An analysis of NYPD’s statistics by Streetsblog NYC shows that pedestrian accident deaths and injuries are on the rise because of reckless or negligent (careless) drivers, and not because of an exponential increase in the use of micromobility devices. According to a report on Streetsblog.org, NYPD’s numbers revealed that through Sept. 21, the number of pedestrians who have been injured in collisions with riders of motorized scooters, mopeds and other similar vehicles is 354 — which is roughly 5.5% of the 6,378 pedestrians who have been injured in crashes involving all vehicles.
What the Numbers Show
In 2023, that number was at 5.4% and 5.1% in 2022. However, the number of fatalities offers a different picture. This year, pedestrians killed by riders of micromobility devices accounted for 3.7% of the 81 people killed in crashes involving all vehicles. Last year that number was about 1.4%. The New York City Department of Transportation has said it is focusing on all vehicles by working with the NYPD to crack down on illegal mopeds while also widening bike lanes to make roadways safer for bikes and e-scooters.
The agency reports that since 2010, there have been a total of 23 pedestrian fatalities involving micromobility devices and that the total miles driven in the New York Metro region has increased by 14% since the pandemic. The increased driving has resulted in more pedestrian injuries and deaths. However, the agency does mention that the “major culprit” on New York City’s streets are cars, which are heavier and faster and still pose a greater risk to pedestrians than micromobility vehicles. DOT officials say much of their work is focused on “rooting out reckless driver behavior.”
Examples of Reckless Driving That Cause Pedestrian Accidents
Reckless or negligent (careless) driving is a significant factor in pedestrian accidents, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Some common examples of reckless driving that result in pedestrian accidents include:
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions have less time to react to pedestrians crossing the street or walking near the road. High-speed crashes are particularly dangerous for pedestrians, as the impact on victims is much greater.
- Running red lights or stop signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a common form of reckless driving that can result in pedestrian accidents. Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs may hit pedestrians who have the legal right of way in crosswalks.
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, using a phone, eating, or otherwise not paying attention to the road pose a serious risk to pedestrians. Even a brief moment of distraction can lead to a driver not seeing a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision.
- Failing to yield to pedestrians: Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections, especially when making turns. Pedestrians often assume drivers will stop, but reckless drivers tend to ignore or misjudge their presence.
- Driving while impaired: Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver’s reaction time and decision-making. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to speed, run red lights, or fail to notice pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.
Compensation for Injured Pedestrians
Injured victims of pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents can seek compensation from at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. Families that have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents can seek compensation for damages such as medical and funeral costs, pain and suffering, lost future income, etc.
Pedestrian accident victims and their families should remember that they can seek compensation for injuries or losses in collisions even if the victim was not walking in a marked crosswalk and even if the driver involved in collision was not charged. Our law firm recovered the full one-million-dollar insurance policy for a girl who was not in the crosswalk when a motor vehicle hit her.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident or bicycle accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 53 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. We recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2024/09/26/make-no-mistake-the-2024-pedestrian-death-crisis-is-due-to-driving