New York City Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The road poses many kinds of risks for pedestrians. Drivers who choose to text, drink and drive, or ignore the rules of the road are common. No matter the type of pedestrian case you were involved in, Torgan Cooper + Aaron can provide the representation you require. Our New York City pedestrian accident attorney can represent you so that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you were harmed due to the fault of someone else, or if your loved one has sustained serious injuries, don’t wait; find reliable representation from a pedestrian accident lawyer you can trust.
How Can a New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help?
Accidents involving pedestrians are more common than you might think. While any type of accident can be devastating, pedestrian accidents pose a particularly significant risk; those who survive such accidents are often left with life-altering injuries that can stay with them for the rest of their lives.
A pedestrian attorney in New York City can help you recoup damages and get the compensation you need to cover hospital bills, lost wages, therapy, pain and suffering, property damage, and more. The main importance here is to determine fault and damages; a pedestrian accident lawyer will obtain medical exams, testimonies, evidence from the scene and other information to determine whether the driver’s negligence caused the accident and to what extent your life has been affected.
At Torgan Cooper + Aaron, we can deal with the insurance companies to get you the compensation you need, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contacting us as soon as possible after a pedestrian accident will allow us to advise you on the next steps right from the beginning of the process.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the outcome can be disastrous. These are some of the most catastrophic collisions on the road, as they involve the road’s most vulnerable users. A pedestrian can easily suffer life-changing injuries, including permanent disabilities that interfere with his or her ability to go to work and enjoy daily life.
Injuries that are often associated with pedestrian collisions include:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Cuts and scrapes
- Contusions
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Crush injuries
At Torgan Cooper + Aaron, we are passionate about helping victims with serious injuries recover the financial compensation that they need to move forward. Although we know that no amount of money can make up for a serious injury, we hope it can remove some of the stress involved with an accident by allowing you and your family to pay for related bills.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
Human error is the number one cause of vehicle-pedestrian collisions in New York City. Drivers can make many dangerous mistakes that increase the risk of pedestrian accidents, including failing to keep a proper lookout and speeding. At Torgan Cooper + Aaron, our New York City personal injury attorneys can investigate your pedestrian accident to determine causation.
Common driver-related causes of pedestrian collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Cell phone use behind the wheel
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Speeding in a school zone
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Drowsy driving
- Failing to yield to pedestrians
- Running red lights or stop signs
Some pedestrian accidents in New York City are caused not by driver mistakes but by a lack of safe infrastructure for pedestrian traffic. In this scenario, the city or state government responsible for maintaining safe roadways and sidewalks could be held financially responsible for your collision. Our New York City pedestrian accident attorneys can provide a comprehensive investigation of your pedestrian accident to determine its cause. Then, we can help you navigate New York’s injury laws to hold someone accountable.
New York Pedestrian Accident Laws
New York is one of only 12 states that use a no-fault insurance law. The purpose of this law is to quickly provide financial compensation to the victim of a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Although no-fault insurance can lead to a financial resolution more quickly than fault insurance, benefits are limited. If you hold a driver or another at-fault party accountable, on the other hand, you could recover greater financial compensation.
In New York, you can only file a lawsuit against someone for your pedestrian accident if your injuries meet any of the following standards:
- The cost of treating your injuries exceeds the driver’s bodily injury insurance policy limits
- Bone fractures
- Significant disfigurement or scarring
- Permanent loss or limitation of the use of a body organ, member, function or system
- A nonpermanent injury or impairment that interferes with daily activities for at least 90 days
- Dismemberment
- Loss of a fetus
- Loss of life
Many pedestrian accidents result in injuries to the pedestrian that qualify outside of New York’s no-fault insurance system. If you have grounds to hold a driver or another party liable, their insurance may pay for many of your current and future foreseeable losses. A local pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC can help you navigate the insurance system for maximum financial compensation.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident in New York City
If you get struck by a vehicle in New York City, stay calm and check yourself for injuries. Try to move to a safe place out of the road to prevent further collisions. If you feel back pain, numbness, tingling or cannot feel your legs, try not to move until paramedics arrive. You may have a spine injury that could be exacerbated if you move the wrong way. Call 911 to report the accident right away.
If you can, exchange information with the driver of the motor vehicle. If it was a hit-and-run accident, talk to eyewitnesses to gather information about the driver and vehicle that struck you. Otherwise, speak to the driver to get his or her name, address and insurance information. Take photographs of the scene of the accident and the car that struck you. Don’t worry if you’re too injured to gather evidence at the scene; an attorney can return for you to collect evidence.
Go to the hospital immediately for professional medical treatment. Delaying medical care is one of the most common reasons that insurance companies deny injury claims. Even if you don’t immediately feel injured, your adrenaline may be masking pain and symptoms. Next, call your own auto insurance company to make an initial claim. Finally, before you proceed with the insurance process, consult with an experienced New York City pedestrian accident lawyer about your legal rights.
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Pedestrian Accidents in New York?
Yes. A law called a statute of limitations places a deadline on filing accident and injury claims in New York. This deadline is three years for most auto accidents, including pedestrian collisions. If you are filing a claim on behalf of a loved one who died in a pedestrian accident, however, you will have two years from the date of your loved one’s wrongful death to file. With only some exceptions, if you miss the statute of limitations, you cannot recover financial compensation. This is why it is important to speak to a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible.
Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
A pedestrian accident lawsuit in New York can lead to financial reimbursement for many different expenses and losses you suffered in relation to the incident. A fair settlement or verdict can allow you to move forward with greater peace of mind about your future. You may be eligible for compensation for the following losses, and more:
- Medical expenses and hospital bills
- Lost wages and future capacity to earn
- Disability-related expenses (present and future)
- Physical pain and emotional distress
- Legal expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
- Damages related to the death of a loved one, in a fatal accident
- Punitive damages (damages as a punishment for gross negligence)
A pedestrian accident attorney in New York City can help you craft a comprehensive list of all of your losses to submit to the insurance company. Your lawyer will accurately evaluate your losses, then negotiate for just and full financial compensation from an insurance adjuster on your behalf.
Examples of Verdicts & Settlements We Have Obtained for Pedestrian Accidents
- $30.6 million dollar verdict for a child who was struck by a truck and caused traumatic brain injury
- $22 million dollar settlement for a woman who was struck by a truck and suffered brain damage and blindness
- $12 million dollar settlement for a woman who was struck by a truck and caused traumatic brain injury
- $9.5 million dollar verdict for a pedestrian who was struck by a taxi due to steam conditions on the street
Speak With a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New York City Today
Torgan Cooper + Aaron knows the pain and suffering that people go through when they’ve experienced an accident, especially at the negligence of someone else. From physical and emotional pain to loss of wages, we can make sure you can recover and that the party at fault is held responsible. Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers today to schedule a consultation. Our office proudly represents clients throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, and the surrounding NY areas.