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Understanding pedestrian right-of-way laws

On Behalf of | Oct 12, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

People may drive, use a ride-sharing service, take a bus, ride the subway or they may just walk to where they need to go. However, even when people use other forms of transportation, they typically still need to walk from their car, the bus or subway to get to their final destination. As a result, there are many pedestrians that are throughout the city. It is common to see many people walking on the sidewalks and many pedestrians who cross the streets as they go to where they need to go.

Pedestrians are much smaller than the other vehicles on the road. If they are struck by one the pedestrian can suffer significant injuries in a pedestrian accident even if the other vehicle was not travelling very fast. That is why it is so important to know when pedestrians have the right-of-way.

When vehicles must yield to pedestrians

If there is a traffic signal, pedestrians have the right-of-way when the sign states walk. If it states don’t walk then the vehicles have the right-of-way. Pedestrians also have the right-of-way at any intersection that has a marked crosswalk and no traffic signals. Vehicles always must yield to pedestrians in these situations. If there is not an intersection or crosswalk, then vehicles have the right-of-way and pedestrians must yield.

It is very common for vehicles and pedestrians to interact on streets in Brooklyn. If vehicles do not follow the laws and strike a pedestrian, they may be required to compensate the victim for the damages they cause. This compensation can be very important for the victim and consulting with an experienced attorney could be beneficial.

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