Crosswalk Regulations in Long Island
Crosswalks, light lines at the intersection of streets, are regulated in Long Island. There are laws in the State of New York that state a pedestrian must walk within the crosswalk and if you do not walk within a crosswalk, that could be legally consequential to them as a pedestrian. Crosswalk regulations in Long Island should not be ignored. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident and have questions regarding liability, contact a dedicated accident attorney today for help looking into your case.
Crosswalk Rules for Drivers
A crosswalk, like other forms of traffic control devices, is regulated by the State of New York through the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Highways. When a driver sees a crosswalk at an approaching intersection, they must be mindful that pedestrians may appear in the crosswalk. This means that the driver should slow down when approaching the intersection. Crosswalk regulations in Long Island state that pedestrians have to walk within a crosswalk.
Even if an individual has a green light when approaching an intersection, they should be looking in all directions and slowing down in order to ensure that there are no pedestrians in the crosswalk. If there is a red light, the driver should not stop their car in the intersection, rather, they should stop their car before it gets to the intersection.
How do Pedestrian Accidents Occur in Crosswalks?
Crosswalks are common at almost every intersection and while they are not located at every intersection, they can be extremely common. Although it is difficult to try and map out where every crosswalk on Long Island is, they can be found at any major intersection. Major intersections would be described as busy roads, for example. Crosswalk regulations in Long Island attempt to help to lessen the chances of an accident.
It would benefit drivers to be more conscientious as they approach intersections, particularly in some of these major intersections. Pedestrian accidents in crosswalks occur if a driver does not see a pedestrian, their car enters a crosswalk while a pedestrian is there and contact is made. Sometimes, the contact is made immediately after the pedestrian steps off the curb. Other times, the contact occurs when the pedestrian is in the middle of a crosswalk. Then lastly, the accident could occur when the pedestrian is walking to the end. All of these types accidents have different ramifications.
Consulting a Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
In general, most lawyers that are familiar with crosswalk regulations in Long Island welcome these cases because most pedestrian accident cases can potentially be easier to deal with than other types of motor vehicle-type of cases. There are times when a pedestrian can be at fault, however. As a pedestrian, you should be paying attention to their own safety in a crosswalk before their own negligence is potentially used against you.
An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help you work through your case.