Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, our pedestrian accident lawyers in Hudson pursue claims against drivers whose negligence injures people walking. We use thorough in-house investigations to establish fault and medical and financial records to document the compensation you can seek under New York law.
Our attorneys bring over 200 years of combined experience to preparing claims, negotiating with insurers, and representing clients in court. We explain your rights and the evidence supporting your case so you can make informed decisions.
Contact a Hudson personal injury lawyer for a free, confidential consultation.
Pedestrian Collisions on Hudson’s Streets and Waterfront
People walking between Warren Street’s shops and restaurants regularly cross intersections and pass vehicles entering or leaving parking spaces. A driver concentrating on a turn or an available space can overlook someone crossing. Our investigation examines both the pedestrian’s route and the driver’s opportunity to see and yield.
On Columbia Street, pedestrian movements around municipal parking areas can intersect with turning and backing vehicles. Near Henry Hudson Waterfront Park, accessible from Broad Street, we examine how vehicles approached people walking toward the riverfront and nearby destinations.
Our Hudson pedestrian accident attorneys use the location to guide the investigation. Crosswalk placement, parked vehicles, lighting, and sightlines can help explain a collision and test conflicting accounts. We also look for nearby cameras that may have recorded the approach and impact.
Who Has the Right of Way in New York?
Pedestrian right-of-way rules depend on the crossing and the traffic controls in place. We determine which rules apply before assessing whether a driver or pedestrian failed to follow them.
Crosswalks Without Operating Traffic Signals
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers generally must yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk when traffic signals are absent or not operating. Yielding can require slowing or stopping. Crosswalks can include unmarked crossings at intersections.
A pedestrian must not suddenly leave a safe place and enter the path of a vehicle too close to yield. Drivers also may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk to allow someone to cross.
Crossings With Pedestrian Signals
A steady WALK signal gives pedestrians the right of way to cross in the indicated direction. A flashing hand means you should not begin crossing, but someone who started on WALK may continue toward the sidewalk or a safety island.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys in Hudson examine signal timing and where you were when the signal changed. A flashing hand at the moment of impact does not necessarily show that you entered the roadway improperly.
Crossing Outside a Crosswalk
Pedestrians crossing outside a marked crosswalk or an unmarked intersection crosswalk generally must yield to vehicles. Drivers still have a duty to use reasonable care to avoid striking pedestrians. We assess both parties’ actions rather than treating the crossing location as the sole basis for the liability analysis.
How Our Hudson Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Investigate Your Claim
Shulman & Hill conducts thorough in-house investigations to establish how a collision happened and who can be held responsible. We compare the driver’s account, your recollection, and independent evidence.
Our work may include:
- Reconstructing movements: We examine impact locations, vehicle damage, photographs, and witness descriptions.
- Securing recordings: We request relevant business surveillance footage, dashcam footage, and any other available video.
- Reviewing the crossing: We document signals, markings, obstructions, lighting, and the driver’s view.
- Identifying defendants: We investigate vehicle ownership, employment relationships, and other potential grounds for liability.
- Documenting injuries: We gather medical findings, treatment recommendations, and evidence of work restrictions.
- Handling the claim: We communicate with insurers, evaluate settlement proposals, and prepare for litigation when needed.
A police report can help identify vehicles and witnesses, but it may not resolve disputed movements or signal timing. We seek the underlying evidence and explain how it affects the strength of your case.
What Happens if the Insurer Blames You?
An insurer may argue that you unexpectedly stepped into traffic, crossed against a signal, or were difficult to see. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Hudson investigate those allegations using the actual conditions and available records. We also examine whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to react.
New York changed its shared-fault rules for motor vehicle personal injury actions in 2026. For actions subject to Insurance Law Article 51 commenced on or after May 26, 2026, recovery is barred if your fault exceeds the combined fault of the defendants from whom you seek compensation.
When recovery is permitted, your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility. The insurer’s initial assessment is not a final determination. Evidence showing when you became visible and how much time the driver had to respond can help address disputed fault.
Compensation for Lasting Injuries and Financial Losses
Pedestrian collisions can cause fractures, brain injuries, spinal injuries, and lasting difficulty walking or working. We assess your treatment needs and recovery outlook before advising you about the value of a settlement offer.
Depending on the evidence and applicable law, your claim may include:
- Recoverable medical expenses beyond statutory basic economic loss.
- Future rehabilitation, assistive equipment, and necessary care.
- Lost income and reduced future earning capacity.
- Physical pain and limitations affecting daily activities.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Pain and suffering generally requires a qualifying serious injury under New York’s motor vehicle insurance law. Fractures and certain significant or permanent limitations can satisfy that definition. Qualifying excess economic losses may be recoverable without meeting the serious-injury threshold.
Deadlines for Pedestrian Injury Claims
Insurance and court deadlines operate separately. Written notice for no-fault benefits generally must be submitted within 30 days of the accident, subject to limited exceptions. Medical bills and lost-earnings claims have additional submission deadlines.
Most negligence lawsuits for personal injuries must be filed within three years. Claims against municipalities may require a notice of claim within 90 days and a shorter period for filing suit. We check the defendant, claim type, and any exceptions before calculating your deadlines.
You do not need to finish treatment before obtaining legal advice. A Hudson pedestrian accident lawyer can preserve evidence and protect filing dates while continuing to document your recovery. Settlement negotiations generally do not extend the time to sue.
Get Answers From a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Hudson
Shulman & Hill can review the collision, explain potential claims, and discuss how we would address disputed responsibility. Bring the information you have; we can identify additional records during the investigation.
We offer free, confidential consultations and contingency-based representation. Before you retain us, we explain the attorney’s fee, which is contingent on recovery, and how case expenses are handled.
Contact our team to arrange a consultation. We can also travel to meet with you when needed.
