Have you had a pedestrian accident in New York City? Are you looking for a personal accident lawyer? Then read our guide for tips on finding the best pedestrian accident attorney for you…
Many cities of the world have traffic laws in place that are specifically designed to give pedestrians the right of way over motor vehicles in almost any situation. New York City is not one of those cities. Nevertheless in the frantic pace of life and traffic in New York City pedestrians still have rights. When pedestrians sustain injuries in accidents they need the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer. A pedestrian accident attorney will protect their rights and will ensure that they are justly compensated for their injuries and suffering.
Pedestrian Accidents in New York
New York may have more pedestrians per capita than almost any other North American city. Unfortunately the accident statistics reflect this as well. Close to half of all traffic deaths in New York City are pedestrians. Injuries involving the head or spinal cord are the most common injuries sustained by pedestrians who survive an accident. Logic or common sense might have allowed you to realize that fact, but an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer can help you deal with the ramifications that such a fact may have on your life and on your case.
A pedestrian in a big city like New York is also exposed to dangers that have little or nothing to do with motor vehicles. Bicyclists can be as heedless and as dangerous as motorists when it comes to endangering people who are merely walking along on a sidewalk or crossing the street at a green light. New York City is continually renewing and rebuilding itself. Massive construction projects pose a real threat to pedestrians. Construction materials or tools can fall upon people walking below with serious injuries resulting. Thankfully these types of accidents are relatively rare, but they still require the services of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney if justice is to be done and appropriate compensation is to be received.
What You Can Expect
If you have been injured in a New York pedestrian accident you may well need immediate and extended medical care. Additionally, you may be able to recover compensation for loss of your wages and the pain and suffering you experience.
A pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle in New York State, can normally expect to receive coverage through New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law. New York’s No-Fault coverage is designed to pay for medical bills up to at least $50,000. The insurance company of the driver who hit you is expected to provide coverage for your medical expenses and property damage. That is the simple answer. However, should you feel that you are entitled to additional compensation due to pain and suffering, then you will need to file a lawsuit against the driver who injured you to collect those damages. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can prove to be a trusted and essential ally in any legal proceeding necessitated by a pedestrian accident.
There are circumstances where a pedestrian may have contributed to the accident in some way. Regardless, even if it is determined or suspected that a party other than a motorist contributed to such an accident, that party may be still able to sue for compensation because of New York’s Comparative Liability law. Pedestrian accident attorneys deal with such issues frequently.
What You Can Do
Gather as much evidence and information about the accident as you can. Write down the details of the accident such as a description of the vehicle that hit you, including year, make, model and color. Making a note of the precise location of the accident is also a very good idea. Because of the emotional toll that such a mishap can cause, seriously consider seeking the help of others (including a pedestrian accident lawyer) as soon as you can.
