As a pedestrian navigating the New York City streets, you must always keep your guard up. This means closely abiding by the pedestrian rules and regulations in the place to keep you safe. Sadly, even if you remain on the sidewalks, stay within the designated crosswalks, and obey pedestrian traffic signals, you may still get struck by a negligent driver. If this happens to you, please follow along to find out what injuries you might incur as a pedestrian and how a proficient New York City auto accident attorney at Mark L. Bodner, P.C. can help you heal appropriately.
Why is being a pedestrian potentially dangerous?
New York City is arguably home to the highest volume of traffic, which makes it all the more difficult for pedestrians to cross the busy streets safely. At the same time, traffic may make drivers grow aggravated and irrational, prompting them to speed past stalled drivers and otherwise make illegal maneuvers. Thus, it is close to impossible for pedestrians to predict this erratic behavior, and they are left vulnerable to being struck even when it is their right of way to enter the street.
This is not to mention that pedestrians may experience poor visibility at the edge of designated waiting areas, given double-parked vehicles, and overall, the overwhelming vehicle and foot traffic surrounding them. What’s more, with not enough space in the city, the designated waiting areas may not be large enough to hold all those walking on foot, forcing some pedestrians to stand in the street while waiting to cross unwillingly.
What injuries might I incur as a pedestrian involved in an accident?
As you may imagine, a pedestrian may have little to no chance against the sheer mass of a standard motor vehicle. Especially if a vehicle is approaching at an accelerated rate, the impact may leave them with serious, if not fatal, bodily injuries. At least a driver may be protected by the body of their vehicle, along with safety features such as a seatbelt and airbag. But pedestrians may have nothing to break their blow on the concrete. Without further ado, you may have incurred any of the following types of injuries:
- A neck or spinal cord injury that can lead to paralysis or death.
- A traumatic brain injury that can impact your cognitive function.
- Cuts, lacerations, or abrasions that can leave you permanently scarred.
- Broken arms, legs, hands, wrists, shoulders, or pelvis that can require major surgery.
- Internal bleeding or organ damage that can be terminal if medical intervention is not prompt.
In conclusion, if you find yourself up against this, please do not go through it alone. Instead, pick up the phone and speak with a talented New York City personal injury attorney. Our team at Mark L. Bodner, P.C., wishes to aid you during this difficult point in time.