How Many Pedestrians Are Hit By Cars in NYC: A Comprehensive Analysis
In the busy streets of New York City, the safety of pedestrians is a concern that demands our immediate attention.
Any NYC Personal Injury Attorney will tell you that we, as a city that prides itself on its vibrant urban life, ensure the well-being of its inhabitants and visitors as they navigate our sidewalks and crosswalks is paramount.
Today, we delve into the critical question: How many pedestrians are hit by cars in NYC?
The Stark Reality: Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
- Annual Statistics: Each year, New York City witnesses many pedestrian accidents. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, there were over 10,000 pedestrian injuries and more than 100 fatalities in recent years. This data underscores a pressing need for action and improvement in our city’s traffic safety measures.
- Contributing Factors: Various factors contribute to these incidents, including but not limited to, driver distraction, failure to yield, and speeding. Understanding these causes is crucial in formulating effective strategies to reduce pedestrian accidents.
Recent Case Settlement Highlight for an NYC Pedestrian Accident
Case Summary:
Since you would think that motorists would be ever vigilant, and on constant lookout for pedestrians when driving, there is still an alarmingly high number of pedestrians struck by automobiles throughout the City of New York’s five boroughs. In September of 2019, our law firm was retained by Averil B. who was struck by a 2017 Kia automobile, while crossing over Hempstead Turnpike Service Road, near its intersection with Taylor Road in Queens, NY.
When Averil came to our office, she was experiencing both lower back and neck pain. Because Averil did not own a car, we filed a claim with the insurance company that insured the Kia that struck her, to pay for her medical treatment. This is known as no-fault insurance. We also filed a lost-wage claim with Kia’s insurance company, as the accident left Averil bedridden and unable to work. The wage reimbursement alleviated some of Averil’s stress. It allowed her to concentrate on physical therapy treatment and getting better physically, without the additional stress of having to worry about how her bills would be paid.
Case Outcome:
In 2020, we filed a lawsuit in Kings County Supreme Court, bearing Index No.: 503548/2020. A little more than a year later, we negotiated a $30,000.00 settlement to compensate Averil for the accident. She got the medical treatment she needed, received compensation for her lost wages, and then got back to work!
Initiatives for Safer Streets
Under my administration, we launched several initiatives to enhance pedestrian safety across New York City. Vision Zero, a strategy adopted from Sweden, aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Key components of this initiative include:
- Redesigning Streets: Implementing safer street designs prioritizing pedestrian safety, including expanded sidewalks, pedestrian islands, and protected bike lanes.
- Enhancing Crosswalks: Increasing the number and visibility of crosswalks, along with implementing pedestrian countdown signals to improve crossing safety.
- Enforcing Traffic Laws: Strengthening enforcement of traffic laws, particularly those related to speeding and failure to yield to pedestrians.
The Role of Technology and Education
Advancements in technology and ongoing education are vital in our quest to safeguard pedestrians. Initiatives such as the introduction of speed cameras in school zones and public awareness campaigns on the importance of attentive driving and walking have shown promising results.
Community Involvement: A Key to Success
Community involvement is indispensable in our efforts to enhance pedestrian safety. Local organizations and residents play a critical role in identifying hazardous locations and advocating for necessary changes. By working together, we can create a safer environment for all New Yorkers.
Looking Forward: Our Commitment to Safety
As we move forward, our commitment to reducing pedestrian accidents in New York City remains unwavering. Continuous evaluation of our strategies and adapting to new challenges will be essential in our journey towards a safer city.
Resources and Further Reading
For those interested in exploring this topic further, I recommend the following resources:
- New York City Department of Transportation: For the latest statistics and updates on pedestrian safety initiatives.
- Vision Zero Network: An in-depth look at the Vision Zero approach and its implementation in cities around the world.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: For comprehensive data and resources on traffic safety in the United States.
The Answer To How Many Pedestrians Are Hit By Cars in NYC
The question of how many pedestrians are hit by cars in NYC is more than a statistic; it’s a call to action. As we continue to work towards making New York City’s streets safer for everyone, we must remain vigilant, innovative, and collaborative. Together, we can achieve a future where pedestrian accidents are a rarity rather than a common occurrence.
I invite all New Yorkers and visitors to join us in this vital mission. Your awareness, engagement, and advocacy are key to our collective success. Let’s work together to ensure that New York City remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for all. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, reach out to our office for immediate help at (212) 240-9465.
