Pedestrian Rights in NYC Crosswalks: What the Law Says

Right of Way in the Crosswalk

Under New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked and many unmarked crosswalks. New York City's own traffic rules reinforce these protections, and the city's Vision Zero initiative has heightened enforcement against failure-to-yield.

No-Fault Covers Pedestrians

A pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle is generally entitled to no-fault benefits from that vehicle's insurer, covering initial medical bills and a portion of lost earnings regardless of fault. This is true even though the pedestrian owns no car.

Suing for Pain and Suffering

To recover for pain and suffering, an injured pedestrian must still meet the serious-injury threshold. Given the severity of most pedestrian-vehicle collisions, that threshold is frequently met.

What to Do After Being Hit

Get medical care, obtain the police report, photograph the scene if you can, and avoid giving a recorded statement to the driver's insurer before speaking with a lawyer.