Pedestrian Accidents in the Hamptons: What Summer Visitors Need to Know

The Hamptons are known for their beaches, boutiques, and beautiful walking towns—but they’re also home to a surprising number of pedestrian accidents, especially during the busy summer season. With more traffic, unfamiliar roads, and distracted drivers and pedestrians alike, even a simple stroll down Main Street can lead to serious injury.

If you’re injured as a pedestrian in the Hamptons, here’s what you need to know—especially if you’re visiting from out of town.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common in the Hamptons

During the summer, the population in the Hamptons skyrockets. That means:

• Heavier vehicle and foot traffic on narrow roads
• Increased congestion around beach towns, shopping districts, and restaurants
• A surge in distracted driving and speeding, especially on main roads like Montauk Highway
• Unfamiliarity with local traffic rules—both for drivers and walkers

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common include:

• Failure to yield at crosswalks
• Distracted driving
• Speeding through residential or beach areas
• Poor visibility at dusk or nighttime
• Impaired driving
• Unmarked or poorly lit walkways

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Vehicle While Walking

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Get medical attention.
3. Document the scene.
4. Don’t negotiate with the driver.
5. Contact a local personal injury attorney.

Understanding Medical Coverage and Lost Wages After a Pedestrian Accident

New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means that even if you’re a pedestrian hit by a car, the driver’s insurance is typically responsible for covering your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages—regardless of who was at fault.

This is known as No-Fault Insurance or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). As a pedestrian, you’re entitled to:

• Up to $50,000 in medical coverage
• Reimbursement for lost wages (usually 80% of your income, capped at $2,000/month)
• Coverage for out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

In addition, the vehicle owner may have elected OBEL (Optional Basic Economic Loss) coverage, which provides an extra $25,000 that can be used toward medical treatment, lost wages, or other expenses.

Some policies also include APIP (Additional PIP) coverage, which offers even more protection beyond the standard no-fault limits. This can be especially important in cases involving serious injuries or extended treatment needs.

But there are strict deadlines. You must file a no-fault application with the driver’s insurance company within 30 days of the accident to receive these benefits. That’s why contacting an attorney right away is so important—we can make sure your paperwork is filed correctly and you don’t miss out on the compensation you’re owed.

Can You File a Claim If You’re Visiting from Out of State?

Yes. If your accident happened in New York, you can bring a claim here—even if you live elsewhere.

Who’s Liable in a Pedestrian Accident?

In many cases, the driver is liable, but fault can sometimes be shared.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Ideally, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.