New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The most common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Poor visibility
• Poorly marked crosswalks
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Taking unsafe turns
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Driving under the influence

The most common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Facial disfigurement
• Back and neck injuries
• Chest injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• Burn injuries
• Amputations

After sustaining injuries in a pedestrian accident, you may experience various long-term effects, depending on the type of injury. Long-term effects might include:  

• Balance problems 
• Breathing problems 
• Bladder control problems 
• Seizures 
• Nausea 
• Numbness 
• Paralysis 

These health conditions typically require prolonged treatment and medication, both at a high cost.  

Our pedestrian accident lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will fight on your behalf to secure a settlement that will support your medical needs long-term. 

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident:

• If your condition allows, move to a safe area away from the traffic
• Seek medical attention immediately — shock can mask serious internal injuries that can prove fatal if not addressed on time
• Call the police and file a police report, providing every detail you remember
• Exchange contact details with the driver that hit you, including their name, license plate number and insurance company
• Use photos and videos to document your bruises, ripped clothes or other accident site details
• Collect witness contact information
• Do not admit fault
• Contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney

The amount of compensation you will receive after being injured as a pedestrian in New York depends on various factors, including: 

• Your medical expenses after the accident 
• The effect your injuries have or had on your life 
• Your ability or inability to work after the accident 
• Your ability or inability to perform the same work duties as before the accident 
• The coverage limits of the at-fault driver’s car insurance policy 
• The mental and emotional trauma you sustained after the accident 

To seek compensation after a pedestrian accident in New York, you can use evidence such as: 

• Police accident reports 
• Medical records 
• Witness testimony 
• Camera footage 

At Spar & Bernstein, we will act on your behalf to collect all available evidence and solidify your case, to help you obtain a fair settlement for your injuries and losses. 

New York is a comparative negligence state, which means you can seek compensation for your losses or injuries even if you contributed to the accident. However, the percentage of your fault will be deducted from the amount of compensation you receive.  

For example, if your damages are estimated at $10,000 and you are found 40% at fault for the accident, your awarded compensation will be $6,000. 

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, our pedestrian accident lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will:

• Examine the details of your accident, speak to witnesses and gather evidence
• Identify who is at fault for the accident
• Discuss your case with injury experts to evaluate your injuries
• Seek compensation from all responsible parties
• Prepare and file your claim, observing legal deadlines
• Fight for your case in court if a settlement is not reached

At Spar & Bernstein, you only pay for our services when your case has been successfully resolved. The fee constitutes a percentage of the negotiated amount. 

To help you further, our initial consultation is free of charge. This allows you to seek professional legal advice, regardless of your financial standing. 

The most common areas where pedestrian accident fatalities occur include urban areas and roadway locations with no intersections, where vehicles can reach a high speed. 

The pedestrians that are at a higher risk for an accident include: 

• Children, due to inattention, unpredictable movement and lack of knowledge about road rules  
• Parents and/or care takers pushing strollers 
• Adults older than 65 years of age, due to mobility limitations, impaired vision or hearing loss 
• Pedestrians under the influence of alcohol and drugs, due to the inability to focus or accurately judge the situation 
• Pedestrians being distracted by their cell phones

Pedestrian accidents rank among the top 10 primary causes of fatalities and injury-related hospital admissions in the state of New York.  

Each year, there are approximately 15,000 pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents, over 3,000 pedestrians admitted to the hospital and 300 pedestrians killed, according to the New York Department of Health. 

These unfortunate statistics show that pedestrian accidents are not uncommon in New York. Timely professional legal advice is key for the successful outcome of your claim. 

Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will help you obtain fair compensation that will allow you to focus on your full recovery. 

To stay safe as a pedestrian in New York: 

• Cross only at intersections and designated crosswalks 
• Wait for the crosswalk signal after using a pedestrian pushbutton 
• Check for traffic on your left, right and over your shoulder before crossing 
• Use sidewalks 
• If there are no sidewalks, walk against the traffic so you can see approaching cars and drivers can see you 
• Do not text while crossing a road 
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing after dark and in poor weather conditions 
• Do not dart in front of approaching cars 
• Remember that due to their weight, trucks and buses need more time to stop compared to other vehicles 
• Keep an eye out for cars coming out of driveways and parking spaces 
• Educate your children about pedestrian safety