What to Do if You’re Hit by a Car While Walking in NYC?

Walking is part of New York City, whether you’re heading to work, catching the subway, or just crossing the street near your home. You expect to be safe, but in a city with millions of vehicles and some of the busiest intersections in the country, pedestrian accidents happen far too often in NYC, and they can change your life.

According to a report from Transportation Alternatives, nearly 2,400 people were seriously injured in NYC traffic crashes, including 645 pedestrians—a 13% increase. Tragically, 88 pedestrians in NYC were killed, many at intersections with no protective infrastructure like daylighting or raised crosswalks.

These aren’t just numbers—they represent New Yorkers whose lives were upended because someone behind the wheel failed to pay attention, yield, or slow down. If you or someone you love was hit by a car in New York City, it’s important to know that you have rights. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our NYC pedestrian accident lawyers are here to guide you.

NYC Pedestrian Accidents Are on the Rise

Despite efforts like Vision Zero and recent traffic safety laws, pedestrian accidents in New York City remain a serious and growing problem. Every week, an estimated 17 pedestrians suffer life-changing injuries, including limb loss, internal organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries.

Certain areas of the city are especially dangerous for pedestrians. In Queens, serious pedestrian injuries increased by 21%, while Brooklyn saw a 20% increase, and the Bronx wasn’t far behind. Many of these injuries happen at intersections—where 88% of NYC pedestrian fatalities occurred in 2024, often in locations with no daylighting or proper visibility protections.

Meanwhile, the city’s congestion pricing zone, meant to reduce traffic volume in the heart of Manhattan, continues to experience some of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities. In Districts 1 and 2—covering lower Manhattan—there were 11 pedestrian deaths in 2024 alone, up from just four the year before.

These numbers make it clear: walking in NYC can be dangerous, even when you follow the rules. And while city leaders are working on improvements—like lowering speed limits under Sammy’s Law and redesigning high-risk intersections—progress takes time. For now, pedestrians need to stay alert, and if an accident happens, take immediate steps to protect their rights.

What Causes Most Pedestrian Accidents in NYC?

In a city as fast-paced and crowded as New York, pedestrian accidents happen for many reasons, but most come down to driver negligence. Whether it’s a distracted motorist scrolling their phone or a delivery truck running a red light to meet a deadline, reckless decisions behind the wheel are putting pedestrians in harm’s way every day.

Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in NYC:

Distracted Driving – Drivers texting, using GPS, or eating behind the wheel often fail to notice pedestrians, especially at intersections and during turns.
Speeding – The faster a car is going, the less time a driver must react. Higher speeds also make injuries more severe. Despite reduced speed limits, many drivers still travel well above 25 mph, especially outside school zones and during off-peak hours.
Failure to Yield at Crosswalks -NYC law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. Still, many collisions happen when turning drivers fail to look for people crossing, especially at “left-turn” intersections.
Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drug use continue to play a role in pedestrian crashes. According to the CDC, nearly half of all fatal pedestrian crashes involve alcohol impairment—either on the part of the driver, the pedestrian, or both.
Poor Visibility or Bad Weather – Fog, rain, and low lighting can make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. But that doesn’t excuse accidents. Drivers are still expected to slow down and drive cautiously when visibility is limited.
Illegal Parking and Blocked Intersections—When vehicles block crosswalks, bus stops, or curb extensions, pedestrians are forced into traffic. This is especially dangerous in areas without proper daylighting, where the open space at corners is meant to improve visibility.

These behaviors are not just careless—they’re often illegal. And when they result in serious injuries or fatalities, victims and families may have the right to hold the driver financially accountable.

NY Pedestrian Accidents – Learn More

What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident in NYC?

Getting hit by a car is terrifying—and in the aftermath, it’s hard to think clearly. If you or a loved one has been struck by a vehicle while walking in New York City, here’s what to do:

Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident to the NYPD and request emergency medical help. Even if you don’t feel badly hurt at first, adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or head trauma.
Get a Police Report: Ask the responding officer to file an official accident report. This document will include key details—like the driver’s information and witness statements—and will be critical for your injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Go to the ER or see a doctor as soon as possible. Getting a full medical evaluation not only protects your health but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the crash.
Document Everything: If you’re able, take photos or videos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle involved, and any traffic signals or signs nearby. Also, try to collect contact information from witnesses.
Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company: Insurance adjusters may call you quickly and offer a fast payout. Don’t accept it or give a recorded statement before speaking to a lawyer. These early offers are often far below what your case is worth.
Speak with a NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: The sooner you get legal representation, the better. A skilled attorney can preserve evidence, handle the insurance companies, and guide you through the next steps so you’re not left footing the bill.

At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Who’s at Fault in a Pedestrian Accident in New York?

In most New York City pedestrian accidents, the driver is typically at fault, especially when they speed, fail to yield, or drive distracted. Under New York law, motorists have a duty to watch for pedestrians at crosswalks, intersections, and along busy streets. When they violate that duty and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally and financially responsible.

That said, fault isn’t always one-sided. New York uses a pure comparative negligence rule, which means pedestrians can still recover compensation even if they’re partially at fault—for example, if they crossed mid-block or were looking at their phone. Their compensation is simply reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Pedestrian accidents don’t just happen in crosswalks—they occur in all kinds of real-world NYC situations And proving fault often requires strong evidence, so working with an experienced NYC pedestrian accident lawyer is key to protecting your rights.

Hit by a Car in NY While Jaywalking

Even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, the driver may still be at fault. Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation, though your payout may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.

Hit While Crossing With a Bike or Scooter

Cyclists and e-scooter riders are also vulnerable to pedestrian-like collisions, especially when crossing at intersections or in bike lanes. If a driver fails to yield or drifts into a protected lane, they can be held liable for injuries, particularly in boroughs like Brooklyn and Manhattan, where bike and pedestrian traffic is high.

Struck by a Vehicle Reversing in a Parking Lot

Parking lot accidents are common in NYC, especially at supermarkets, apartment complexes, and crowded commercial lots. Drivers are legally required to check their surroundings before backing up. If they hit someone while reversing, they’re often considered at fault.

Hit on the Sidewalk or Curb

Believe it or not, some of the most devastating injuries happen when a driver jumps a curb or loses control near a sidewalk. In these cases, fault clearly lies with the driver, and victims may also be able to pursue a claim against third parties like delivery companies or vehicle owners.

No matter where your accident happened—in a crosswalk, a parking lot, or mid-block—it’s worth having a lawyer evaluate your situation. You may still have a case even if you think you might share some of the blame.

What Legal Options Do Injured Pedestrians Have in NYC?

If you’re hit by a car while walking in New York City, you have rights—and multiple paths to recovery. Under New York’s No-Fault insurance system, pedestrians are generally covered by the driver’s auto insurance. This means you can receive up to $50,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other immediate expenses, regardless of who caused the crash.

But No-Fault coverage is limited. It doesn’t include pain and suffering or long-term losses. If your injuries are classified as “serious” under New York law—such as a broken bone, permanent disability, or disfigurement—you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit for full compensation. That can include:

Past and future medical care
Lost income and diminished earning potential
Pain and suffering
Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed
Property damage, such as a broken phone or an assistive device

Just don’t wait. You must file a No-Fault application within 30 days of the accident, and lawsuits have strict deadlines. Insurance companies may offer low settlements or try to shift blame, so having an experienced NYC pedestrian accident lawyer can make all the difference in getting what you truly deserve.

Preventing Pedestrian Accidents in NYC: What Drivers & Walkers Can Do

Pedestrian safety depends on everyone sharing the road responsibly in a city as busy and walkable as New York. While drivers carry the greatest duty of care, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas like crosswalks, intersections, and school zones, preventing accidents is a shared effort.

Slow down—especially in school zones, residential areas, and anywhere foot traffic is dense.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, even when they’re unmarked.
Avoid distractions like cell phones, food, or adjusting GPS while behind the wheel.
Stay alert at intersections, where most NYC pedestrian injuries occur.
Drive with extra caution in poor weather or low-light conditions, when visibility is reduced.

Pedestrians can also reduce their risk by:

Use marked crosswalks and obey walk signals, even when the streets appear clear.
Stay visible—wearing bright clothing at night and using lights or reflectors when possible.
Avoid distractions, such as looking at your phone while crossing busy streets.
Walk on sidewalks or designated paths, rather than on roadways or shoulders.
Be cautious near driveways, parking lots, and turning vehicles

While you can take steps to reduce your risk, you can’t control a careless or negligent driver. If you’re injured, it’s important to understand your rights and consult a nearby pedestrian injury lawyer.

Injured Walking in NYC? Contact HKD Today

If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while walking in New York City, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. is here to help.

Our experienced NYC pedestrian accident lawyers have recovered millions for injured New Yorkers and understand the complexities of city traffic laws, comparative fault, and insurance tactics. Call 212-490-5700 today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.