Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents cause serious injury, trauma, both physical and emotional, and financial challenges. Moreover, it is usually highly complicated to go through a legal process for compensation, especially when insurance companies try to minimize payouts.

Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C. is ready to help the victims of pedestrian accidents in Queens by pursuing the entitlement that rightfully belongs to them. Our Queens pedestrian accident lawyers are diligent in providing legal guidance to make sure they are standing beside you and you are not left behind, going up against oncoming legal issues.

How can a Queens pedestrian accident attorney help you?

The Queens pedestrian accident lawyer from Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C. will stop at nothing in fighting for your rights for fair compensation. Here is how:

• Determining fault: New York is a no-fault state; however, establishing fault may be relevant and material in cases involving compensation above the no-fault insurance limits or to satisfy the “serious injury” threshold for causes of action for non-economic injuries, among other reasons. Your lawyer will carry out the necessary investigations, including the following:
• Evidence collection: This includes photographs of the accident scene, traffic camera footage, and physical evidence to support a claim. 
• Review of police reports: Police reports are official records containing highly valuable information with regard to the circumstances of the accident and the citation, if any, issued at the scene.
• Interviewing witnesses: Eye witness testimonies are important when it comes to determining liability. The witness statements can help you reconstruct how the accident occurred  that leaves no room for speculation.
• Handling Insurance Agencies: Handling the adjusters from the insurance agencies may be very stressful and quite overwhelming at times. These adjusters try to pay less and often even deny valid claims. Our lawyers will do all the negotiations with the insurance companies to ensure they don’t use any manipulative techniques on you and always bring forth believable evidence to counteract their attempts at devaluing your claim.
• Building a Strong Case: Use your case as leverage to negotiate for a fair settlement, considering the comprehensive scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our personal injury attorneys will ensure you receive fair treatment from start to finish of the claims process.
• Gathering Medical Records: It is important to show the extent of your damages, which includes gathering medical records, such as documentation of your injuries, treatments, and present and future medical needs.
• Engage Expert Witnesses: Doctors, specialists in accident reconstruction, and even economists may be used to provide professional opinions that help support your case.
• The reconstruction of accident data by advanced techniques is used in demonstrating how an accident occurs and who should be held accountable for it. With an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, you’ll ensure that nothing is overlooked, and your case will be as convincing and as strong as it possibly can be.
• Represent you in court: If a reasonable settlement is not possible, our attorneys will take your case to court. Your lawyer will do the following in court:
• File a lawsuit on your behalf.
• Present evidence, call eyewitnesses, and argue convincingly.
• Counter the defense’s attempts to undermine your claim and advocate fiercely for your rights. Having experienced trial lawyers by your side can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable outcome.
• Personalized support: Other than the legal issues, our team is prepared to provide you with the emotional support necessary in making this process smooth for you. We understand how exhausting a pedestrian accident can be both physically and mentally and we’ll be able to stick by your side until you will recover from the accident.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Queens

Pedestrian accidents are most likely the outcome of someone being negligent or careless. A few common causes include:

• Distractions while driving: drivers who are texting, using their GPS, or otherwise distracted may not see a pedestrian.
• Speed: the higher the speed, the less time there is to react, making injuries more severe.
• Failure to yield: most collisions occur when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks or intersections.
• Intoxicated driving: drunk drivers greatly increase the danger to pedestrians, particularly at night.
• Poor visibility: weather, lighting, or obstructed views can all cause an accident.

Common Injuries Sustained by Pedestrians

Since a pedestrian lacks bodily protection, pedestrian-related accidents are devastatingly injurious. Some other common injuries incurred may involve:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: TBI has the potential of long-term crippling after effects such as cognitive impairments and partial or complete disablement.
• Injuries to the spine: These spinal cord injuries include paralysis and disability.
• Fractured bones and ribs: Collision impact can badly fracture legs and arms; ribs are even found shattered often.
• Internal injuries: organ damage and internal bleeding are deadly complications associated with pedestrian accidents.
• Emotional trauma: most of the victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression after experiencing an accident. 

What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident in Queens? 

The steps you take immediately after the accident are critical for your case to build up the best possible way. Here’s what you do:

• Seek medical attention: even if your injuries appear minor, get checked by a medical professional to document your condition.
• Call the police: file a police report to establish an official record of the accident.
• Gather evidence: take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to property. Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies: refer all communication to your lawyer to prevent jeopardizing your claim.
• Consult an attorney: An experienced Queens pedestrian accident attorney will guide you through the process and protect your rights.

Statute of Limitations for Pedestrian Accidents in Queens

New York law strictly limits the time in which a pedestrian accident claim can be filed.

• Personal injury claims: The victim has three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.
• Wrongful death claims: if the accident results in death, then the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim within two years from the date of death of the victim.

What Type of Damages Am I Entitled to After a Pedestrian Accident?

Victims of pedestrian accidents in Queens may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

• Economic damages: economic damages are tangible, calculable costs that directly result from an accident. These damages may include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Medical expenses combine costs such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical care.
  Compensation for lost wages could be available for  income lost during the recovery period when the victim is prevented from working due to the injuries suffered. Compensation for reduced earning capacity could be available to compensate or the difference in potential future earnings if the injury leads to a permanent disability. Finally, property damage covers costs of either repair or replacement of the personal property damaged in the accident.
• Non-economic damages: non-economic damages are harder to calculate since they don’t have a direct monetary value compared to the economic expenses. These damages include compensation for physical pain and suffering that the victim had to endure, either temporary or chronic; victims may receive compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression among other things. 
• Punitive damages: in cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior, the court may award punitive damages to punish the at-fault party. Punitive damages may be awarded when the at-fault party’s actions were egregious.

Contact a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident and feel overwhelmed by the legal complexities associated with it? Don’t face these challenges alone. Contact Gregory Spektor & Associates P.C. at 1 (800) 318-8888 for a free consultation. Let our pedestrian accident attorneys in Queens advocate effectively for justice on your behalf.