A pedestrian was injured Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026, after being struck by a turning vehicle at the intersection of Ponquogue Avenue and Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. According to Southampton Town police, as reported by 27east and Patch, the injured person was flown by Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital. As a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer team, we know how quickly an ordinary walk can turn into a life-changing event. Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian and their loved ones.
Below, we summarize what has been reported, explain why crashes like this happen, and outline the rights New York law gives to anyone who is hit by a car while walking.
What Happened at Ponquogue Avenue and Montauk Highway
Police said they were notified at about 1:58 p.m. on Thursday. According to the reports, the pedestrian was crossing Ponquogue Avenue from east to west when a vehicle turning left from Montauk Highway onto Ponquogue Avenue struck them.
- Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance treated the pedestrian at the scene.
- A Suffolk County Police Department helicopter then airlifted the pedestrian to Stony Brook University Hospital.
- The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. Police said “no criminality is suspected at this time.”
- Ponquogue Avenue between Montauk Highway and Good Ground Road was closed for a time while officers investigated.
Police have not released the pedestrian’s name or condition, and the investigation is ongoing. We will not speculate about the cause; the facts above are only what police and local news have reported so far.
Case Today (212) 977-2020
Why Pedestrian Crashes Happen on Long Island Roads
Montauk Highway is one of the busiest east-west routes on the South Fork, carrying local traffic, commuters, delivery trucks and visitors. Intersections where drivers turn across pedestrian crossings are a common setting for serious crashes. A driver making a left turn has to watch oncoming traffic, signals and people in the crosswalk all at once, and a pedestrian can be hard to see behind a windshield pillar or in low sun.
Nationally, the problem remains serious. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that drivers struck and killed 7,148 people on U.S. roads in 2024. Although that number has dropped two years in a row, pedestrian deaths are still nearly 20% above 2016 levels. GHSA also found that SUVs, pickups and vans account for more than half of pedestrian deaths where the vehicle type was known. The federal NHTSA pedestrian safety program reminds drivers to look for pedestrians everywhere, especially at intersections and when turning.
Common factors in Long Island pedestrian crashes include:
- Drivers failing to yield while turning at intersections
- Distracted driving, including phone use
- Speeding on busy commercial roads and highways
- Poor visibility, glare and early sunsets in fall and winter
- Roads with limited sidewalks, crosswalks or pedestrian signals
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in New York
If you are a pedestrian hit by a car in New York, several layers of law may protect you. This is general information, not legal advice, and every case depends on its own facts.
No-Fault benefits. New York is a No-Fault insurance state. A pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle can generally make a No-Fault claim, usually through the vehicle’s insurance, for medical bills and some lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. No-Fault applications have strict deadlines, often 30 days from the accident, so it is important to act quickly.
The “serious injury” threshold. To recover compensation for pain and suffering beyond No-Fault, New York Insurance Law §5102(d) generally requires a “serious injury,” such as a fracture, significant disfigurement, or an injury that keeps you from your usual daily activities for 90 of the first 180 days after the crash.
Driver duties. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians and, in many situations, to yield to pedestrians who are lawfully in a crosswalk. Whether a driver violated these duties is a question for investigators and, if needed, the courts.
Comparative fault. New York follows pure comparative negligence. Even if an injured pedestrian is found partly at fault, they may still recover damages, reduced by their share of responsibility.
Deadlines. Most personal injury lawsuits in New York must be filed within three years of the accident. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years of death. If a town, county or other public entity may share responsibility, for example because of a dangerous road design or a government vehicle, a Notice of Claim is typically required within 90 days. Talking with a Long Island personal injury lawyer early helps protect these deadlines.
What To Do If You Get Hit by a Car
- Get medical care right away. Some serious injuries, including head trauma and internal injuries, are not obvious at first.
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is made. Ask for the report number.
- Gather information if you can. Get the driver’s name, insurance and plate number, plus contact information for any witnesses.
- Take photos. Photograph the scene, the crosswalk, traffic signals, the vehicle and your injuries.
- Look for cameras. Nearby businesses and homes may have video, which is often erased within days.
- Be careful with insurers. Do not give recorded statements or sign releases before getting legal advice.
- File for No-Fault benefits promptly and keep copies of all medical bills and records.
- Talk to a pedestrian accident attorney about your options before deadlines pass.
How Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group represents people hurt in pedestrian, car accident and other serious injury cases throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York City and Westchester. When we take a pedestrian case, we work to:
- Secure police reports, 911 records and surveillance video before it disappears
- Work with accident reconstruction and medical experts when needed
- Handle No-Fault paperwork and communications with insurance companies
- Identify every source of insurance coverage, including your own policy
- Prepare each case as if it is going to trial
You can read about our past case results and what clients say in our reviews. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. If a family has lost a loved one, our wrongful death lawyers can explain the family’s options with compassion.
If you or someone you love was hurt while walking on Long Island, a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group can review your situation for free. There is no fee unless we win. Contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer if the driver’s insurance is paying my medical bills?
No-Fault benefits cover only certain medical costs and part of lost wages, and they do not pay for pain and suffering. A Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer can help determine whether your injuries meet New York’s serious injury threshold and whether you have a claim against the driver.
What should I do if I was hit by a car while walking and the driver stayed at the scene?
Get medical care, make sure police document the crash, collect the driver’s insurance information and witness contacts, and file for No-Fault benefits promptly. Even when a driver cooperates and no charges are filed, the driver may still be civilly responsible for your injuries.
How long do I have to file a claim after a pedestrian is hit by a car in New York?
Most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years, and wrongful death claims generally within two years. No-Fault applications and claims against public entities have much shorter deadlines, sometimes 30 or 90 days.
How much does a pedestrian accident attorney cost?
Chaikin Trial Group handles injury cases on a contingency fee basis. Your consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win your case.
Conclusion
The Hampton Bays crash is a reminder of how vulnerable people on foot are at busy Long Island intersections. If you have been injured, you do not have to face the insurance companies alone. Speak with a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group for a free consultation. Learn more about the areas we serve or browse our FAQs.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.