Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle in Manhattan, the injuries are often immediate and severe. You may be dealing with broken bones, head trauma, or surgery within hours of the crash.
At the same time, insurance adjusters may begin calling, asking for statements or offering quick settlements that do not reflect the seriousness of your condition.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Manhattan can step in to protect your rights before costly mistakes are made. At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we serve as your Manhattan personal injury lawyer when a negligent driver turns your life upside down.
With over $1 billion recovered for injured clients, we have the experience and resources to handle serious pedestrian injury claims against individuals, commercial drivers, and corporate insurers.
Do You Have a Strong Pedestrian Accident Case?
One of the first concerns people have is whether they actually have a valid claim. In New York, drivers owe a duty of care to pedestrians. That duty includes following traffic signals, yielding at crosswalks, and exercising caution in busy urban areas.
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1151 requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk when traffic control signals are not in place. Violations of this statute can significantly strengthen a personal injury case.
Even if you were not inside a marked crosswalk, you may still have a claim. As a pedestrian accident attorney in Manhattan, we examine the full context of the crash, including driver speed, distraction, road design, and surveillance footage.
What if the Driver Says You Were at Fault?
It is common for drivers and insurance companies to argue that a pedestrian crossed against the light or stepped into traffic unexpectedly. New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, although your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
As a pedestrian accident lawyer in Manhattan, we know how insurers attempt to shift blame onto injured pedestrians. We review traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to challenge unsupported allegations and present a clear account of what happened.
How Much is a Pedestrian Accident Case Worth?
The truthful answer is that pedestrian accident claims in Manhattan can vary significantly in terms of value. Some claims might settle for tens of thousands of dollars. Others, especially those involving permanent disability or traumatic brain damage, might be worth six or seven figures.
The value of a pedestrian accident claim in Manhattan depends on a number of key factors:
- The severity of the damage: Permanent damage, such as damage to the spinal cord, the brain, or multiple bone fractures, increases the value of the claim significantly.
- The duration of the recovery: The longer the individual cannot work, the higher the value of the claim.
- Future medical treatment: Requiring ongoing treatment, surgeries, or care raises the value of the claim.
- The insurance coverage: Commercial vehicles and corporate insurance policies often provide higher coverage limits than individual drivers.
For example, a pedestrian who suffers a broken leg and recovers fully may see a different outcome than someone who sustains a traumatic brain injury with lasting cognitive impairment. The long-term consequences matter more than the initial emergency room bill.
As a pedestrian accident attorney in Manhattan, we do not guess at value. We work with medical providers and financial experts to understand the full scope of your losses before negotiating with insurance companies. Accepting a settlement too early can mean leaving significant compensation unclaimed.
Who Pays for Your Injuries?
In New York, no-fault insurance generally covers initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, serious injury cases often qualify to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a full personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
As a pedestrian accident attorney in Manhattan, we determine whether your injuries meet the serious injury threshold. If they do, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for pain and suffering and other damages not covered by no-fault benefits.
Identifying all available insurance coverage is critical, especially when commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers, or delivery companies are involved.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
The steps you take after a crash can affect your claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
If possible, you should:
- Call the police: Ensure an official report is created.
- Seek immediate medical care: Document injuries as soon as possible.
- Preserve evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle, and visible injuries.
- Avoid detailed insurance statements: Do not provide recorded statements without legal guidance.
When you contact our pedestrian accident law firm in Manhattan, we begin investigating immediately. We secure police reports, obtain surveillance footage, and communicate directly with insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Manhattan Today
Being struck by a vehicle can leave you physically injured and financially uncertain. The decisions you make in the first days and weeks after the crash can have lasting consequences.
At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we bring over 200 years of combined experience to serious personal injury litigation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney in Manhattan. Let us explain your options, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.