New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
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Content reviewed by: Alex Shulman
- Last updated: Oct. 09, 2024
With congested streets and high-traffic areas in New York City, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence. When somebody else’s negligence causes your accident and injuries, you may qualify to recover damages. A New York City pedestrian accident attorney at Shulman & Hill can help you fight for justice and demand compensation for your losses. Contact us to see how we can help with your pedestrian accident case.
Walking in New York City is more than just exercise or a leisurely stroll. It is an integral part of city life. New Yorkers walk to get to work and school, run errands, meet up with friends, visit local businesses, and more. However, busy streets and bustling activity in the city can create hazardous conditions that lead to pedestrian accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, an experienced New York City pedestrian accident lawyer with Shulman & Hill can help you take legal action. Recently, we secured $300,000 for a Manhattan client who was walking to his car in a private parking garage when a vehicle turned in and struck him. We have a proven history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.
We will walk you through the claims process and stand up for your rights in and out of court. As a New York law firm dedicated to serving our community, we take pride in defending the rights of injury victims. Schedule your free consultation with a skilled pedestrian accident attorney today.
Trust the New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Shulman & Hill
Shulman & Hill is a full-service personal injury law firm, and our attorneys proudly help hard-working members of our community claim the compensation they deserve when injured at little to no fault of their own. With decades of combined experience representing injury victims throughout the five boroughs, we understand your struggle and know what steps to take to seek maximum compensation for your damages.
Our multilingual staff and passionate attorneys prioritize the needs of each client, providing exceptional services and personalized representation. We focus on open communication and providing compassionate legal counsel throughout the claims process, ensuring you always know what’s happening with your case. Our award-winning legal team has been recognized by:
- American Academy of Attorneys, Top 40 Under 40
- Super Lawyers, Rising Stars
- The National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40
- Attorney and Practice Magazine, Top 10 Personal Injury Attorneys
With more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts recovered for our clients, we know what it takes to deliver results. Some notable case results include:
- $1,500,000 for a client who was rear-ended while in stop-and-go traffic and sustained injuries to their shoulders, lower back, and neck.
- $1,350,000 for a client involved in a head-on crash. Defendants heavily disputed liability and hired an accident reconstructionist to support their defense. As a result of the crash, our client suffered injuries to their clavicle and spine.
- $1,000,000 for a client who suffered neck injuries in a car accident. As a result of the impact of the collision, the client was forced to undergo neck surgery.
How an Attorney Can Help With Your Pedestrian Accident Case
New York City pedestrian accident cases are complex and can be overwhelming for victims who have no legal experience. Sadly, insurance companies often try to confuse or pressure injury victims to accept far less compensation than they are entitled to for their injuries and suffering.
Shulman & Hill will advocate for your family and fight for the financial support you need. We are here to make sure you know your full legal rights and leave no money on the table. When you work with our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers, here’s what you can expect from our team:
- Deep knowledge of New York pedestrian laws that can affect your case.
- Connections to valuable resources that can help you during your recovery.
- A full investigation of what caused the pedestrian crash and who is at fault.
- Collecting evidence to build your case, including witness statements and expert testimony.
- Calculating your full and fair compensation.
- Communicating and negotiating with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
- Representing you in court if your case needs to go to trial.
In some cases, immigrants and undocumented workers mistakenly believe they have no rights and must bear the burden of a pedestrian accident on their own. The truth is you do have rights, and you deserve to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence. We will stand by you every step of the way.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Shulman & Hill obtained a $2,500,000 settlement for a non-union laborer
Shulman & Hill obtained a $2,000,000 settlement for an immigrant laborer
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,600,000 settlement for a 53-year-old union bus driver
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,500,000 settlement for an undocumented day laborer
Shulman & Hill obtained a $1,500,000 settlement for a bus driver
Because pedestrians have little to no protection from the full force of an oncoming vehicle, they often suffer catastrophic and even fatal injuries. Some common injuries caused by pedestrian accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken and fractured bones
- Lacerations and bruises
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries (e.g., internal bleeding, organ damage)
- Burns and abrasions
- Amputations and disfigurement
- Psychological injuries (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, depression)
What Damages Are Available in New York City Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Pedestrians who are injured by a careless or reckless driver can claim both economic and non-economic damages. Examples of economic damages you may recover after a New York pedestrian accident include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Lowered future earning capacity
Non-economic damages cover the more subject aspects of your injuries and losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lowered quality of life
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you could also receive punitive damages. This form of damages is meant to punish defendants for egregious behavior. Though rarer than the “compensatory damages” listed above, punitive damages can significantly raise the value of your case. Our pedestrian accident lawyers will pursue punitive damages vigorously if they are available in your case.
Comparative Negligence in New York
What if you share some fault for your injuries? Under the comparative negligence rule at play in New York, pedestrian accident victims can still recover damages if they are partially to blame for the crash. However, the amount they receive will be proportionally reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident.
The at-fault party will fight hard to pin the blame on you. Our pedestrian accident attorneys are ready to push back harder. Don’t settle for less than your case is worth.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
Pedestrian accidents in New York are caused by several contributing factors, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor visibility
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Vehicle malfunctions
- Walking in prohibited areas
- Distracted walking
If a driver’s poor decisions led to your accident, speak with an experienced NYC pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys can help you take legal action against the responsible party and maximize your recovery.
Proving Liability in a New York City Pedestrian Accident Case
New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means you are required to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and claim damages through your own insurance policy, regardless of who was at fault. Personal injury protection covers medical expenses, lost earnings, and other economic losses up to $50,000 per person.
If you can establish that the driver caused the accident and that you exhausted your PIP coverage, you may also pursue compensation through their liability insurance. Minimum liability coverage in New York breaks down as follows:
- $10,000 for property damage for a single accident
- $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident
However, New York only allows you to sue for “personal injuries arising out of negligence in the use or operation of a motor vehicle” if you suffered a basic economic loss exceeding $50,000 or a “serious injury.” Our pedestrian accident lawyers can determine your eligibility to file a lawsuit.
Who Can Be Liable in a New York Car Accident Lawsuit?
Below are just a few parties who may be held responsible for the accident:
- Drivers – Motorists are the primary party held liable for pedestrian accidents. In accidents involving multiple vehicles, multiple drivers can be held partly responsible if their actions contributed to the incident.
- Vehicle owners – Even if they were not driving, vehicle owners can be held responsible for accidents caused by their vehicles under the principle of “negligent entrustment.”
- Employers of the driver – If the driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the accident, the employer might be liable under “vicarious liability.”
- Vehicle manufacturers – If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, manufacturers could be held liable under product liability laws.
- Government entities – Local governments are responsible for designing and maintaining safe roadways. They can be liable if poor road conditions cause the accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The statute of limitations for most New York personal injury claims is three years from the date of injury. Though exceptions sometimes apply, if you miss that deadline, you will most likely lose the chance to claim compensation. Consult a New York City pedestrian accident attorney to understand your rights and how you can move forward with your case.
New York City Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian injuries rank in the top 10 leading causes of hospital admissions and deaths in the state of New York. Every year, about 15,000 pedestrians are injured in auto accidents throughout the state, and 300 lose their lives.
In New York City, there were 886 pedestrians injured and 6 pedestrians killed in December 2023 alone. Brooklyn saw the most pedestrian accidents, with 284 injured and 1 killed. Queens had 274 pedestrian injuries and 2 fatal pedestrian accidents. Manhattan saw 144 injuries and 2 deaths in pedestrian accidents. The Bronx had 130 injuries and 1 death. Although there were no fatal pedestrian accidents in Staten Island that month, there were 54 pedestrian injuries.
Shulman & Hill Is Here to Help
As a community-centered law firm, we serve all five boroughs of New York City and are dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims seek justice. If you or a family member has been injured while walking, contact our New York pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation.