New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
A New York City pedestrian accident lawyer helps pedestrians get compensation, meaning even partial fault doesn’t bar recovery. Meirowitz & Wasserberg has years of experience representing pedestrian accident victims throughout New York City.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Carla Pinto
“In New York a pedestrian involved in an accident has various options; since New York is a no fault state, insurance companies will pay up to 50,000 towards medical bills and lost wages related to a pedestrian who has been injured regardless of who is at fault.”
New York City pedestrian accident victims have strong legal protections, and in 2025 alone, nearly 9,000 NYC pedestrians were injured in accidents and 106 pedestrians died, according to the NYPD. New York has consistently ranked higher than the national average for pedestrian crash fatalities. But New York has specific laws that protect pedestrians, and violations of these laws can establish liability in a pedestrian accident case. This means pedestrians may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
If you were one of the thousands of pedestrians injured in an NYC accident, a lawyer can ensure a driver’s insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you or convince you to settle for less than your case is worth.
The NYC pedestrian accident lawyers at Meirowitz & Wasserberg have years of experience handling these lawsuits, and we work tirelessly for each client to secure fair compensation.
Quick Links
- How Meirowitz & Wasserberg Helps NYC Pedestrian Accident Victims
- NYC Pedestrian Accident Statistics
- NYC Laws That Protect Pedestrians
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New York City
- Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Pedestrian Accident Compensation in New York
- Who is Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in New York?
- What to Do After Being Hit by a Car in NYC
- Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Pedestrian Accidents
- Our NYC Personal Injury Attorneys
How Meirowitz & Wasserberg Helps NYC Pedestrian Accident Victims
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we put our considerable resources and experience to work for pedestrian accident victims in all five boroughs, from Manhattan to Staten Island. Our personalized client care and aggressive litigation strategy allow us to secure the maximum possible compensation for clients.
Notable Meirowitz & Wasserberg NYC Pedestrian Accident Settlements and Verdicts
- $725,000 for a pedestrian who was folding a tarp and was run over by a commercial truck, leading to a fracture of the lower leg and cervical fusion surgery.
- $250,000 for a client who was hit by a car while riding a pedal bike in the bike lane, resulting in loss of consciousness and cervical and lumbar spine herniations.
- $235,000 for a client who was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, resulting in severe bodily pain and a broken wrist/arm.
- $100,000 for a young client who was coming home from school on his skateboard when he was struck by a passenger SUV while in the crosswalk by a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign, resulting in a thoracic spine injury.
Our thorough investigations and expert knowledge of New York accident liability law have helped our legal team successfully recover large pedestrian accident settlements and verdicts. Contact us now for a free consultation.
NYC Pedestrian Accident Statistics
According to the NYPD, 8,880 pedestrians were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2025. More than 100 of those pedestrians lost their lives. NYC seniors are more vulnerable to pedestrian accidents than the general population, and they make up over 45% of pedestrian fatalities.
In 2025, the NYPD reported that the Bronx had the highest number of pedestrian accidents with injuries at 2,912. Queens came in second at 2,368 injuries. High accident risk areas include intersections, crosswalks, school zones and streets with high levels of delivery vehicle activity. According to NYC DOT, pedestrian crashes are about two-thirds deadlier on major street corridors than on smaller local streets.
NYC’s Vision Zero program aims to reduce serious injuries and deaths in vehicle accidents. It accomplishes this through education and more aggressive enforcement of traffic laws.
Since the 2014 Vision Zero NYC implementation, overall traffic deaths are down 31%. The city ended 2025 with the lowest deaths on record. Vision Zero also means stricter enforcement and targets drivers who make dangerous choices — such as failing to yield, speeding or driving distracted — that could put pedestrians at risk.
NYC Laws That Protect Pedestrians
NYC laws that protect pedestrians include New York right-of-way laws, NYC speed limit laws and the daylighting law (NYC Local Law 66). Drivers who violate these laws are more likely to increase their liability in NYC pedestrian accident claims.
New York Pedestrian Right-Of-Way Laws
New York pedestrian right-of-way laws require that vehicles yield to pedestrians crossing the road at a marked or unmarked crosswalk. If pedestrians are in a vehicle’s path, the vehicle must stop to allow them to pass freely.
But pedestrians shouldn’t leave the sidewalk, curb or other safe location if they see an upcoming vehicle that may have trouble stopping for them. If a car is traveling too fast to stop, pedestrians have to wait before attempting to cross.
NYC has established guidelines indicating where pedestrians may and may not cross a road. Crossings are prohibited when:
- Signs, fences, barriers or other items are in place that prohibit road crossings.
- Pedestrians cannot attempt to cross an interstate without a crosswalk.
- Pedestrians can only cross roads with crosswalks where both sides have traffic control signals.
Pedestrians are subject to the same traffic rules as drivers, including traffic and pedestrian control signals. However, drivers must use due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians.
NYC 25 MPH Default Speed Limit
As a part of Vision Zero NYC, the citywide speed limit was set at 25 MPH in areas where no speed limit is posted.
Some areas, such as schools, have posted signs for speeds under 25 MPH. By setting the default speed limit to 25, the city hopes to keep pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers safer.
Daylighting Law (NYC Local Law 66 of 2023)
The daylighting law, also known as NYC Local Law 66 of 2023, aims to make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians at intersections. The law mandates “street design elements for enhancing visibility of cross traffic and pedestrians for motorists approaching an intersection.”
Most people understand the law to mean that they shouldn’t park near crosswalks.
The city accomplishes daylighting by installing physical barriers, such as posts or granite blocks, to prevent vehicles from parking next to intersections — this is called hardened daylighting. Other forms of daylighting include placing signs, hydrant zones and bus stops next to crosswalks to prevent vehicles from parking in those areas.
The DOT implemented hardened daylighting at nearly 300 locations in 2024. As part of NYC Local Law 66 of 2023, the DOT began daylighting 100 intersections per year beginning in 2025.
One of the most dangerous obstructed intersections in NYC that could benefit from daylighting is in Brooklyn at Flatbush Avenue and Avenue H. Since 2022, seven pedestrians have been injured at this intersection.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New York City
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in NYC include failure to yield, distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, bicycle collisions, left turns and poor road design.
Failure to Yield
While New York City has numerous crosswalks and other pedestrian areas, failure to yield continues to be an issue. In past NYC DOT studies, 27% of crashes where pedestrians were seriously injured or killed involved failure to yield on the driver’s part.
Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Use
Distracted driving was the most common cause of all vehicle accidents in 2025, according to NYPD reports. NYC DOT studies have found that 36% of pedestrian crashes result from driver inattention. In our technology-driven world, using a smartphone while driving can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Speeding
Speeding makes it more difficult to avoid a crash and worsens pedestrian injury when an accident happens. Even small increases in speed make a difference.
For example, a pedestrian who is struck by a vehicle at 30 MPH is two times as likely to be killed as a pedestrian hit by a vehicle at 25 MPH. Speeding was one of the top concerns when NYC Vision Zero started in 2014.
Running Red Lights
Pedestrians in NYC are especially vulnerable to crashes involving drivers who run red lights. Past NYC DOT reports found that 94% of New York State drivers think it’s wrong to run a red light, but more than 42% of those drivers admitted to doing so. In 2023 alone, there were a staggering 705,000 red light camera violations in NYC.
Bicycle Collisions
NYC laws say that bicyclists crossing intersections must follow pedestrian control signals except where otherwise indicated by traffic control devices. They also have to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, but this doesn’t always happen. For example, there’s a boom in e-bike use in NYC. Many food delivery workers across the city use e-bikes, and not all of them follow the rules.
Left Turns
Drivers making left turns often fail to see pedestrians in a crosswalk until it’s too late. Vehicles usually have a support between the windshield and side window, which can block the driver’s view. In NYC, left turns account for more than three times as many serious injuries and fatalities as right turns.
Poor Road Design
Poor road design, such as insufficient sidewalks and crosswalks, poor lighting and a lack of pedestrian traffic signals, can make NYC more dangerous for pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents where any of these issues could be a factor may mean the city is at least partially at fault.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Certain pedestrian accident injuries are more common than others in vehicle-pedestrian accidents. The type of injury you suffer will often depend on the vehicle’s speed and the point of impact.
If you have any of the following injuries, speak with an NYC pedestrian accident lawyer:
- Bone fractures, especially in the lower body. The impact of a motor vehicle against a pedestrian’s hips, pelvis, knees, shins or feet can break the bones. Bone fractures can be painful, debilitating and take months to heal. Pedestrian accident victims with broken bones may qualify for significant compensation.
- Soft tissue injuries. Victims may sustain a range of soft tissue injuries, including bruising, muscle sprains or strains, neck and back injuries and dislocations. Soft tissue injuries can occur at initial impact with the vehicle or when the pedestrian hits the ground. These injuries can take months to heal or cause chronic pain.
- Cuts, scrapes and lacerations. Lacerations are common in pedestrian accidents, especially when the victim comes in contact with broken glass or asphalt. These injuries can take weeks to heal, come with a risk of infection or leave behind permanent scars or disfigurement. Face and scalp lacerations are common, especially if the victim’s head strikes the windshield in the collision.
- Traumatic brain injuries. If the pedestrian strikes their head on the hood of the car, windshield, ground or other elements in a collision, a traumatic brain injury is possible. Head and brain injuries can cause long-lasting or permanent effects on physical and mental capabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries. Spine injuries are some of the most serious consequences of a pedestrian accident. Spinal cord fractures can cause permanent loss of movement and feeling below the point of injury. No cure for spinal cord injuries exists. Victims with these injuries may qualify for millions of dollars in lifelong damages.
- Crushed or damaged limbs. In some cases, injuries to crushed or damaged limbs are too extensive for physicians to salvage. Surgeons may have to amputate a foot, leg, hand, arm or fingers if it’s in the best interest of the patient. Serious infections, for example, may lead to amputation of an injured limb.
- Internal organ injuries. A victim’s internal organs may sustain serious, irreparable damage in a vehicle collision, especially if the vehicle rolls over the pedestrian. Internal bleeding, hematoma (bleeding in the brain) and collapsed lung are examples of internal injuries that could be fatal.
Sadly, not every pedestrian in New York City survives collisions with motor vehicles. Head, spine and organ damage could be fatal, taking the victim’s life on the spot or later in the hospital. The loss of a loved one is devastating.
An NYC wrongful death lawyer with Meirowitz & Wasserberg can help family members file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver. It could give your family the closure and future financial stability you need during this difficult time.
Who Is Liable in a NYC Pedestrian Accident?
Liability for pedestrian accidents depends on the case’s circumstances. Liability can include the driver, the City of New York, the vehicle’s owner or the driver’s employer. In truck accident cases, liability can include the driver, the trucking company and even people who loaded the truck if it was overweight or debris spilled onto the road.
Drivers who obey traffic laws and follow the road rules generally aren’t responsible for pedestrian accidents, especially if the pedestrian isn’t following traffic rules. However, negligent behavior on the driver’s part can be enough to hold them liable in pedestrian accident cases.
Many pedestrian accidents occur when a driver acts recklessly, is distracted by other causes, drives aggressively or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In these circumstances, the driver will usually be held responsible for the accident.
Pedestrians must also be careful to obey the rules of the road. Crossing in the middle of a roadway without a crosswalk is prohibited. In addition, acting negligently by crossing a road with an oncoming vehicle that will have difficulty stopping violates New York City traffic laws. But in New York, even if a pedestrian is at fault, they can claim some damages. For example, jaywalking doesn’t bar you from recovery.
Each pedestrian accident has its own set of facts and circumstances. A New York City pedestrian accident lawyer can determine who is at fault.
Pedestrian Accident Compensation in New York
In New York, pedestrian accident cases allow you to recover for compensatory damages. These include anytime you miss from work as a result of this accident. It includes damages for pain and suffering. What is your injury worth? It could also include future economic losses if your injury causes you to be out of work for an extended period of time. If you can no longer work the same way you did, you can recover for your future earning capacity as well.
If you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in New York, you may be entitled to compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care costs and loss of consortium.
Because New York is a no-fault state, insurance companies may pay up to $50,000 for an injured pedestrian’s medical bills and lost wages, no matter who was at fault. But those benefits are capped and do not cover pain and suffering or long‑term losses, which is where an NYC pedestrian accident injury claim or lawsuit comes in.
In cases of serious injury, victims can sue for additional damages. Under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d), serious injuries include significant disfigurement, fracture, permanent or significant limitation of a body function and loss of a fetus. Under the 90/180‑day rule, a serious injury is medically documented and prevents you from performing your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the 180 days following the crash.
Injured pedestrians in New York City may be eligible for the following types of damages:
- Pain and suffering. Non-economic pain and suffering damages can deliver thousands of dollars to victims if they suffered catastrophic injuries in the accident. Unfortunately, uninsured motorist insurance typically does not include compensation for pain and suffering. If you’re using this type of coverage, you might not be eligible.
- Medical bills. Almost all pedestrian accident claims result in compensation to cover past and future medical bills. This award can include hospital stays, ambulance fees, medical devices, doctor appointments, prescriptions, treatments and lifelong medical care for an injured pedestrian.
- Lost income. The nature of most pedestrian collisions puts the victim out of work for days or weeks as they recuperate. Broken bones, for example, often require multiple doctor visits and weeks in a cast or splint. An employee who loses income because of their injuries can seek recovery for wage damages.
- Punitive damages. Drivers may be guilty of road rage, drunk driving, distracted driving and other acts of extreme negligence. A New York judge may award punitive damages to punish a reckless driver for their misconduct.
NYC pedestrian accident settlements vary widely by injury severity, proof of liability and available insurance coverage. For example, Meirowitz & Wasserberg’s lawyers have helped seriously injured clients recover anywhere from $100,000 to $750,000, but your claim may be lower or higher, depending on the specifics of your case.
The statute of limitations in New York is three years from the date of injury for personal injury cases. Any cases involving city liability require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Car in NYC
After being hit by a car in NYC, make sure you get the medical treatment you need and protect your rights from the beginning. Take immediate action to safeguard yourself from common recovery roadblocks such as hit-and-run, insurance fraud and denied claims.
Your actions at the accident scene can determine how easy your legal journey will be ahead. At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we recommend taking the following steps if you’ve suffered injuries in a New York City pedestrian accident:
- Step 1: Call 911 because getting a police report is essential. Ensure the officer documents the driver’s failure to yield or other behavior that contributed to the accident.
- Step 2: Seek immediate medical care. Make sure to document all injuries, and do not delay treatment even if your pain seems minor.
- Step 3: Photograph the scene if possible, including crosswalk markings, walk signal status, vehicle position and any obstructions at the intersection.
- Step 4: Get witness information and dashcam footage if available.
- Step 5: Do not provide a recorded statement to the driver’s insurance without an attorney.
- Step 6: If the city may be liable for poor road conditions, defective crossing signs or other issues, consult an attorney immediately because you only have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim against the city.
Gathering all the proper evidence and filing any paperwork after you were injured in an accident can be daunting. An NYC pedestrian accident lawyer can help you get everything you need to file a claim for compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Pedestrian Accidents
Yes — New York allows you to pay damages even if you are partially at fault, but your recovery is reduced by how much you’re deemed at fault. Jaywalking may reduce your recovery, but does not bar it. If the driver was speeding or distracted, they bear significant fault regardless of where you were crossing.
Three years from the date of injury for most cases. If the City of New York is a liable party, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days. Missing this deadline can forfeit your claim against the city.
Settlements vary widely based on injury severity, liability clarity and insurance coverage. Meirowitz & Wasserberg has helped clients get anywhere from $100,000 to $725,000 for their serious pedestrian accident injuries, but your claim may be lower or higher, depending on the specifics of your case.
Uninsured motorist coverage under your own auto or health policy may apply. New York has specific hit-and-run protections. Consult an attorney about available recovery options, including MVAIC (Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation) for uninsured/unidentified drivers.
Yes, but city liability claims require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident before any lawsuit is filed. Missing this deadline typically bars a city liability claim. Consult a New York City pedestrian accident attorney immediately if city negligence may be a factor.
NYC Local Law 66 of 2023 requires the city to use barriers, signs, bus stops and fire hydrants to improve sightlines for pedestrians and drivers. If a parked vehicle violated this law and obscured visibility at the accident location, this may be relevant to establishing negligence. An attorney can investigate.
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