I want to talk about something that impacts far too many people in New York—dangerous intersections, especially those that pose a serious threat to pedestrians using crosswalks.
Before we dive in, if you or a loved one has been injured in a New York pedestrian accident or car crash, you don’t have to face it alone. You can contact us
The Hidden Dangers of Crosswalks in Saratoga Springs
This topic comes on the heels of a case we recently resolved for a retired couple who were hit while walking home from dinner in Saratoga Springs, New York. They were using the crosswalk at the intersection of Congress Street and Broadway, right near Congress Park.
At first glance, it seems like a normal intersection. But here’s the problem: drivers turning left from Congress Street onto Broadway have a green arrow, while at the same time, pedestrians crossing Broadway are given a walk signal (or as my kids call it, the “green man”).
What this means is that drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk—even though they also have a green light. That assumption can be deadly if a driver isn’t paying close attention.
What Happened That Night?
It was a clear summer evening. Our clients, with the walk signal in their favor, began crossing the street. A driver turning left onto Broadway, who also had a green arrow, either didn’t see them or assumed the road was clear. Distracted by something—maybe a cell phone, maybe the glare from the sun—he failed to yield and hit both of them.
The impact was so forceful it threw them several feet into the air. One of our clients suffered a skull fracture. The other had a broken leg that required complex surgery.
Thankfully, we were able to identify adequate insurance coverage, including excess insurance, and reached a favorable settlement for our clients. But this tragedy could have been avoided.
Is This Intersection in Saratoga Springs Dangerous?
After some digging, we discovered that this wasn’t the first time someone was injured at that intersection. In fact, multiple accidents have occurred there—information we were able to obtain through records requests made to the city.
This raises important questions:
- Is more signage or signal separation needed to prevent these types of accidents?
- Should Saratoga Springs consider redesigning or reviewing this intersection?
- Are drivers properly alerted to the presence of pedestrians?
What to Do If You’re Hit in a Crosswalk in New York
If you’re a pedestrian injured in a crosswalk—whether it’s in Saratoga Springs, Albany, New York City, or anywhere else in the state—there are some important steps you need to take:
- Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health and safety are the top priority. - Call the Police and File a Report
Make sure a police report is created. It documents the incident officially and helps with insurance and legal claims. - Ensure the Driver is Held Accountable
If the driver failed to yield, they may be issued a ticket. Your attorney can also contact the District Attorney’s Office to make sure the violation is addressed appropriately. - Investigate the Intersection
Just like we did in this case, it may be worth looking into whether the intersection has a history of accidents. This can help strengthen your case and push for safer road design.
Know Your Rights as a New York Pedestrian
Being hit by a car while you have the right-of-way in a crosswalk is a terrifying and often life-changing event. New York pedestrian laws are designed to protect you, but you need someone who knows how to navigate the system.
This is what we do. At D’Orazio Peterson, we help victims of pedestrian accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a crosswalk accident in New York, give us a call or reach out through our website.
Let’s talk about how we can help.