NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Fighting for Your Rights
Were you or a loved one hit by a car in New York City? Pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in NYC, with devastating consequences. If you've been injured as a pedestrian, you need an experienced legal advocate on your side.
At Veridian Legal, our NYC pedestrian accident lawyers have dedicated their careers to helping injured pedestrians get the justice and compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation.
Did You Know?
According to the NYC Department of Transportation, over 50% of all traffic fatalities in New York City involve pedestrians.
NYC Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian accidents are alarmingly common in New York City.
On average, more than 10,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents each year in NYC.
Pedestrians account for a disproportionate share of traffic fatalities, representing approximately 50% of all traffic deaths in the city.
Manhattan, with its high density of vehicles and pedestrians, consistently has the highest number of pedestrian accidents among the boroughs.
Source: NYC Department of Transportation
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
Many factors contribute to pedestrian accidents in NYC. Some of the most common causes include:
Distracted driving: Drivers using cell phones, texting, or eating while driving pose a significant risk to pedestrians. This is especially dangerous in congested areas like Times Square or Midtown Manhattan where pedestrian traffic is heavy.
Failure to yield the right of way: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections is a major cause of accidents, particularly in areas with complex traffic patterns like the Financial District or Herald Square.
Speeding: Speeding reduces a driver's reaction time and increases the severity of pedestrian injuries. This is a major concern on wide avenues and highways like the FDR Drive or the West Side Highway.
Drunk driving: Impaired drivers have reduced judgment and coordination, endangering pedestrians. Late nights and weekends often see an increase in alcohol-related accidents.
Running red lights and stop signs: Disregarding traffic signals puts pedestrians at risk, especially during rush hour when intersections are crowded.
Aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and other aggressive driving behaviors can lead to accidents. This is often a problem in areas with heavy traffic congestion.
Poor visibility: Low light conditions, bad weather, and obstructed views can increase the risk of accidents. Winter months, with shorter days and inclement weather, often see a rise in pedestrian accidents.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often result in serious and sometimes life-altering injuries due to the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to motor vehicles. These injuries can have a significant impact on your physical and emotional well-being, as well as your financial stability.
Here are some of the common injuries we see in pedestrian accident cases:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs occur when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. They can range from mild concussions to severe injuries causing permanent brain damage. Symptoms of a TBI can include:
Headaches
Dizziness
Confusion
Memory problems
Loss of consciousness [Learn more about traumatic brain injuries.]
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other serious complications. The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. [Learn more about spinal cord injuries.]
Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of impact in a pedestrian accident can easily cause broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries often require surgery, casts, and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding can occur when organs or blood vessels are damaged in an accident. It can be life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly.
Amputations: In severe cases, pedestrian accidents can result in the loss of limbs. This can have a devastating impact on a person's life, requiring extensive medical care, prosthetics, and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises). While they may seem less severe than other injuries, they can still cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require ongoing treatment.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Pedestrian accidents can cause visible scars and disfigurement, which can lead to emotional distress and self-consciousness.
It's important to seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Some injuries may not be apparent right away, and prompt medical care can help prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.
Damages You Can Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Case
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
Medical expenses (past and future): This includes hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and ongoing medical care.
Lost wages and lost earning capacity: You can recover compensation for wages lost due to your injuries and any reduction in your future earning ability.
Pain and suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
Emotional distress: This includes compensation for anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects of the accident.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you previously enjoyed, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged in the accident.
Wrongful death damages (in cases of fatal accidents): This can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support.
New York Pedestrian Laws and Driver Responsibility
New York law places a strong responsibility on drivers to exercise caution and yield the right of way to pedestrians. Some key laws include:
Right of Way at Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked. (NY VTL § 1151)
Pedestrians with Disabilities: Drivers must exercise extra caution around pedestrians with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or canes. (NY VTL § 1151)
Passing Stopped Vehicles: Drivers must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to allow a pedestrian to cross. (NY VTL § 1151)
Our attorneys have a thorough understanding of New York pedestrian laws and will fight to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if you're involved in a pedestrian accident in NYC:
Seek medical attention: Even if you don't feel seriously injured, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any internal injuries. You can find a list of nearby hospitals and urgent care centers on the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website.
Report the accident to the police: Get a copy of the police report, which will be important evidence in your case.
Gather information: Get the driver's name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well.
Preserve evidence: If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your property.
Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Types of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
Pedestrian accidents can occur in various ways. Some common types include:
Crosswalk accidents: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Intersection accidents: Accidents occurring at intersections, often due to drivers running red lights or stop signs.
Accidents involving bicycles or scooters: Collisions between pedestrians and bicycles or e-scooters are increasingly common in NYC. For information on bicycle safety and regulations in NYC, visit the NYC DOT's bike safety page.
Hit and run accidents: Drivers fleeing the scene after hitting a pedestrian.
Accidents in construction zones: Accidents occurring in construction zones due to altered traffic patterns and reduced visibility.
Accidents caused by poorly maintained sidewalks or roads: Trips, slips, and falls caused by uneven sidewalks, potholes, or other hazards. You can report hazardous road conditions to the NYC 311 service.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies After a Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident, you'll likely have to deal with insurance companies. This can be a complex and frustrating process. Insurance adjusters may try to:
Minimize the value of your claim.
Deny your claim altogether.
Pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer.
Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers know how to effectively negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights. We'll work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a lawyer. Here are some reasons why it's crucial to have experienced legal representation:
Dealing with complex legal issues: Pedestrian accident cases can involve complex legal issues, such as determining liability, navigating insurance claims, and understanding New York traffic laws.
Protecting your rights: An attorney can protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by insurance companies and other parties involved.
Maximizing your compensation: A lawyer can help you recover the full compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Reducing stress: Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be stressful. A lawyer can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Why Choose Veridian Legal as Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?
If you've been hit by a car in NYC, you need a skilled and experienced legal team to fight for your rights. Here's why you should choose Veridian Legal:
Proven Track Record: We have a strong track record of success in pedestrian accident cases. We've secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, helping them get the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
Experienced Trial Lawyers: Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury law and are skilled negotiators and litigators. We're not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary to get you the best possible outcome.
Client-Focused Approach: We understand that every case is unique, and we provide personalized attention to each client. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Compassionate and Supportive: We know that being injured in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience. We offer a compassionate and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your case and your concerns.
Free Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. There's no obligation, and you can get a sense of whether we're the right fit for you before making any decisions.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay any fees unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
Contact Our NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (212) 706-1007 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.