Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
A pedestrian accident in the Bronx can leave you juggling severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost time from work, and stress. At Shulman & Hill, we understand the challenges accidents bring. Our trusted Bronx pedestrian accident lawyers are committed to providing the comprehensive support that injured New Yorkers need.
With a proven track record of success, Shulman & Hill helps local accident victims recover the maximum compensation available for their losses. For example, we recovered $300,000 for a Bronx family after their 11-year-old child was struck by a car while playing in front of their mother’s house. The driver’s inattention resulted in serious injuries to the child, and we successfully secured the full tender of the policy for the family. In another case, we recovered the full policy tender of $100,000 for a 61-year-old client in Westchester County who was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street, resulting in multiple injuries.
Our experience in the local Bronx community and our multilingual support help each client feel understood and valued. Let our exceptional Bronx personal injury lawyers guide you through the legal process as we advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure a favorable settlement or verdict.
Shulman & Hill: Your Trusted Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in the Bronx
Choosing the right Bronx pedestrian accident lawyers is crucial. At Shulman & Hill, we are deeply committed to our clients and have a history of remarkable results. Here are three reasons why our Bronx clients have chosen us:
- Proven track record of success: We have recovered over $700 million for thousands of deserving clients. We consistently demonstrate our ability to secure impressive settlements and verdicts. Our decade-long service to the Bronx community illustrates our dedication to justice. We have worked tirelessly to obtain fair and just compensation for pedestrian accident victims and other injured New Yorkers.
- Multilingual support reflecting community diversity: Understanding the diverse nature of the Bronx, we pride ourselves on our multilingual support. Our inclusivity helps all our clients receive compassionate and effective legal representation. This is just one example of our commitment to serving every community member with dignity and respect.
- Prestigious recognitions and awards: At Shulman & Hill, our excellence has not gone unnoticed. Firm founder Alex Shulman has been a consistent presence in New York Super Lawyers—an honor reserved for the top 5 percent of lawyers in the state—and has earned a spot in the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. These accolades reflect our firm’s dedication to legal excellence and advocacy.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
New York City’s Vision Zero program has implemented a pedestrian safety action plan. While pedestrian fatalities have increased by 50 percent nationwide, in New York City, fatalities have declined by 10 percent between 2014 and 2022. However, 119 pedestrians were killed in New York City in 2022. While this represents the fourth-lowest year on record, it is still too high.
Common causes of pedestrian accidents include negligent behavior such as the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failing to follow traffic signs and signals
- Impaired driving
- Disregarding pedestrian right of way
Awareness of these common causes can help you protect yourself and your loved ones while walking through the Bronx. Our dedicated Bronx pedestrian accident attorneys are here to support you in the unfortunate event of a pedestrian accident.
Damages Available in Bronx Pedestrian Accidents
After a pedestrian accident in the Bronx, you may be curious about your options for recovering damages and whether legal action is in your best interest. Understanding the damages available to victims of pedestrian accidents can help you make a more informed decision.
You may be eligible to claim three types of damages:
- Economic damages are those that are measurable and fairly easy to quantify. They reimburse you for medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
- Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible effects on your life, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages are given sparingly by the courts but can be significant when justified. These awards punish particularly inexcusable behavior and discourage it from happening again.
What if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
New York courts follow a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if you contributed to your accident, you may still be eligible to recover damages.
The court will determine your percentage of fault, and so long as it does not find you 100 percent liable for your accident, you will be eligible to recover. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if your damages totaled $100,000 and the court found you 60 percent responsible, you would be eligible to recover $40,000.
How a Pedestrian Accident Law Firm in the Bronx Can Help
After a pedestrian accident, securing the right legal assistance is key. At Shulman & Hill, we use a comprehensive approach to support your claim effectively. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, our attorneys may engage in the following techniques:
- Security camera footage retrieval: We conduct thorough investigations to retrieve any surveillance camera footage capturing the incident, focusing on angles that clearly show the critical moments leading up to, during, and immediately after the accident. This process includes analyzing traffic cameras and security devices from nearby businesses and intersections.
- Site inspection: Our team undertakes on-site investigations to gather evidence such as skid marks, crosswalk analysis, traffic signal operation, and road conditions.
- Electronic data collection: We seek electronic data from the involved vehicle, which can provide critical insights into the driver’s speed, brake application, and steering before the collision.
- Shrewd legal collaboration: Depending on the vehicle that struck you, we will collaborate with our internal car accident lawyers, truck accident lawyers, or motorcycle accident lawyers for a comprehensive and balanced approach to your claim.
We are committed to offering personalized legal representation for victims of pedestrian accidents. Our detailed, evidence-focused approach meticulously prepares every aspect of your case to prove fault in even the most challenging pedestrian accident claims.
What to Do After a Bronx Pedestrian Accident
Following your pedestrian accident, taking immediate and informed steps can significantly impact your ability to secure just compensation. Following an incident, you should:
- Seek medical attention: Have a doctor examine you immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Not only will this aid your recovery from any injuries, but it will also create an important record documenting the accident.
- Report the accident: A police report creates an official record and can provide vital information that can help your case.
- Gather evidence: If you can, take photos and videos of the scene. Document the conditions as best as possible, noting all traffic signs and signals, vehicle positions, skidmarks, debris, and any other relevant information.
- Collect witness information: Witnesses can offer objective and credible perspectives on the accident to bolster your claim.
- Consult a Bronx pedestrian accident attorney: As soon as possible, speak with a lawyer. They can provide critical advice and get started with building a strong claim.
How Soon Should You File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
It is important to file your claim as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance to receive just compensation for your damages. Starting a claim earlier will preserve critical evidence and keep the details fresh in witnesses’ minds.
You must file your claim within the statute of limitations, or the court will likely dismiss your case. In most cases, you must file suit within three years of your accident date. There are some exceptions, but you shouldn’t count on them applying. Contact a pedestrian accident attorney in the Bronx as soon as possible to ensure you meet the applicable deadline.
Settlement Offers in Bronx Pedestrian Accident Cases
After a pedestrian accident, you may receive a settlement offer from the other party’s insurance company. Approach such offers cautiously. Insurance companies are businesses with an incentive to pay out the least amount of money possible. Therefore, initial proposals often fall short of covering the full extent of your expenses and future recovery costs. Accepting an offer too quickly can jeopardize your ability to recover future medical care and lost wages.
Our experienced Bronx pedestrian accident lawyers will review any settlement offers to verify that they reflect the true value of your claim. Our lawyers will negotiate for a fair compensation package. If negotiations fail to yield an acceptable offer, your attorney will take your case to court to fight for compensation.