Hit By a Car: Pedestrian Accidents in New York City

Pedestrian accidents are all too common in New York City. Even with stringent speed limit laws, pedestrian fatality statistics continue to be very high. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, there were 497 pedestrian deaths between 2012 and 2014 despite NYC's Vision Zero initiative, and many more suffered injuries after being hit by a car.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A driver owes a duty of care to pedestrians and others on the road. However, there can be many scenarios that cause accidents with pedestrians. These may include driver inattention, loss of control of the vehicle, cell-phone usage, drowsy driving, intoxication, speeding, improper back-ups and failure to obey cross-walks or traffic signals. If the driver broke the law or acted negligently or recklessly when they struck the pedestrian, they may be held liable for the victim's injuries.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Being a pedestrian accident victim can result in serious and lasting injuries. Depending upon the speed and impact of the vehicle, the severity of injuries may vary and can have a devastating effect on the victim's life. Common injuries in a pedestrian accident may include:

• Fractures
• Contusions
• Sprains and strains
• Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
• Pelvic injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Lacerations
• Wrongful death

A victim of a pedestrian accident should seek medical help or emergency care immediately after an accident. Prompt medical attention is vital even if no injuries are apparent as there may be internal damage that can only be discovered during testing. Documentation of medical treatment is also necessary to demonstrate the extent of injuries to prevail in a personal injury action or obtain a fair settlement.

Damages in a Pedestrian Accident Case
If you were hit by a car, taxi, truck, or bus due to the negligence of another and suffered injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Although no-fault insurance may cover accident-related medical costs and lost wages up to a certain amount, it is still possible to incur a large amount of out of pocket expenses concerning accident-related health care costs. In this situation, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages.

Damages awarded to a successful plaintiff in a pedestrian knockdown case can include unreimbursed medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and punitive damages in some cases. If you are an immediate family member of someone who suffered a fatality, you may also be entitled to recover on their behalf.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident or lost a loved one, you should contact a personal injury attorney immediately who can advise you of your legal rights. There are strict statutes of limitation that begin running from the date of the accident, including filing a no-fault application with the appropriate insurance company within 30 days to have your medical costs covered. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the process and help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and time lost from work.

The Popick Law Firm has over thirty years of experience in obtaining compensation for victims of pedestrian accidents. Located in Fresh Meadows, NY, The Popick Law Firm handles personal injury cases in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. Contact The Popick Law Firm today for a consultation.