New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking is an attractive mode of transportation for many New Yorkers due to the city’s density, packed public transit system, and walkable neighborhoods.

However, with increasing traffic congestion and distracted drivers, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common in New York. Collisions involving pedestrians often result in serious injuries or fatalities because, unlike motor vehicle occupants, pedestrians have no protection from an accident.

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident due to someone else’s negligence, you must deal with significant medical bills, lost income from time off work, and physical pain and emotional distress.

This is where Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, steps in. Our team of experienced New York pedestrian accident lawyers stands ready to fight tirelessly for your rights and help you secure the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. We can explain your rights and legal options.

Our lawyers understand that no amount of money can truly compensate for the suffering caused by major injuries or the loss of a loved one; however, financial recovery can relieve some burdens associated with such devastating events.

How Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, Can Help

When you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, our New York personal injury lawyers are committed to supporting and guiding you through this difficult time.

Our New York pedestrian accident attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, have a proven track record of successfully representing clients in thousands of personal injury cases. We have secured millions in compensation for our clients and their families.

We understand that every case has unique circumstances and impacts on our clients’ lives. Our approach is personalized; we listen to your story and understand your specific needs and goals so as to develop an effective legal strategy tailored just for you.

We fight for fair compensation and ensure optimal medical care for our clients by working with healthcare providers regarding payment issues or even arranging expert consultations when needed.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers PA., we represent injured pedestrians on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us any fees unless we win your case. Our commitment lies in ensuring justice for victims of pedestrian accidents and helping them move forward.

Pedestrian Accidents Statistics in New York

With its bustling city streets and dense population, New York unfortunately sees a significant number of pedestrian accidents each year. A report by the New York State Department of Health reveals an average of 312 pedestrians are killed annually, while another 3,027 are hospitalized due to traffic-related accidents.

Furthermore, according to data released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in the first half of the most recent reporting year, there were an estimated 6,590 pedestrian fatalities nationwide; this constitutes a rise of over 5 percent from the previous year and is the most deaths in over three decades since national reporting began.

Alarmingly, New York state was reported to be among the top five states that accounted for nearly half (47 percent) of these fatal pedestrian accidents.

Those who have been injured in such incidents must seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we are dedicated to advocating for pedestrian accident victims and fighting for the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

With crowded sidewalks, busy intersections, and heavy traffic, New York City presents unique challenges for pedestrians. Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents result from negligent motorist behavior.

Here are some common causes:

• Distracted Driving: One of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents is distracted driving. Whether it’s texting while driving, changing music or GPS directions, or speaking on the phone, any distraction can cause a driver to overlook pedestrians and put them at risk for serious injury.
• Failure to Yield: Under New York law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. However, impatience or lack of attention often leads drivers to disregard these rules, causing severe accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to stop quickly or swerve if they see a pedestrian in their path. Moreover, accidents at high rates of speed tend to lead to more severe injuries.
• Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers pose an enormous threat to everyone on the road, including pedestrians. The slowed reaction times and impaired judgment caused by drunk driving often lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Regardless of the cause behind your accident as a pedestrian in New York, it’s essential that you seek legal representation immediately after a pedestrian accident occurs.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers PA., we understand how devastating these injuries can be, and we work tirelessly on behalf of our clients to secure fair compensation for their injuries.

The Legal Rights of Pedestrian Accident Victims in New York

Pedestrians injured in traffic accidents can pursue legal action against the responsible party or parties. Under New York law, you may be eligible for compensation if you can prove that a driver’s negligence caused your injuries.

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that regardless of who is at fault for an accident, your own insurance company should cover basic economic loss up to $50,000 under Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Basic economic loss includes medical bills and a portion of lost wages.

However, if you suffer serious injury as defined by New York law or your losses exceed $50,000, then you can step outside the no-fault system and bring a lawsuit against the negligent party. Serious injury could include significant disfigurement, fracture, permanent limitation of use of body organ or member, and other catastrophic injuries. 

It’s important to note that these cases can be complex and require thorough investigation and strong evidence. That’s why working with an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of New York’s traffic laws and personal injury claims is crucial to your recovery.

The team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, is here to guide accident victims through this complex process. We are committed to helping our clients understand their rights and work tirelessly on their behalf to secure just compensation.

Common Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Pedestrian accidents often lead to serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. The impact of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian can result in significant harm due to the sheer size and power of the vehicle compared to an unprotected pedestrian.

Here are some common types of injuries that such accidents may cause:

• Head and Brain Injuries: These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Brain injuries after a pedestrian accident may result in long-term cognitive difficulties, memory problems, or even permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves can cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the site of injury.
• Broken Bones: The force exerted by a car can easily break bones in the body. This often requires extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods.
• Internal Injuries: These might include damage to organs, internal bleeding, or ruptured blood vessels which could have life-threatening consequences if not detected and treated promptly.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These injuries involve damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, ranging from minor sprains to severe tears requiring surgical intervention.
• Psychological Trauma: Apart from physical harm, victims may also suffer psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
• Fatalities: Sadly, many pedestrian accidents result in fatalities due to the severity of collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles. If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatal pedestrian accident, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased. 

The team at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers PA understands how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating these injuries can be for victims as well as their families. We are committed to helping our clients seek rightful compensation for their injuries so they focus on recovery without worrying about legal complexities.

Compensation for Injured Pedestrians

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in New York, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation for your losses.

Here are some damages you can recover:

• Medical Expenses: You can claim compensation for all medical expenses associated with the injury, including hospital bills, costs of medication, physical therapy, surgeries, and any future medical expenses related to the injury.
• Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries have forced you to miss work or reduced your capacity to earn, you can seek compensation for lost wages and loss of earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. It covers all suffering from the time of the accident through to estimated future pain related to the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment: If your injuries affect your ability to enjoy daily activities or hobbies that you used to enjoy before the accident, you may be eligible for these types of damages.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one has died in a pedestrian accident, surviving family members may seek compensation through wrongful death claims. These could include funeral costs and loss of consortium/companionship, among other expenses.

Given the complexities involved in assessing these damages accurately, especially those based on future estimates like anticipated healthcare needs or long-term pain and suffering, victims need experienced representation to effectively assert their rights.

Our attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers PA are adept at handling such matters efficiently and ensuring our clients receive maximum compensation.

The Personal Injury Claims Process After a Pedestrian Accident

Following a pedestrian accident in New York, you may seek compensation for your losses.

Here’s an overview of the process for initiating such a claim with Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA:

• Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with our attorneys. This is usually free of charge and offers an opportunity to discuss your case, understand your legal options, and determine the best course of action.
• Investigation: If you decide to proceed, our team will begin investigating the incident. This involves gathering evidence such as police reports, surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and medical records.
• Filing an Official Claim: Based on the collected evidence and after assessing the full extent of your damages – both economic (like medical bills, lost wages, and more) and non-economic (like pain and suffering), we will put together a comprehensive claim detailing all aspects of your case.
• Negotiations: Once we file the claim, there is typically a negotiation period where we advocate on your behalf with insurance companies or opposing counsel to settle for the maximum possible compensation. Our experienced lawyers are skilled negotiators who won’t back down from fighting for what you deserve.
• Trial Preparation: If the other party refuses a fair settlement, we can take your case to court. We will work diligently to build strong arguments backed by solid evidence for trial.

How Long Does a Pedestrian Accident Case Take?

Remember that each personal injury case is unique, and timelines can vary depending on various factors, including the severity of your injuries or the complexity of liability issues involved.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers PA., we ensure thorough communication at every stage so our clients remain informed about their case progress.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations or the legal timeframe to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the accident date. If you fail to commence a lawsuit within this window, you may be unable to recover any compensation for your injuries.

However, certain exceptions might extend or shorten this timeframe. For example, this window can significantly decrease if you file a claim against a city or government entity in New York. 

These strict time limits highlight why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This allows ample time for investigation, evidence collection, and building a strong case.

Start Your Legal Journey With Dolman Law Group, Today

While financial compensation can’t undo the pain and suffering caused by pedestrian accidents, it can certainly help ease some of the burden associated with recovery.

At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers PA., we are dedicated to fighting for justice for accident victims in New York.

Our experienced team is adept at navigating complex legal processes, understanding insurance policies, and obtaining maximum compensation for our clients.
To discuss your situation with one of our skilled attorneys today, reach out via our online contact form or call us directly at (718) 550-3471.