go It Alone: We’ll Help Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
If you were hit by a car while walking, the compassionate attorneys at the Law Offices of Gerard V. Amedio, P.C. have the knowledge and ability to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call (518) 583-4123 to set your initial consultation today.
