Pedestrian safety is a growing concern throughout the United States, but the patterns in the Hudson Valley tell a more complicated story. While national pedestrian deaths have nearly doubled since 2010, local data reveals different risks, locations, and causes depending on the county. This guide breaks down where and why pedestrian crashes happen most in Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Counties — and what injured pedestrians need to know to protect their health, their rights, and their future.
All of the statistics below come from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research.
If you or a loved one were a pedestrian injured in an accident involving a vehicle, give us a call at 845-600-0000 to set up a free personal injury consultation.
Are Pedestrian Crashes Rising in the Hudson Valley?
Nationally, the data shows that pedestrian deaths have nearly doubled since 2010, mostly due to a massive increase in the number of pedestrians getting hit by cars at night. For example, in 2021, three out of four pedestrian deaths occurred between sunset and sunrise.
However, we’ve found that locally, pedestrian deaths have dropped across the board over the last 15 years.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in New York
If you’re hit by a vehicle, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Get Medical Care Immediately
Even if you feel okay — internal injuries and concussions may not show symptoms right away.
2. Call 911 and Stay at the Scene
Move to safety, remain calm, and wait for police to document what happened.
3. Collect Key Information
Get the driver’s name, contact, insurance, and vehicle details, and ask witnesses for theirs.
4. Document Everything
Take photos of the scene, injuries, vehicles, road conditions, and anything that may have contributed.
5. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A lawyer can deal with insurance companies and fight to recover compensation while you focus on healing.
6. Follow Medical Advice & Keep Records
Attend all appointments and save your bills, prescriptions, and paperwork, as they strengthen your claim.
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills and Losses?
After a pedestrian accident, you may be facing medical expenses, lost income, and long-term recovery needs. In New York, several insurance coverages may apply, even if the crash was not your fault:
- No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection)
The vehicle’s insurance pays up to $50,000 for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault. - Additional PIP (Optional Coverage)
If you purchased it, this can provide an extra $50,000 on top of standard no-fault benefits. - Bodily Injury Liability
The at-fault driver’s insurance can cover pain and suffering, plus costs that exceed no-fault limits.
NY minimum: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per crash. - Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Your own policy may pay additional compensation when the driver who hit you either has low insurance limits, or has no insurance at all - MVAIC Coverage (Hit-and-Run or No Household Vehicle)
If no one in your home owns a car, you may still qualify for $50,000 in no-fault benefits and $25,000 in bodily injury coverage
How and Where Pedestrian Crashes Happen in the Hudson Valley
Ulster County Analysis
Road Conditions (2024)
8 of the 54 pedestrian injury crashes in Ulster County involved environmental factors like glare or view obstruction.
Severity of Injuries
In Ulster County in 2024, there were 54 pedestrian crashes that caused injuries. 4 were fatal, 13 were considered serious, 18 were moderate, and 19 were minor.
Pedestrian Contributing Factors
According to police reports, 15 of the injured pedestrians in Ulster County in 2024 were crossing without a signal or crosswalk. 8 were crossing with no signal on a marked crosswalk. Five crashes and two fatalities were attributed to “riding/walking/skating along highway with traffic” and three crashes were attributed to doing so against traffic.
Driver Contributing Factors
22 of the personal injury crashes were primarily attributed to driver inattention or distraction, while 14 were attributed to pedestrian error or confusion. Nine involved a driver failing to yield the right of way, and six were because the driver’s view was obstructed or limited.
Top Risk Areas for Fatal and Personal Injury Pedestrian Crashes (2024)
- City of Kingston – 13 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- New Paltz (Town) – 6 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- Town of Ulster – 5 injury crashes
- Saugerties (Village) – 4 injury crashes
- Woodstock – 3 injury crashes
- Lloyd – 3 injury crashes
- New Paltz (Village) – 3 injury crashes
- Ellenville – 3 injury crashes
- Marlborough – 2 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- Town of Saugerties – 1 injury crash, 2 fatalities
Orange County Analysis
Road Conditions (2024)
26 of the 151 pedestrian injury crashes in Orange County involved environmental factors.
Severity of Injuries
In Orange County in 2024, there were 146 pedestrian crashes that caused injuries. 5 were fatal, 33 were considered serious, 39 were moderate, and 71 were minor.
Pedestrian Contributing Factors
According to police reports, 57 of the injured pedestrians in Orange County in 2024 were crossing without a signal or crosswalk. 17 were crossing with no signal on a marked crosswalk. 12 crashes and two deaths were happened despite the pedestrian not being in the roadway, nine injury crashes and two fatalities were attributed to “riding/walking/skating along highway against traffic” and eight injury crashes were attributed to doing so against traffic.
Driver Contributing Factors
48 of the personal injury crashes were primarily attributed to pedestrian error or confusion, while 41 were attributed to a driver failing to yield the right of way. 28 were due to driver/inattention or distraction, and 14 were due to the driver backing up unsafely.
Top Risk Areas for Fatal and Personal Injury Pedestrian Crashes (2024)
- Newburgh (City) – 27 injury crashes
- Middletown – 22 injury crashes
- Kiryas Joel – 17 injury crashes
- Wallkill – 13 injury crashes, 2 fatalities
- Newburgh (Town) – 12 injury crashes
- Monroe (Village) – 8 injury crashes
- Montgomery – 4 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- New Windsor – 4 injury crashes
- Monroe (Town) – 4 injury crashes
- Woodbury – 3 injury crashes, 2 fatalities
Dutchess County Analysis
Road Conditions (2024)
8 of 86 Dutchess County pedestrian vs. vehicle personal injury cases were caused by environmental factors.
Severity of Injuries
In Dutchess County in 2024, there were 86 total pedestrian injury crashes that caused injury. 9 of them were fatal, 14 caused serious injuries, 19 caused moderate injuries, and 41 caused minor injuries.
Pedestrian Contributing Factors
According to police reports, 33 of the injured pedestrians, as well as 5 fatalities in Dutchess County in 2024 were crossing without a signal or crosswalk. 13 injured pedestrians and one fatality were crossing with no signal on a marked crosswalk. Six pedestrian injuries and one fatality occurred despite the pedestrian not being in the roadway, and five occurred when a pedestrian was crossing against a signal.
Driver Contributing Factors
32 of the personal injuries and 7 fatalities were primarily attributed to pedestrian error or confusion, while 24 were attributed to a driver failing to yield the right of way. 17 were caused by driver inattention or distraction, as well as one fatality.
Top Risk Areas for Fatal and Personal Injury Pedestrian Crashes (2024)
- Poughkeepsie (City) – 37 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- Poughkeepsie (Town) – 8 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- La Grange – 3 injury crashes
- Fishkill – 3 injury crashes
- Rhinebeck – 3 injury crashes
- Wappinger – 2 injury crashes, 2 fatalities
- Pleasant Valley – 2 injury crashes, 1 fatality
- Hyde Park – 1 injury crash, 2 fatalities
- Wappinger Falls, Fishkill, East Fishkill – 2 injury crashes
Driver Behaviors Behind Most Hudson Valley Pedestrian Crashes
Common Causes Across All Hudson Valley Counties
Across Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Counties, police reports show that driver behavior, not bad weather or road conditions, causes the majority of pedestrian injuries in the Hudson Valley.
Top contributing driver actions regionwide:
- Driver inattention or distraction
(smartphones, GPS, passengers, etc.) - Failure to yield at crosswalks and intersections
- Backing up unsafely in parking lots or driveways
- View obstruction due to parked cars or roadway design
- Unsafe speed affecting stopping distance and night visibility
Even when a pedestrian makes a mistake, such as crossing mid-block, drivers still carry a legal duty to be alert and avoid a collision whenever possible.
When Pedestrians Are Blamed And Why It Matters
Police reports often cite crossing without a signal or crosswalk, walking along the roadway with traffic or crossing against a signal as contributing factors. This can reduce or dispute compensation unless challenged by a personal injury attorney.
How Fault Is Proven in Pedestrian Cases
Key evidence that strengthens a claim:
- Police reports + crash reconstruction
- Traffic camera, surveillance, dashcam footage
- Cell phone records confirming distraction
- Expert review of line-of-sight and vehicle speed
- Medical documentation linking injuries to the crash
Compensation Pedestrians May Recover
If the driver was negligent, victims can seek:
- Emergency medical care + future treatment
- Lost income + diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term therapy or rehabilitation costs
Because pedestrians have no physical protection, these cases frequently involve serious or life-altering injury, making full compensation critical.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Crash in the Hudson Valley
At the scene
- Seek Medical Attention: Immediately get checked by a medical professional, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
- Stay Calm and Call for Help: Move to a safe location and call emergency services. Stay on the scene to provide information to authorities.
- Collect Information: Obtain the driver’s contact details, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. Get contact details of witnesses if possible.
- Document the Accident: Take pictures of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Note down details like date, time, and location of the accident.
Afterward
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney promptly. They can guide you through the legal process and help secure fair compensation.
- Avoid discussing the incident on social media.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and communications.
- Follow treatment plans consistently, as gaps can weaken your claim.
Why Choose Mainetti & Mainetti, P.C.?
Mainetti & Mainetti, P.C. has decades of experience representing pedestrian vs. vehicle crash victims across the Hudson Valley. We combine local insight with trial-tested experience, ensuring pedestrians and their families get full and fair compensation.
Pedestrian Injury Settlements
How Our Hudson Valley Legal Team Helps You Recover
Thorough investigation
We gather evidence early, from police reports to intersection camera footage to establish how the driver failed to keep you safe.
Expert witnesses
We work with accident reconstruction specialists and visibility experts who understand how pedestrian crashes happen on Hudson Valley streets.
Medical coordination
We help connect you with treatment providers experienced in head trauma, fractures, orthopedic injuries, and long-term rehabilitation common in pedestrian cases.
Insurance negotiation
We take on the driver’s insurance company so you can focus on healing, not fighting for the benefits and compensation you’re owed.
Trial experience
When insurers refuse to take responsibility, our attorneys are prepared to go to court and prove your case in front of a jury.
Great reviews
Our firm has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews and multiple honors as the Hudson Valley’s top personal injury law firm (according to Chronogram voters).
Local Offices for Personal Service
Kingston Office – Serving Ulster County
130 N. Front Street, Suite 300
Kingston, NY 12401
Phone: (845) 600-0000
Poughkeepsie Office – Serving Dutchess County
9 Mansion Street, Suite 224
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: (845) 404-1700
Newburgh Office – Serving Orange County
575 Hudson Valley Ave., Suite 104
New Windsor, NY 12553
Phone: (845) 670-7000
Free Consultation Available
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian vs. car crash anywhere in the Hudson Valley, contact us immediately for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Call (845) 600-0000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, must be filed within three years, but it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so key evidence (video, witness statements, crash data) isn’t lost.
A: You may still recover compensation. New York uses a comparative negligence system, meaning your award may be reduced, but you are not automatically at fault. Drivers still have a legal duty to watch and yield.
A: Yes. Even if police cite you for crossing mid-block or walking along the roadway, you can still recover damages, your recovery is just adjusted based on your percentage of fault.
A: The vehicle’s insurance provides no-fault benefits for pedestrians, even if you don’t own a car. If coverage is limited, your own policy (or MVAIC if you don’t have one) may provide additional compensation.
A: It depends on factors like injury severity, medical care needed, lost income, long-term effects, and the driver’s negligence. Our team can give you a personalized assessment during a free consultation.
Not without speaking to a lawyer. Early offers are often designed to pay less than what you’ll actually need for treatment and recovery.