Parades and street closures are common events in cities around the world, but these festivities, while enjoyable, can be dangerous for pedestrians. Pedestrian accidents can result from crowded conditions, poorly designed detours, and the interaction between pedestrians and vehicles during these temporary disruptions. If you’ve been injured during such an event, it’s essential to know your rights and how to pursue a claim against the responsible parties, including cities and transit agencies.
Introduction: Why Parades and Street Closures Can Be Risky for Pedestrians 
Parades are significant cultural events, celebrated by cities to mark national holidays, historic moments, or even local milestones. From St. Patrick’s Day parades to festive street fairs, these events draw thousands of people to participate in the celebrations. However, parades and street festivals often involve street closures, creating a unique set of risks, particularly for pedestrians. Navigating crowded streets, detours, and obstructed pathways can lead to accidents that result in injuries. Whether it’s a fall due to an improperly marked sidewalk or a collision with a vehicle, these risks can cause long-term harm to those caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In this blog, we will delve into the various ways pedestrian accidents can occur during parades or street closures and how pedestrians can file claims against local authorities or transit agencies for their injuries. Understanding how liability works in these cases, the types of claims that can be pursued, and the legal processes involved is crucial for ensuring that victims get the compensation they deserve.
The Common Causes of Pedestrian Injuries During Parades and Street Closures
Parades and festivals may involve street closures for safety reasons, but these measures can inadvertently create hazardous environments for pedestrians. While these events are typically designed with safety in mind, there are several factors that can lead to serious injuries. Understanding these common scenarios can help you better assess your legal options if you’ve been injured during such an event.
1. Tripping or Falling Due to Poorly Marked Detours
When streets are closed for parades, pedestrian pathways are often rerouted to ensure the safety of participants. However, if the rerouted paths are not clearly marked or are poorly maintained, pedestrians may find themselves walking through unsafe or unfamiliar areas. Uneven sidewalks, unexpected obstacles, or a lack of barriers can result in trips and falls, especially in poorly lit conditions or during bad weather. Injuries resulting from these falls can include broken bones, sprains, head injuries, and more severe trauma.
For example, during a parade, a city may set up temporary barriers to control crowd movement. However, if these barriers are not properly secured or if detour signs are unclear, pedestrians may walk directly into the path of moving vehicles or stumble over misplaced objects.
Benjamin J.
Andrews
Partner
Robert
Maranto
Partner
Tom
Kotrys
Partner
Robert J.
Maranto, III
Attorney
Thanon
Rezvi
Attorney
2. Collisions with Vehicles in Closed-Off Streets
In some cases, parade routes still allow certain vehicles, such as buses or emergency vehicles, to pass through, especially if the parade stretches over several blocks. When vehicles are allowed to navigate through or near crowded streets, there is an inherent risk of collision with pedestrians. This is especially dangerous for those who may be unaware that traffic is still flowing in certain sections of the parade route.
For instance, transit buses may be directed to bypass roadblocks, leaving pedestrians vulnerable to being hit. In cases like these, the responsible transit agency or local authorities may be held liable if they fail to provide adequate warnings or redirect traffic properly to prevent such accidents.
3. Blocked Sidewalks and Inadequate Walkways
Parades and street festivals typically attract large crowds, and when these events cause street closures, pedestrians often have to use detours to continue walking. These detours may not always be designed to accommodate large numbers of people. Inadequate walkways, blocked sidewalks, or narrow pedestrian paths can create bottlenecks, forcing pedestrians into unsafe areas. When people are forced to walk on the streets or crowded pathways, the risk of being hit by a vehicle, falling, or getting trapped in dangerous situations increases.
Additionally, people with disabilities, elderly pedestrians, and children are especially vulnerable when street closures lead to blocked sidewalks and insufficient space for safe navigation.
The team is very personable, patient and empathetic with their clients. They are upfront with you and will explain the entire process with you, they never lead you to believe otherwise, they tell you like it is and will not sell you a million dollar dream. Trust in Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC, they work for you and he looks out for your best interest.”
- Jane D.
4. Crowd Control Failures
Crowd control is one of the most important elements of managing large public events like parades. Without proper organization, the crowd can become chaotic, which increases the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. For example, in situations where there is a lack of security personnel, barriers, or enforcement, pedestrians may be jostled into dangerous areas like moving traffic or into large groups that may cause them to lose their footing.
In the absence of proper crowd control measures, injuries such as sprained ankles, broken bones, or even life-threatening incidents like trampling may occur. Cities and event organizers have a duty to implement these safety measures, and failure to do so can lead to liability in case of an accident.
Can You File a Claim Against the City or Transit Agency for Pedestrian Injuries?
If you’ve been injured while walking in an area closed for a parade or other event, you may be wondering who is responsible and if you can file a claim for your injuries. In many cases, the city or a transit agency may be at fault if their negligence contributed to your accident. Here are some legal options available:
1. Negligence Claims Against the City or Local Authorities
When a city or local government organizes an event such as a parade, they assume responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for all pedestrians. If they fail to adequately plan for pedestrian safety—such as by neglecting to post clear signs, erect barriers, or redirect traffic safely—they can be held liable for any injuries that occur due to their negligence.
For example, if the city fails to remove ice or debris from sidewalks that pedestrians are rerouted onto, and someone falls and gets injured, the city may be held accountable for failing to keep the detoured path safe.
Related Videos
Should I Take The First Settlement Offer?
Steps to File a Personal Injury Claim
2. Government Immunity and Exceptions
While government entities are often protected by a concept called “sovereign immunity,” which shields them from lawsuits, this immunity is not absolute. In cases involving negligence where the city or transit agency’s actions fall below the standard of care expected, exceptions can apply. For example, public authorities may be liable if they failed to provide adequate warning signs or created a hazardous condition that could have been reasonably avoided.
It’s crucial to consult an attorney familiar with personal injury claims against government entities. An experienced lawyer can help determine if an exception to sovereign immunity applies in your case.
3. Claims Against Transit Agencies for Involvement in Pedestrian Injuries
Transit agencies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles operate safely and do not put pedestrians at risk. If a bus, trolley, or other public transit vehicle causes a pedestrian accident during a parade or street closure, the agency may be held liable for the injury. Claims against transit agencies typically involve issues such as failure to stop in time, failure to properly navigate a crowd, or negligence in vehicle operation.
In cases where pedestrians are injured by transit vehicles during an event, victims can file personal injury claims for compensation, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Injury During a Parade or Street Closure
If you or a loved one has been injured during a parade or street closure, there are several steps you should take to protect your rights and pursue a claim:
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to get a medical evaluation to rule out any serious underlying issues such as concussions, internal injuries, or fractures. Seeking immediate medical attention also helps document your injuries for legal purposes.
2. Document the Scene of the Accident
If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, including any obstacles, poor signage, barriers, or other factors that may have contributed to your injury. Gathering witness statements from others at the scene can also help establish liability.
3. Notify Event Organizers and Authorities
Make sure the event organizers, local police, or the transit agency involved are notified about the accident. This can help create an official record of the event and aid in your claim process.
4. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Filing a claim against a government entity or transit agency can be complex, and time is of the essence. Most personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, meaning you must file your claim within a certain time frame. Contacting an attorney experienced in handling personal injury claims against public entities ensures that your case is handled properly and that your rights are protected.
Verdicts & Settlements
5. File a Notice of Claim
In many cases, particularly when dealing with government entities, you will need to file a formal notice of claim before you can pursue a lawsuit. This notice must be filed within a specific time period, often 90 days from the incident.
Parades and street closures are intended to celebrate and bring communities together, but they can also present serious risks to pedestrians if safety measures are not adequately enforced. Whether you’ve been injured in a fall, a collision with a vehicle, or by another hazard during a public event, it’s essential to know your legal rights. If you’ve been injured, filing a claim against the city or transit agency can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury during a parade or street closure, Andrews, Bernstein & Maranto, PLLC can help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.