Injured While Walking in NYC? What You Should Know About Pedestrian Accidents

In New York City, walking is a way of life. With millions of people navigating busy intersections, crosswalks, sidewalks, and subway entrances daily, the streets of NYC are a constant flow of pedestrian activity. Unfortunately, this vibrant urban movement also comes with a significant risk: pedestrian accidents.

Whether you’re walking to work, running errands, or simply crossing the street, pedestrian accidents can happen in an instant—and often lead to serious, even life-altering injuries. At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we represent victims of pedestrian accidents with a single mission: delivering Moorejustice. That means pursuing full accountability and compensation for those injured due to someone else’s negligence.

The Growing Problem of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC

Pedestrian accidents are not uncommon in a city as densely populated as New York. According to data from NYC DOT and Vision Zero initiatives, hundreds of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed each year by cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, or even scooters. These pedestrian accidents often occur at:

• Busy intersections
• Unmarked crosswalks
• Bus stops
• Driveways and parking garages
• School zones
• Areas with poor lighting or signage

While traffic laws are designed to protect pedestrians, violations and negligence remain common causes of pedestrian accidents across all five boroughs.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Understanding what causes pedestrian accidents can help establish liability and protect your rights. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Driver distraction – Texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technology.

Speeding – Reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time for crossing pedestrians.

Failure to yield – Especially at marked or unmarked crosswalks.

Running red lights or stop signs – A common factor in fatal pedestrian accidents.

Turning vehicles – Drivers often fail to see pedestrians when making turns.

Driving under the influence – Impaired drivers are a major threat to pedestrians.

In many of these cases, the pedestrian has the right of way, but the driver fails to recognize it. A skilled attorney can help you prove liability and get the compensation you deserve after a pedestrian accident.

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Unlike car occupants, pedestrians have no protection against the impact of a moving vehicle. This makes pedestrian accidents especially dangerous. Victims often suffer severe, long-term injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple fractures or broken bones
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Lacerations and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

Because of the severity of these injuries, victims of pedestrian accidents often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time off work. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming—but a legal claim can help ease that burden.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, your actions in the moments and days that follow can have a major impact on your health and legal case. Here’s what the team at The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore recommends:

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think your injuries are minor, always get checked out. Medical documentation is crucial in pedestrian accidents and helps link your injuries directly to the incident.

Get a Police Report

Make sure officers file an official report at the scene. This serves as key evidence in your case and allows your lawyer to understand the details of the pedestrian accident.

Gather Evidence

If you’re able, take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle, license plate, and street signs. Eyewitness contact information is also extremely helpful.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Never accept a settlement or make a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer who understands pedestrian accidents.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

Time is of the essence. The sooner you contact a legal team with experience in pedestrian accidents, the better chance you have of securing a strong case and full compensation.

Who’s Liable in Pedestrian Accidents?

Establishing liability in pedestrian accidents can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Potentially liable parties include:

• The driver of the vehicle
• Commercial entities (e.g., if it was a delivery truck or rideshare vehicle)
• Government agencies (for faulty traffic signals or road conditions)
• Property owners (if poor sidewalk maintenance caused the accident)

An experienced attorney will investigate every angle of the pedestrian accident—reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing police reports, consulting accident reconstruction experts, and identifying any violations of law that contributed to the crash.

Compensation Available After Pedestrian Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, rehab, prescriptions)
• Future medical needs and physical therapy
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, our team fights to make sure every client receives full and fair compensation. We don’t stop at the surface—we dig deep to ensure all aspects of your loss are accounted for. That’s what Moorejustice is all about.

What If the Driver Leaves the Scene?

Pedestrian accidents involving hit-and-runs are unfortunately common in NYC. If the driver flees the scene, you can still pursue compensation through:

Uninsured motorist coverage (if you have your own auto policy)

The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) – A state program for victims of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers

Third-party claims if another entity contributed to unsafe conditions

A knowledgeable lawyer can help you explore these options and make sure no legal opportunity is missed.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit related to pedestrian accidents is generally three years from the date of the incident. However, if the case involves a government agency (e.g., an MTA bus), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

Waiting too long could cost you your right to seek justice. Always speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident to ensure deadlines are met and your case is protected.

Why You Need Moorejustice After a Pedestrian Accident

At The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore, we don’t just file claims—we build powerful legal strategies, protect your rights, and advocate for the justice you deserve. Our team understands the unique challenges of pedestrian accidents, and we’re not afraid to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies, corporations, or city agencies.

When you work with our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re gaining an advocate who listens, investigates, and fights relentlessly on your behalf. That’s Moorejustice—and it’s what every victim of a pedestrian accident deserves.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in NYC, don’t wait. Contact The Law Offices of Darren T. Moore today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and start building a case focused on one thing: getting you the Moorejustice you deserve.