Crosswalk accidents are one of the most common ways in which pedestrians are harmed in New York City, but the party responsible for these incidents isn’t always exactly clear. In truth, the answer depends on the specific circumstances of each case, but generally, there are three possible parties that may be liable for a crosswalk accident–the driver, the pedestrian, or the city. For this blog’s purpose, we’ll discuss when pedestrians are harmed by either negligent drivers/cyclists or unsafe sidewalk/crosswalk conditions. Read on and reach out to an NYC personal injury lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more about these accidents and how our legal team can help if you’ve been wrongfully injured in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
When is a driver responsible for a crosswalk accident?
The driver of the car that hit the pedestrian is usually the party responsible for a crosswalk accident. If a driver fails to observe the rules and regulations of the road and causes a collision with a pedestrian, they may be found liable for the damages. Some examples of driver negligence that can lead to crosswalk accidents include speeding, distracted driving, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to give pedestrians the right of way, ignoring stop signs/traffic signals, and more.
When might the city be liable for a crosswalk accident?
In some cases, the city may be responsible for a crosswalk accident, such as if it failed to maintain safe and adequate road conditions or traffic control devices. The city has a duty to ensure that the streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, signs, and lights are in good working order at all times. If the city fails to do so and creates a hazardous situation that causes or contributes to a crosswalk accident, it may be found negligent and liable for the damages.
Determining Liability
Determining liability for a crosswalk accident isn’t always straightforward. Various factors may come into play, such as the location/time of the accident, weather conditions, lighting conditions, the behavior of the driver/pedestrian at the time of the accident, the speed at which the driver/cyclist was traveling at the time, witness testimony, surveillance footage, medical documents, and more.
Importantly, if you’ve been hurt, you need a dedicated NYC personal injury lawyer who can help fight to satisfy the burden of proof in your personal injury claim. Fortunately, you are in the right place. Contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 866-886-0892 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
