New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The streets and sidewalks of a bustling urban area like New York City are filled with pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of accidents. If you are a pedestrian injured in an accident, you need an experienced attorney to represent your interests.

At Gregory Spektor & Associates, P.C., our experienced New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers passionately represent victims of such accidents. Our accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process and battle on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today to set up a FREE consultation.

How Can A New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help You?

If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to contact our experienced legal team as soon as possible. Early intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Having a skilled attorney on your side can make several areas less stressful:

• Case Evaluation: During your initial consultation, we will analyze your case based on our vast knowledge of New York traffic laws. After learning the details of your accident, we will advise you of your rights, lay out your options, and recommend the best way forward. It’s important to us that you understand and are empowered by your rights and options.
• Evidence Gathering: If we decide to move forward with your case, we will interview witnesses, collect accident reports, and gather other types of evidence. Our legal experts will work tirelessly to build the strongest case for you., ensuring you feel secure and supported throughout the process. 
• Assessing Damages: Our dedicated lawyers will consider the immediate expenses and the long-term impact of the accident on your life. They will consider future medical treatment, the effect of injuries on your ability to work, and other consequences of the accident. Our team will ensure you are fairly compensated by assessing the full extent of the damages.
• Negotiating: Negotiating a fair and adequate settlement is a very specific skill, one that our New York personal injury lawyers have perfected over the years. You can trust in our expertise to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Who’s Liable for My Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident in New York?

The determination of who is liable in a pedestrian accident often hinges on the concept of negligence. Negligence is the failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances, where a duty of care is owed (and drivers owe other drivers a duty of care). So, if a driver fails to exercise this level of care, disregards pedestrian safety, and causes injuries, they can be held liable. Even if, as a pedestrian, you were also negligent, you are not barred from pursuing a pedestrian lawsuit under the doctrine of comparative negligence. Instead, your award will be reduced in proportion to your negligence, ensuring a fair outcome.

At Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C., one of our New York pedestrian accident attorneys will analyze your case’s facts to determine who is liable. 

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents are far too common in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Being hit by a car is one of the most traumatic things someone can experience. There are various causes of these accidents; below are some of the most common:

• Driver Inattention/Distraction—Distracted driving is any activity that takes attention away from the task of driving. This causes drivers not to notice pedestrians and disregard their safety, leading to accidents.
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way– Failure to yield right away occurs when a pedestrian or driver proceeds without having the right to proceed. The party that fails to yield is usually the one at fault. 
• Pedestrian Error/Confusion– Apedestrian may cross a roadway improperly. This can occur when a pedestrian does not use a crosswalk or crosses in front of oncoming traffic. In these cases, drivers may hit pedestrians since they have little time to react. 
• Traffic Control Device Disregarded—Disregarding a traffic control device means not following the instructions of a legally-installed sign, signal, or payment marking.  This disregard frequently leads to accidents that result in injury. 
• Unsafe Speed– When drivers disregard the speed limit, they increase the chances of an accident. Additionally, increased speed usually leads to more severe injuries. 
• Alcohol Involvement– When a driver is drunk, their senses are dulled. Impaired drivers are more likely to make poor decisions that can lead to tragic accidents. 

The Most Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

Severe injuries can occur when cars, trucks, or motorcycles collide with a pedestrian. These injuries can have life-altering implications.  Some of the most common pedestrian injuries are detailed below.

• Broken Bones–The human body has 206 bones, and all of them can break due to accidents. Some fractures can be treated with a cast. However, severe fractures can require multiple surgeries and physical therapy to heal fully.    
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)–TBI occurs when the head suddenly and violently strikes an object or when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain.  TBIs can result in short-term and long-term medical issues such as headaches, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. 
• Internal bleeding: After an accident, blood vessels can rupture, and/or organs can be damaged. These injuries can result in internal bleeding that can lead to hypovolemic shock, organ damage, infection, and other medical issues. 
• Torn Ligaments: The force of impact from an accident can overstretch or tear ligaments. These tears can result in pain, swelling, bruising, instability, and limited range of motion in the affected joints. Some torn ligaments may need surgery to heal. 
• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage disrupts the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms.  In some cases, the damage is permanent. 
• Severe Cuts: Lacerations are a common injury in pedestrian accidents. They can cause disfigurement and scarring. Additionally, severe lacerations may need stitches, staples, or tape to close the wound. In some cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.

What Damages can I get If I’m Injured as a Pedestrian in New York City?

• Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages are designed to put the victim in the position in which they would have been had the accident not occurred. There are two types of compensatory damages:

•  Economic damages, which are quantifiable financial losses, include but are not limited to:

• Medical Bills:  any medical expenses you incur due to the accident, including any future medical costs and rehabilitation therapy. 

• Lost Wages: any wages or salary you could not earn due to your injuries

• Property Damage: any personal property that was broken or damaged by the accident 

• Non-economic damages include but are not limited to: 
• Pain and suffering: this provides compensation for any physical or mental pain or suffering that impacts you after your injury 
• Emotional distress: if you are suffering from increased anxiety, depression, or other emotional distress after your accident, you may be entitled to compensation 
• Disfigurement: if you have suffered a disfigurement or permanent scarring due to your injuries, you can be awarded compensation. 

• Punitive Damages: In some cases, a victim may pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages punish and deter conduct that manifests a conscious disregard for others or recklessness that amounts to disregard. Punitive damages are uncommon as you must prove the other party’s actions were egregious, reckless or willful However, New York does allow these damages.  

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in New York City

In 2022, there were 135 pedestrian fatalities and 19 cyclist fatalities. The number of cyclist injuries was also significant, with 5,017 reported. The following year, 2023, saw a concerning increase in cyclist injuries, with 9,033 pedestrians and 5,158 cyclists being injured. The number of fatalities remained high, with 127 pedestrian fatalities and 29 cyclist fatalities.

As of September 2024, there were 3,843 cyclist injuries, 6,636 pedestrian injuries, and 20 cyclist fatalities. There have also been 87 pedestrian fatalities, accounting for 43% of all motor accident deaths. 

Contact Our New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers For Legal Help

If you’ve been a victim of a driver’s negligence in New York,  you need someone to fight for your rights. At Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C., our dedicated legal team will use their wealth of experience to benefit you. Our firm has a deep understanding of New York’s legal landscape. To us, you are not a file but a cherished neighbor who needs help through a tough time. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1(800)-318-8888 for your FREE consultation!