Getting around New York City’s busy streets can be tough, especially for pedestrians. As New York City pedestrian accident lawyers, we know how hard an injury can hit you and your family, both physically and emotionally.
In a city known for its fast pace and famous spots like Times Square and Wall Street, pedestrian accidents are a real concern. Every year, thousands of New Yorkers are seriously injured in accidents with cars, and heavy traffic only makes things worse.
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, don’t go through this alone.
Contact us for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Case?
To figure out if you have a strong case for a personal injury claim in New York, these key elements must be present:
- Duty of Care: First, you need to prove that the other person owed you a duty of care. This means they had a legal responsibility to act in a way that wouldn’t cause harm to others. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws and drive safely to avoid accidents.
- Breach of Duty: Once you’ve established that there was a duty of care, you need to show that the person breached this duty. This happens when they fail to act as a reasonable person would in a similar situation. For instance, if a driver was speeding or texting, they likely breached their duty to drive safely.
- Causation: Next, you must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. It's not enough to say the person was careless; you need to show that their actions led to your injury. This means connecting the dots between what they did (or didn’t do) and the harm you suffered.
- Damages: Lastly, you need to prove that you suffered damages because of the breach. Damages are the losses you’ve faced, and without these, you won’t have much of a case. We have more content on damages below!
If you think these elements apply to your situation, it might be time to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. We can help you understand your options and guide you through the process of getting the compensation you deserve.
Damages You Can Recover
When you’re injured in an accident, there are different kinds of damages you might be able to recover.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses you’ve experienced due to the accident. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work
- Any future income you might lose if you can’t return to your job right away.
Basically, if it’s a direct cost related to your injury, it falls under economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are a bit different. These are meant to compensate you for the non-financial impacts of your injury, like:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
For example, if your injury prevents you from doing activities you once loved, you may be entitled to non-economic damages. While these damages are harder to quantify, they’re just as important.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are less common, but they’re awarded in cases where the person who caused your injury acted particularly recklessly or intentionally. The purpose of punitive damages is not just to compensate you but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
These damages are usually awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you need help with your personal injury case, there are a few ways you can get in touch with us:
- Call us directly at (718) 568-5517.
- Online: Or you can fill out our contact form.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand your options. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to assist you.
Some of Our Case Results
We’ve helped many pedestrians in New York secure the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. Here are a few examples of the successful outcomes we've achieved for our clients:
$600,000
We obtained this settlement for a pedestrian who was struck by a driver who failed to stop at a red light while the pedestrian was crossing with the green light. The substantial amount reflects the severity of the accident and our dedication to securing justice.
$500,000
This settlement was reached within 90 days for a pedestrian who required multiple surgeries after being hit while crossing the street. Our swift resolution and negotiation skills resulted in significant compensation for the client’s extensive medical needs.
$300,000
This amount was recovered for a pedestrian who underwent back surgery, with the case resolved approximately 90 days post-surgery. Despite the defendant’s claims that the pedestrian’s inattention contributed to the accident, we ensured a favorable outcome.
$280,000
We secured this settlement for a 60-year-old wheelchair-bound woman who was struck by a car while traveling on the roadway due to snow. The settlement covered her shoulder surgery and future knee replacement, addressing both immediate and long-term medical costs.
$175,000
Settlement obtained through mediation for a pedestrian who required shoulder surgery after being hit in a crosswalk.
Meet Your New York City Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Paul Ajlouny
Paul Ajlouny is a seasoned attorney with a deep focus on personal injury law, dedicating his career to helping those who have been hurt in accidents across New York State.
With extensive experience in handling cases involving slips and falls, auto accidents, and pedestrian injuries, Paul has successfully represented numerous clients, securing substantial settlements and verdicts.
A graduate of St. John’s University, Paul began his legal journey as an associate under Daniel Galinson, a highly respected attorney in New York. His reputation for providing personalized, compassionate representation is well-earned, with over $150 million recovered for his clients to date.
What sets Paul apart is his commitment to treating each client with the individualized attention they deserve.
Paul takes pride in being there for his clients every step of the way, ensuring they feel supported and informed as he fights tirelessly to secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Michael Levitz
Michael Levitz is a dedicated personal injury attorney known for his exceptional litigation skills and unwavering commitment to his clients. With a deep understanding of the challenges that injured individuals face, Michael positions himself not just as a lawyer but as a personal advocate for those in need.
His approach is rooted in clear communication, ensuring that clients fully understand the legal process and what lies ahead. This dedication to client education and support is matched by his tenacity in the courtroom, where he fights against large insurance companies to secure fair settlements.
Michael’s passion for advocacy is evident in the strong relationships he builds with his clients, standing by their side from the start of their case until a favorable outcome is achieved. His track record speaks for itself, including a notable $730,000 settlement for a client previously dropped by another attorney due to “lack of evidence.”
Michael's ability to turn challenging cases into successful outcomes has earned him recognition AS:
- Top 40 National Trial Lawyers under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association
- Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine
How Our New York City Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Can Help
Our New York City pedestrian accident law firm offers robust support in every aspect of your recovery process. Here’s how we can help:
- Recovering Lost Wages: If your injuries keep you out of work, we work to secure compensation for your lost income, including future wages if your ability to work is permanently affected.
- Handling Medical Bills: We ensure that all your medical expenses are covered, from emergency care to ongoing treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical devices.
- Property Damage: If your personal belongings, like a smartphone or bicycle, were damaged in the accident, we include these costs in your claim, making sure you're not left out of pocket.
- Emotional Recovery: Beyond physical injuries, accidents can leave deep emotional scars. We pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and therapy costs to help you heal emotionally.
- Future Care Costs: For serious injuries requiring long-term care, we fight for compensation that covers future medical expenses, including in-home care, physical therapy, and any necessary modifications to your living space.
- Maximizing Your Settlement: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We use our expertise to negotiate aggressively, ensuring that you receive the full amount you deserve.
- Legal Representation in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our experienced trial attorneys will advocate tirelessly on your behalf to secure justice.
- Support for Your Family: We understand that an accident affects not just the victim but their entire family. We provide guidance on how to manage the financial and emotional impact on your loved ones, including pursuing compensation for loss of companionship in severe cases.
We’re here to take care of the legal side of things so you don’t have to. Our goal is to make your life easier after an accident, letting you focus on getting better while we handle all the legal complexities.
Your First Steps After Being Struck
Your actions can significantly impact your health and the outcome of any legal claims. Here’s a comprehensive list of steps you should take:
- Prioritize Your Safety: If you’re able, move to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further injury. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Document the Scene: If you can, take photos or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle involved. This evidence can be essential later on.
- Gather Information: Collect contact information from the driver, witnesses, and anyone else involved. Be sure to note the driver’s insurance details and license plate number.
- Contact a Lawyer Quickly: The sooner you get legal representation, the better. Our skilled New York City pedestrian accident attorneys will help you understand the law, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive fair compensation.
- File a Police Report: Ensure that the police file an official report on the accident. This report can serve as vital evidence for your claim.
- Keep a Detailed Record: Maintain a journal documenting your injuries, medical treatments, and how the accident has affected your daily life. This can help substantiate your claim for damages.
- Don’t Discuss Fault: Avoid discussing the details of the accident or admitting any fault with anyone at the scene, including the driver or police officers.
- Preserve Evidence: Save all medical bills, receipts, and any other documents related to the accident. This paperwork will be important when calculating the compensation you’re owed.
- Limit Communication with the Insurance Company: If an insurance adjuster contacts you, be cautious. Stick to basic facts and avoid giving recorded statements without consulting a lawyer.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Adhere strictly to your medical treatment plan. Skipping appointments or not following your doctor’s advice could be used against you to minimize your claim.
Deadlines
In New York, there’s a strict deadline known as the statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a personal injury claim after being a pedestrian accident victim.
For most pedestrian accidents, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the specifics of your case, such as if the accident involves a government entity, in which case you may have only 90 days to file a notice of claim.
Don’t wait to take action after getting hit by a car. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance to get compensation for your injuries. Over time, evidence can disappear, and people’s memories of the accident can fade, making it harder to build a strong case.
That’s why it’s so important to reach out to a NYC pedestrian accident right away. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney from our firm will make sure all deadlines are met and guide you through the legal process, helping you get the best possible outcome.
Gathering Evidence
After being struck in a pedestrian accident, gathering evidence quickly is key to building a strong case. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Police Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report as it contains vital details about the accident, such as the officer's observations and statements from those involved.
- Medical Records: Keep all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment plans, and any follow-up appointments. These documents are essential in proving the extent of your injuries.
- Eyewitness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information and ask them to provide a statement. Their accounts can help support your version of events.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. This visual evidence can be compelling in court or during settlement negotiations.
- Accident Scene Details: Make a note of specific details, such as weather conditions, traffic signals, and any hazards that might have contributed to the accident.
- Surveillance Footage: Check if there were any nearby security cameras that might have captured the accident. This can provide an unbiased account of what happened.
- Contact Information: Collect the names, addresses, and insurance details of all parties involved in the accident. This information is essential for filing insurance claims and legal actions.
We know that gathering all this evidence can be tough, especially when you’re trying to recover from a car accident injury. Let us handle it for you.
Our skilled New York pedestrian accident lawyers will take care of everything, so you can focus on getting better.
Reach out to us today, and we'll make sure your motor vehicle accident case is well-managed and you get the compensation you need.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees.
A contingency fee means that our payment is based on the outcome of your case. Specifically, we only get paid if you win or settle your case.
Instead of billing you by the hour or charging a flat fee, we take a percentage of the final settlement or court award. This percentage is agreed upon before you start working together.
Benefits of the Contingency Fee Model
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t have to worry about paying any legal fees out of pocket. This is especially helpful if you're dealing with medical bills and other expenses from your injury.
- Motivated Representation: Since we only get paid if you win, they have a strong incentive to work hard on your case and secure the best possible outcome.
- Risk-Free Legal Help: If your case doesn’t succeed, you won’t owe our injury lawyer any fees. This reduces the financial risk of pursuing legal action.
- Focus on Recovery: With a contingency fee arrangement, you can focus on your recovery without stressing over how to afford legal services. We are invested in getting you the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us Over Other New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers?
When you have a serious personal injury, our attorneys take into account your physical injuries, mental state of mind, lost wages, recovery, and rehabilitation. We fight to get you the most money available in your case.
At Ajlouny Injury Law, we know that your future depends on us. Lean on us and feel secure knowing that our goal is to ensure your medical and financial needs now and in the future will be met.
We represent innocent pedestrians who have been hit by cars, trucks, Uber drivers, taxi cabs, buses, or limos in New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, & Long Island, NY.
All consultations are free. If your case was rejected by another lawyer, call (718) 650-2462 for a FREE second opinion. You have nothing to lose. There are no fees unless we recover money on your behalf.
General Information on Pedestrian Accidents in New York City
Pedestrian accidents are a big issue in New York City, where there's a lot of foot traffic and busy streets. Knowing the local rules and regulations is important for both pedestrians and drivers to help avoid accidents and stay safe.
Here’s a simple guide to pedestrian laws in New York City:
Pedestrian Laws in New York
Getting around New York City’s crowded streets means knowing the rules that keep everyone safe. Pedestrian laws are there to protect people walking and help traffic run smoothly.
Here’s a quick look at the important pedestrian laws in New York City:
- Determining Fault: Generally, both drivers and pedestrians have responsibilities to avoid accidents. If a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk or is speeding, they may be at fault. Conversely, if a pedestrian is not using designated crosswalks or is distracted, they may share some responsibility.
- Duty to Exercise Reasonable Care: Both drivers and pedestrians are required to exercise reasonable care. For drivers, this means operating their vehicles in a manner that allows them to avoid collisions with pedestrians. For pedestrians, it means using crosswalks, obeying traffic signals, and being alert to their surroundings.
- Right of Way: Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, whether they are marked or unmarked. Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections. However, pedestrians also need to ensure it’s safe to cross, even if they have the right of way.
- Drivers Yielding to Pedestrians in Crosswalks: Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians who are in or entering a crosswalk. This rule is designed to ensure that pedestrians can cross streets safely without fear of being hit by vehicles.
- Pedestrians Paying Attention to Oncoming Vehicles: Pedestrians must remain vigilant and look for oncoming traffic before crossing streets. Even if they have the right of way, being aware of approaching vehicles can help prevent accidents.
- Other Vehicles Stopping When Another Vehicle Has Already Stopped: When a vehicle stops to allow a pedestrian to cross, other vehicles must also stop if they are approaching the crosswalk. This rule ensures that pedestrians can cross safely without being at risk from other vehicles.
- Pedestrian Crossing Restrictions: Certain areas have restrictions on where pedestrians can cross, such as highways and expressways. Pedestrians must use designated crosswalks and pedestrian bridges where provided. Ignoring these restrictions can lead to accidents and legal consequences.
What About Jaywalking?
Jaywalking, or crossing streets outside of designated crosswalks, is illegal in New York City. Pedestrians caught jaywalking may face fines. While jaywalking can be dangerous, it does not absolve drivers of their responsibility to avoid collisions with pedestrians.
Traffic signals and pedestrians’ rights
Here’s a simple guide to how traffic signals affect pedestrian rights and responsibilities:
- Traffic control signals regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement at intersections. Pedestrians must wait for the pedestrian signal to cross safely. Running a red light or crossing on a “Don’t Walk” signal can lead to accidents and legal issues.
- Pedestrian control signals, which include “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs, guide pedestrians on when it is safe to cross. Pedestrians must follow these signals to ensure their safety and comply with traffic laws.
For more detailed information on pedestrian laws and traffic rules in New York City, you can refer to the New York City Department of Transportation Traffic Rules.
Who is Liable For a Pedestrian Accident in New York?
In some cases, both the driver and the pedestrian may share fault for an accident. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that liability can be divided based on each party’s degree of fault. For example, if a driver is 80% at fault and the pedestrian is 20% at fault, the driver would be responsible for 80% of the damages.
Other factors can also influence liability, such as road conditions, signage, and vehicle maintenance. Investigations often involve reviewing traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports to determine who was at fault.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in New York City
Here are some frequent causes of pedestrian accidents in the city:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using mobile phones, adjusting in-car entertainment systems, or engaging in other distractions often fail to notice pedestrians. This lack of attention can result in accidents, especially at busy intersections and crosswalks.
- Speeding: Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s ability to stop in time for pedestrians. Faster speeds mean longer stopping distances and less time for drivers to react to pedestrians crossing the road.
- Failure to Yield: In New York City, this can occur when drivers do not observe traffic signals or signs that indicate pedestrians have the right of way.
- Poor Road Conditions: Damaged sidewalks, inadequate street lighting, and poorly marked crosswalks can contribute to pedestrian accidents. Inadequate infrastructure can make it difficult for both pedestrians and drivers to navigate safely.
- Running Red Lights: This dangerous behavior is a significant cause of accidents in busy urban areas like New York City.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians. Impaired drivers may not see pedestrians or may fail to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Typical Injuries We See as Expert Lawyers
As expert lawyers handling pedestrian accident cases, we commonly see the following types of injuries:
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Road Rash and skin injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
If you or someone you know has suffered these injuries and got involved in an accident, our New York personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the recovery process and secure the compensation you deserve.
New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Due to traffic congestion, many New Yorkers choose to walk or take the subway. The heavy foot traffic makes pedestrians more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.
According to the New York State Department of Health, on average, over 300 New Yorkers are killed each year in traffic-related pedestrian accidents.
New York pedestrian injuries and hospitalizations:
- On average, more than 3,000 pedestrians are hospitalized each year because of injuries resulting from traffic accidents.
- Males and people over the age of 65 are most likely to be seriously or killed in pedestrian accidents.
- Each year pedestrian traffic accidents result in over 12,500 trips to the emergency department.
- Motor vehicle traffic accidents are a leading cause of death in New York.
- Pedestrians were killed more often in traffic collisions than vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, or bicyclists.
Other Locations We Serve
Our team is dedicated to serving clients throughout all of New York City. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Brooklyn
- Garden City
- New York
- Queens
Wherever you are in the city, our New York pedestrian accident attorneys are here to provide expert legal support and representation.
Speak to a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New York City Today!
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to get the legal support you need as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. You can contact us by phone at (718) 650-2462. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
