Introduction to Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in New York City, with thousands of pedestrians injured or killed each year. These accidents can occur anywhere, from busy streets in Manhattan to quiet neighborhoods in the Bronx. According to the New York City Department of Transportation, pedestrian accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the city. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek the help of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. A New York pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. With the help of a skilled pedestrian accident attorney, you can ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Us as Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New York?

• Experienced Legal Team: Our team of York pedestrian accident attorneys brings decades of combined experience handling pedestrian accident cases and personal injury claims. We understand the nuances of New York laws and state regulations, and we are relentless in advocating for the rights of injured pedestrians. Seeking legal guidance is crucial in navigating the complexities of pedestrian accident claims. From negotiating with insurance companies to taking cases to trial, we are skilled litigators who know how to build strong cases that stand up in court.
• Proven Results: We have recovered millions in compensation for our clients through favorable settlements and verdicts. Whether dealing with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other serious injuries, our law firm has consistently delivered results that reflect the full scope of damages our clients suffer. Our proven success demonstrates our ability to secure the financial resources our clients need for recovery. We have extensive experience handling cases in Long Island, ensuring that local victims receive the compensation they deserve.
• No Fees Unless We Win: Legal help should be accessible to everyone, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf. This ensures that you can focus on your medical treatment and recovery without the stress of upfront legal costs.
• Client-Focused Representation: Our law office is built on the values of empathy, communication, and integrity. We know how overwhelming it is to suffer injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. From the initial free consultation to securing a favorable settlement or trial outcome, we keep you informed and involved. We are committed to pursuing fair compensation and justice for every client we represent.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in New York

New York is a bustling urban environment with heavy foot traffic, especially in densely populated boroughs like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These areas are filled with intersections, busy streets, and a constant flow of vehicles and pedestrians. Unfortunately, the combination of high pedestrian volumes and congested roadways contributes to a significant number of pedestrian accidents each year. Reports from the New York City Department of Transportation and New York City Department consistently highlight the danger pedestrians face across the five boroughs.

According to recent data, thousands of pedestrians are injured annually in motor vehicle accidents throughout New York City. Pedestrian fatalities also remain a persistent concern, particularly in neighborhoods with inadequate traffic control measures or where traffic laws are routinely violated.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving, often involving smartphones or GPS devices
• Speeding in school zones, residential areas, or near crosswalks
• Failure to yield the right of way to pedestrians at intersections
• Running red lights or ignoring traffic signals
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (drunk driving)
• Reckless driving behavior or failure to adhere to traffic regulations
• Violations of New York City traffic rules, such as illegal turns or lane changes

Pedestrian accident victims often suffer serious injuries ranging from fractured or broken bones to life-altering conditions such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. These common injuries sustained in such accidents can result in ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and significant medical expenses. In severe cases, victims may face brain damage, permanent disability, or chronic pain, along with psychological trauma.

Many pedestrians injured in these accidents are left with not only physical pain but emotional and financial burdens as well. It is essential for victims to understand their rights and the legal options available to them to recover compensation and hold the at fault party accountable.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including distracted driving, negligent drivers, and reckless driving. In many cases, pedestrian accidents are the result of a combination of these factors. For example, a driver who is texting while driving may fail to stop at a traffic signal, striking a pedestrian who is crossing the street. In other cases, pedestrian accidents may be caused by poor traffic laws or inadequate traffic regulations. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to seek the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer who can help you determine the cause of the accident and pursue compensation from the responsible parties. A New York pedestrian accident attorney can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to support your claim.

Common Injuries

Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. In some cases, pedestrian accidents can even be fatal. Common injuries sustained by pedestrians include head trauma, internal organ damage, and facial disfigurement. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not appear to be seriously injured. A medical professional can assess any injury that may not be immediately apparent and provide the necessary treatment to prevent further complications. A pedestrian accident lawyer can also help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, including the cost of surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.

Your Rights as an Injured Pedestrian in New York

Under New York law, pedestrians have specific rights and protections designed to ensure their safety while navigating the city’s roadways. Motorists are legally obligated to exercise caution and adhere to traffic laws, particularly when approaching crosswalks, school zones, and intersections. When a negligent driver disregards these obligations and causes injuries, they may be held legally accountable.

Timely action is crucial in cases where a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, causing injuries. Delayed action can result in lost evidence, making it harder to gather the necessary proof to support your case.

Our law firm is committed to advocating for pedestrians injured by motor vehicle drivers who ignore traffic signals, speed limits, and other essential regulations. We provide comprehensive support to help our clients assert their rights and pursue justice. This includes:

• Filing pedestrian accident claims: Whether through a personal injury case or an insurance claim, we help ensure your case is positioned for success from the outset.
• Navigating New York’s no fault insurance laws: Understanding the complexities of no fault insurance is key to obtaining benefits such as medical coverage and lost wages.
• Pursuing a personal injury case against the at fault party: We investigate thoroughly, collect evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability.
• Securing compensation for long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma: We account for both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Every accident is different, and the legal strategy must be tailored to the specific facts of your case. Whether your pedestrian accident involved an oncoming vehicle, a bus struck pedestrian scenario, or a pedestrian knock in a crosswalk, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will help you build a strong case. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and, when necessary, litigate in court to hold the defendant driver accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available for Pedestrian Injuries

Our goal is to help you secure the maximum compensation possible for the injuries sustained and the losses you’ve endured as a result of your pedestrian accident. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers carefully evaluate every detail of your case to ensure that every aspect of your suffering—physical, emotional, and financial—is accounted for in your claim. Depending on the unique circumstances of your situation, you may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: This includes all medical treatment related to the accident such as emergency response, surgeries, hospital stays, diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scans), medications, follow-up care, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. We also account for future medical care you may require. Additionally, you can claim damages for medical bills and other related expenses.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you are entitled to compensation for that lost income. If you are unable to return to work or must change jobs due to your injuries, we also pursue compensation for future lost earnings and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Beyond your physical injuries, you deserve to be compensated for the mental anguish, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life you’ve experienced. We work to quantify these damages as part of your overall claim.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Many pedestrian accident victims are no longer able to participate in hobbies, social activities, or everyday routines they once enjoyed. This category of damages seeks to provide restitution for that loss.
• Wrongful Death: In the most tragic pedestrian accident cases where a loved one has been lost, we represent surviving family members in pursuing wrongful death claims. These claims may include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of consortium, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.
• Fair Compensation: This encompasses all other losses and ongoing hardships caused by the accident. Whether it’s home modifications due to permanent disability, psychological trauma like PTSD, or a decrease in life satisfaction, we ensure your claim reflects the full scope of the damage caused by a negligent driver.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in New York

If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, your actions in the immediate aftermath of the incident can greatly impact your recovery and the success of any pedestrian accident claims you may pursue. Here are the critical steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal cord injuries. Prompt medical care also creates a vital record of your injuries sustained, which will support your legal claim.
2. Call the Police – Request that law enforcement respond to the scene and file a formal report. A detailed police report from the New York City Department can document the accident scene, the driver’s behavior, and whether any traffic laws or signals were violated.
3. Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, including traffic signals, crosswalks, skid marks, and the motor vehicle that hit you. Capture your injuries, the vehicle’s license plate, and any visible road signs. Speak with witnesses and collect their contact information—witness testimony can be crucial in pedestrian accident cases.
4. Avoid Fault Admission – Refrain from making statements such as “I didn’t see the car” or “It was my fault” to the defendant driver or insurance companies. Even casual remarks can be used against you later during settlement negotiations or in court.
5. Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney – Contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer for a free consultation as soon as possible. A knowledgeable attorney can help you preserve evidence, communicate with the insurance companies, and ensure that your rights under New York law are protected. Speaking with a New York pedestrian accident lawyer early in the process can be key to building a strong personal injury case and pursuing maximum compensation. Our Manhattan office is easily accessible for clients seeking legal representation in New York City.

When pursuing a pedestrian accident claim, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced attorney who can navigate the complexities of your case and help secure adequate compensation.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be a challenging and frustrating experience, especially after a pedestrian accident. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim or offer a low settlement, hoping that you will accept it and go away. However, with the help of a pedestrian accident lawyer, you can ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve. A New York pedestrian accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process of dealing with insurance companies, including negotiating with adjusters, reviewing policy documents, and filing appeals. By working with a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer, you can level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected.

Investigation and Evidence

A thorough investigation is crucial in any pedestrian accident case. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and medical records. In some cases, a pedestrian accident attorney may also hire experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to help build a strong case. By gathering and preserving evidence, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help you prove the cause of the accident and establish the liability of the responsible parties. This can include proving that the defendant driver was negligent, reckless, or distracted, and that their actions caused the accident. With the help of a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer, you can ensure that you receive the maximum compensation available under the law.

Representing Injured Pedestrians Across All NYC Boroughs

Our team of experienced pedestrian accident lawyers proudly serves clients in all five boroughs of New York City:

• Manhattan – Known for its dense traffic and crowded sidewalks, pedestrian accidents here often occur at high-traffic intersections and near public transit hubs.
• Brooklyn – With its diverse neighborhoods and school zones, Brooklyn is a hotspot for pedestrian-related collisions, especially in areas with limited traffic control.
• Queens – As one of the largest boroughs, Queens experiences a significant number of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians in both residential and commercial districts.
• Bronx – The Bronx sees frequent pedestrian injuries in high-speed traffic areas and near busy thoroughfares such as the Grand Concourse.
• Staten Island – With less foot traffic but faster vehicle speeds, pedestrian accidents on Staten Island often result in serious injuries due to limited pedestrian infrastructure.

Our firm has extensive experience in handling cases involving serious injury from pedestrian accidents, ensuring that victims receive the representation they need.

We also represent clients throughout New York State, handling cases in both urban and suburban communities. Whether the pedestrian accident occurred on busy streets, in a marked crosswalk, near a school, or even in a parking lot, our legal team is prepared to help. We understand the local laws, traffic conditions, and common causes of pedestrian accidents across various jurisdictions, and we use that insight to build compelling legal claims for every client we represent.

FAQ: Answers from New York Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

How long do I have to file a claim in New York? Typically, you have three years from the accident date. Government vehicle cases require a Notice of Claim within 90 days.

What if I was partly responsible? Under New York law and New York City traffic rules, comparative negligence allows for compensation even if you share some fault.

What is my pedestrian accident case worth? Each case varies based on injuries sustained, severity (such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries), and insurance policies. Contact us for a free consultation.

Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in handling pedestrian accident cases in New York City. They are committed to client advocacy and achieving significant settlements and verdicts, showcasing their trial readiness and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.

Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New York Today

If you or someone close to you was involved in a pedestrian accident in New York, speak to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer now. We’ll provide guidance on how to pursue compensation and ensure the at fault party is held accountable.

Our firm has extensive experience in handling cases involving traumatic brain injury resulting from pedestrian accidents, emphasizing the severe consequences and the need for expert legal support.

Call now or fill out our online form for your free consultation.

Let our law office help you seek justice, favorable settlement, and the support you need to recover. Our law firm is here to support your case and help you navigate the complexities of New York law and New York pedestrian accident procedures.