In New York, traffic signals, signs, crosswalks, and laws are designed to protect pedestrians. However, thousands of people suffer serious pedestrian injuries throughout the state each year. At James Alexander Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys in central New York know that the consequences of these injuries can be life-altering, leaving victims and their families physically, emotionally, and financially drained. Here, we explain how pedestrian accidents happen, common types of injuries, and how our central New York injury lawyers can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Intersections and Crosswalks: High-Risk Zones for Pedestrians
Crosswalks and intersections are designed to facilitate the safe and orderly flow of pedestrians and traffic. However, these areas are often busy and may be chaotic, which can lead to serious pedestrian injuries and accidents.
According to the New York State Department of Health, nearly 300 pedestrians are killed and 15,000 are injured by motor vehicles each year. Most of these pedestrian accidents occur at intersections. Some common factors that often contribute to pedestrian injuries include:
- Turning vehicles that fail to yield
- Obstructed views of pedestrians
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Aggressive driving
- Inclement weather or poor visibility
- Defective or poorly timed pedestrian signals
- Unmarked crosswalks
If you’re a pedestrian, it’s vital to pay attention to your surroundings, even when you have the right of way, as you are still at risk of being hit by reckless or distracted drivers.
Common Pedestrian Injuries
Because they have no protection surrounding them, a pedestrian’s body absorbs the full impact in a motor vehicle accident. Even collisions at low speed can cause a pedestrian to be thrown into the air and result in serious injuries, especially in accidents involving large trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in central New York often handle cases involving injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck, back, shoulder, and knee injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Road rash and lacerations
- Amputation
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD and anxiety
Many of these pedestrian injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s quality of life and leave them unable to work or do things they used to enjoy. Costly medical treatment, rehabilitation, home care, and other injury-related expenses can also put victims and their families in a precarious financial situation.
In some cases, pedestrian accidents are fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one, our central New York pedestrian accident attorneys can evaluate your case and determine whether a wrongful death claim may be appropriate for your circumstances.
New York Pedestrian Accident Laws
In New York, pedestrians are given strong protections under state and local law. However, everyone has a legal obligation to follow the rules for safe driving and walking.
Right-of-way laws – When a pedestrian is crossing the street at an intersection or crosswalk, drivers must yield. If a motorist fails to do this and someone gets hurt, they may be liable for damages.
Comparative negligence – New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if a pedestrian was partially at fault, they may still recover damages. However, any settlement or award they receive will be reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of fault. Applying the comparative negligence rule is complicated. Having an experienced pedestrian accident attorney familiar with state and local law is a must to ensure your rights and interests are protected.
Statute of limitations – Generally, injury victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in New York. If a government agency is involved, certain processes must be followed to file a claim, which significantly shortens the three-year deadline. For example, if a pedestrian accident occurred due to a fall on an uneven or damaged crosswalk, a notice of claim must be filed with the municipality within 90 days of the incident.
Navigating the legal nuances of pedestrian accidents without an experienced injury lawyer can be daunting, especially when you’re trying to recover. Our pedestrian injury attorneys handle all aspects of your case, keep you informed about what’s going on every step of the way, and aggressively pursue all possible sources of compensation, including any supplemental insurance that may be available.
Why You Need an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New York
Insurance companies often try to shift blame, minimize payouts, or pressure injured victims into accepting a quick settlement that may not even cover all their medical bills. Having a seasoned injury attorney by your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Do not give a statement, sign anything or accept a settlement from an insurer without discussing your case with a pedestrian accident attorney first. Our injury lawyers know how to accurately value your claim, handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies, and know how to counter the underhanded tactics they employ.
Conducting a Thorough Investigation
Thorough investigation and the collection of relevant evidence are vital to any pedestrian accident claim. Our local, family-owned law firm has handled these types of cases for decades and has the resources and knowledge necessary to build solid claims. Our team will:
- Investigate the scene of the accident and gather evidence such as traffic and surveillance camera footage, police reports, and witness statements.
- Work with respected, qualified experts, including accident reconstructionists and health care professionals to prove how an accident happened and the severity of your injuries.
- Correctly calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical bills, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Negotiate with insurers to reach a fair settlement agreement or take your case to trial if necessary.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in central New York have a proven record of success helping victims recover significant compensation for their injuries. We know how to build effective legal strategies and solid cases that get results for our clients. Each case is unique, and we provide the personalized legal representation you need and deserve.
No Fee Unless We Recover Compensation
Many victims wonder how they’ll afford an injury lawyer after a pedestrian accident in New York. Our injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free – if we win your case our fees come out of any settlement or verdict you receive.
With decades of legal local experience, extensive knowledge of New York law, and a strong track record of positive results for our clients, our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you find the justice you deserve and allow you to focus on healing.
Contact Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Central New York
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, our compassionate, tenacious team at James Alexander Law is here for you. With two convenient locations in East Syracuse and Rochester, we serve personal injury clients in central New York, the Southern Tier, and surrounding areas. To schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident attorney near you in New York, contact us, call 1-800-529-1333, or use the chat feature on our website to get in touch.
