New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Fighting for victims injured in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island
The most devastating traffic accidents that occur are often those involving pedestrians. A pedestrian who is struck by a moving vehicle is at great risk of sustaining serious injuries or death. Even if the vehicle is slow moving, a pedestrian or bicyclist can still sustain fractures and other severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries. The Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research reported that 14,723 pedestrians were injured and 308 were killed in New York State traffic accidents in 2023.
If you are a pedestrian and have been injured as a result of being hit by a car, bus, truck or motorcycle in a traffic accident, the pedestrian accident attorneys in New York at Rich & Rich, P.C. will investigate the facts and circumstances and pursue all possible avenues for recovery of financial compensation.
Causes of pedestrian accidents
Pedestrian accidents are commonly caused by motorists who:
- Fail to stop for red lights or stop signs
- Fail to look out for or yield to pedestrians on the roadway or in parking lots
- Make turns into the path of crossing pedestrians
- Speed through intersections, pedestrian walkways or parking lots
- Drive aggressively
- Are distracted or inattentive while driving
- Drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
The two most common causes for New York State pedestrian accidents in 2023 were failure to yield the right-of-way and driver distraction or inattention. These causes together accounted for 32 percent of accidents resulting in injury or death. Drug or alcohol abuse were factors in 30 percent. Other causes of pedestrian accidents may include defective or poorly maintained vehicles or vehicle parts, dangerous roadways and defective traffic control devices.
Liability for pedestrian accidents
A driver is negligent when they fail to use due care while operating their vehicle. If this causes them to strike a pedestrian in an auto accident, they may be liable to compensate the victim for injuries suffered. Damages in a pedestrian accident case may include past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of the enjoyment of life.
Essential to winning that compensation is the necessity of identifying the motorist at fault. If you or a family member is hurt in such an accident, obtain the license plate number of the vehicle and if possible the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle and the name of the insurance company providing coverage for the vehicle.
Defendants might allege that you were at fault. In New York, even if your own negligence contributed to causing the accident, you are still entitled to obtain damages, although they will be reduced in proportion to your own share of fault.
How a New York City pedestrian accident attorney can help
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will coordinate all aspects of bringing a damages claim. We will investigate the facts and circumstances concerning your pedestrian accident, identify all potentially liable parties and determine the best legal strategy to recover the maximum amount of compensation available. If a lawsuit is necessary, we use the court discovery process to obtain information and evidence helpful to your case. If the defendant’s insurer does not make a good faith settlement offer, we will fight aggressively in court for the damages you deserve.
Don’t wait. Contact Rich & Rich P.C. today.
The attorneys at Rich & Rich, P.C. have the expertise and resources to recover fair and adequate compensation for you or your loved one. We have locations in Manhattan and in Roslyn Heights on Long Island. Call 917-746-3358 or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.
