What Does Pedestrian Right of Way Mean?

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable parties on the road today. As such, these parties benefit from increased protections provided by New York state laws. Understanding these laws, however, can be tricky, as many seem to vary in their protections from moment to moment. For example, what does pedestrian right-of-way mean, and how does it protect you?

In general, the pedestrian right-of-way is designed to keep pedestrians safe from negligent motorists or similar parties. Anyone who violates pedestrian right-of-way can be held accountable for negligence and its resulting losses in civil court. If you were recently the victim of a pedestrian accident, you can work with a personal injury attorney to assess your circumstances.

What Is Pedestrian Right-of-Way?

Pedestrian right-of-way, as a legal concept, protects people walking across intersections from cars and other forms of vehicular risk. This right of way indicates that parties on the sidewalk have the opportunity to legally and safely cross the street without fearing that a car or similar vehicle may cross the intersection.

Vehicles or other bodies that fail to acknowledge pedestrian right-of-way endanger anyone making use of a crosswalk. This negligence or deliberate recklessness can result in severe personal injuries for pedestrians and surrounding parties.

Is Violating Pedestrian Right-of-Way a Criminal Offense?

Violation of pedestrian right-of-way can constitute a criminal offense under some circumstances. Should an introductory lesson or the state choose to take up a case against the offending party, that party may face misdemeanor charges. This means that the offending party may have to pay fines of up to $100 and face up to 30 days in jail.

Should you choose to pursue a criminal case against the individual who allegedly violated your right of way, you can use a conviction as evidence of negligence and civil court. Civil courts in New York consider criminal convictions to serve as proof of negligence and can thus award you compensation for your losses.

Reacting to a Pedestrian Crosswalk Accident

Should you fall victim to someone else’s negligence or see someone else have to contend with a violated right of way, there are actions you can take. Specifically, the violation of a pedestrian right-of-way represents the subsequent violation of the duty of care owed by motorists to surrounding parties.

It is in your best interest to gather as much evidence of this negligence as you can while it is still fresh on the scene. If it is possible, or if you can elect someone to act on your behalf, get out of this evidence and present it to an attorney. We can then use this evidence to build a case against the party allegedly responsible for your accident.

You, in turn, may later benefit from compensation designed to help you pay for medical expenses, property damage, and other accident-based losses.

Contacting an Attorney Can Clarify Your Rights as a Pedestrian

Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable parties on the street. Without cars, motorcycles, or bicycles to protect them, pedestrians can find themselves facing severe injuries in the face of someone else’s negligence.

If you fell victim to a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s failure to acknowledge your right-of-way, contact a personal injury attorney. You can meet with our representatives and let us home your case while you are still focusing on your recovery.

Our Attorneys Want to Help Victims of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians deserve the extra protection they receive from the law when crossing New York state intersections. If you suspect another party on the road violated a pedestrian right-of-way and caused a related accident, you can bring your concerns to a personal injury lawyer in New York state.

The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe is prepared to stand with you as you take your pedestrian accident losses to civil court. You can meet with our team for an initial case consultation and learn more about the value of a pedestrian accident case. Contact us at 516-358-6900 or through our contact form to learn more about the services we offer to pedestrian accident survivors. Also, check out and subscribe to the Cohen & Jaffe YouTube Channel for more information about the legal process of getting victims their due compensation.

For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900