How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Pedestrian Accident in New York?
Being a pedestrian in New York is part of daily life for millions of residents. Whether you’re walking to the subway, crossing Broadway in Manhattan, or strolling to the corner deli, being on foot is second nature. But it also comes with serious risks.
At Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers, we have represented victims of pedestrian accidents throughout New York for decades. We’ve seen firsthand how devastating these incidents can be, not just for the injured person but for their entire family. This post will walk you through some recent NY pedestrian accident statistics, explore what’s behind the troubling trends, and provide pedestrian safety tips NYC residents can actually use.
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How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents in New York?
Pedestrian accidents are among the most serious and deadly traffic incidents in New York. Statewide data reveals troubling patterns:
- 300 fatalities per year. On average, 300 pedestrians are killed by motor vehicles annually.
- 15,000 injuries. Each year, about 15,000 pedestrians are hurt on New York’s roads.
- 3,000 hospitalizations. Over 3,000 of those injured require hospital admission due to the severity of their injuries.
- In the top 10 causes of injury-related death. For nearly all age groups in New York, pedestrian crashes are among the leading causes of serious injury and fatality.
These statistics for pedestrian accidents underscore the urgency of addressing pedestrian safety, not just in bustling cities like New York City, but across the entire state.
Breaking Down Statistics for Pedestrian Accidents: Crashes Are Rising in New York City
Pedestrian fatalities in New York City have declined 19% from 2024 to 2025, dropping from 63 to 51 deaths, according to the NYC Department of Transportation. However, the number of serious, life-altering injuries has been moving in the opposite direction.
In the first nine months of 2024, 645 pedestrians were seriously injured across the city. That represented a 13% increase from the same time period in 2023, with four out of five boroughs experiencing substantial rises:
- Bronx had a 10% increase in serious injuries,
- Manhattan had a 16% increase,
- Brooklyn had a 20% increase, and
- Queens had a 21% increase.
This spike in catastrophic injuries is more than a public health issue; it carries a staggering financial toll. Local traffic safety advocacy organizations estimate the total economic impact of pedestrian deaths and serious injuries in NYC now exceeds $2 billion annually.
Even more concerning, 92% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at intersections without daylighting. This traffic-calming design feature uses planters, bike racks, or concrete blocks to keep corners clear and improve driver visibility. Without these elements, drivers are more likely to turn without seeing a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Understanding Pedestrian Crash Trends: Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups face higher risks of being involved in a pedestrian crash. This includes:
- Children—particularly those walking to and from school;
- Older adults—who are more likely to suffer severe injuries due to age-related vulnerability;
- Nighttime walkers—since visibility drops significantly after dark, and many fatal crashes occur at night; and
- Commuters—who rely on walking or public transportation and may be more exposed to traffic danger.
Understanding pedestrian crash trends can help communities tailor interventions that save lives.
Why Are So Many Pedestrian Accidents Happening?
There is no single cause of pedestrian accidents. Instead, a combination of factors contributes to the high number of pedestrian injuries and deaths in New York, including the following:
- Driver inattention. Drivers who are texting, eating, adjusting their GPS, or otherwise distracted pose a major threat to pedestrians.
- Speeding. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the less time a driver has to react, and the more severe the injury can be if a crash occurs.
- Unsafe intersections. Poorly marked crosswalks, long wait times at signals, and aggressive driver behavior all increase the risk at intersections.
- Jaywalking and risky pedestrian behavior. While drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, some pedestrians take risks by crossing mid-block or ignoring signals.
- Poor visibility. Many accidents occur during low-light conditions. Drivers may not see pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night or during bad weather.
Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, it’s important to take safety precautions to help reduce potential accidents.
8 Pedestrian Safety Tips Every New Yorker Should Know
Whether you’re crossing Fifth Avenue or walking your dog on a quiet street in Westchester, these pedestrian safety tips NYC residents should follow can help prevent serious injury:
- Cross at marked crosswalks. Use pedestrian pushbuttons and obey traffic signals. Always wait for the walk signal, even if traffic appears clear.
- Look left, right, then left again. Before crossing, check in all directions and over your shoulder for turning vehicles.
- Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume drivers see you. Eye contact increases your chance of being noticed and the driver yielding.
- Stay visible. At night or in poor weather, wear reflective or bright-colored clothing.
- Avoid distractions while walking. Do not text, use earbuds, or look at your phone while crossing the street.
- Walk on sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming cars.
- Avoid alcohol or drugs. Impaired walking increases your risk of a serious accident.
- Be cautious around driveways and parking lots. Vehicles backing up may not see you, especially if you’re in their blind spot.
These precautions, while simple, can drastically reduce your chances of being hurt in a pedestrian crash.
What Drivers Should Be Doing to Protect Pedestrians
Of course, pedestrian safety is a two-way street. Drivers must be vigilant and proactive in protecting those on foot. Motorists should:
- Yield to pedestrians in all crosswalks and intersections;
- Slow down in neighborhoods, near schools, and playgrounds;
- Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting in-car systems;
- Never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk, since it may be yielding to a pedestrian; and
- Always signal when turning and check for pedestrians before making any move.
These actions are not just courteous; they are required under New York traffic laws.
Call Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers for Trusted Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers is here to help. With over 65 years of experience representing injured New Yorkers, we know how to build strong claims, deal with insurance companies, and fight for what our clients truly deserve.
Do not let NY pedestrian accident statistics become your story. Let us help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and legal support you can trust.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a New York pedestrian accident lawyer.
