Pedestrians rely on drivers to follow the rules and pay attention, especially in crosswalks, sidewalks, and parking lots. But when someone behind the wheel is distracted or careless, an ordinary walk can become a life-changing event in only a second.
If you were hit by a vehicle while walking, you may be dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. A New York pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights while you focus on healing.
Since 1959, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has been serving clients across Westchester and Rockland Counties. We help people and families recover compensation after serious pedestrian accidents, and we understand how much is at stake for you.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable individuals on or near the road. Even at low speeds, a collision can lead to severe injuries. Some of the most common causes of pedestrian crashes in New York include:
- Drivers who fail to yield the right of way at crosswalks;
- Distractions behind the wheel, including texting, eating, and adjusting GPS;
- Excessive speed in residential or downtown areas;
- Drivers making left or right turns without looking;
- Impairment while driving due to alcohol or drugs;
- Vehicles backing out of driveways or parking spaces; and
- Poor visibility and weather conditions.
If you were struck by a car or truck, it is essential to document everything you can. Take photos of the scene, get witness information, and seek legal advice early.
Injuries Often Seen in Pedestrian Accidents
A person on foot has no protection when a vehicle approaches. The human body absorbs the full impact. Even a collision at a relatively low speed can cause life-altering harm. As a New York pedestrian injury lawyer, our firm has helped clients dealing with:
- Broken bones and complex fractures;
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries;
- Neck and back injuries;
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis;
- Internal bleeding or organ damage;
- Lacerations and severe bruising;
- Joint injuries requiring surgery; and
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Your injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some symptoms can take days to appear. Make sure you get a medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if you feel stable.
Who May Be Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
Every accident is different, but drivers have a clear legal duty to watch for pedestrians and exercise caution. If a driver fails to uphold that duty and causes harm, they may be held financially responsible.
Other parties may also share liability. For example:
- A commercial vehicle operator’s employer;
- A property owner, if poor maintenance contributed to the crash; or
- A vehicle manufacturer, if a defect caused the driver to lose control.
Determining who is at fault can be a complex process. An experienced New York pedestrian accident attorney can investigate the details, gather evidence, and identify every party that may be responsible.
What If the Driver Left the Scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents happen more often than many people realize. If the driver fled and has not been located, you may still have options. In New York, your own auto insurance or the insurance of someone you live with may include uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage can help pay for medical bills and other losses if the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
These claims can also be confusing. Insurers sometimes deny coverage or make the process difficult. A lawyer can help you understand your policy and pursue benefits.
What Compensation Can Cover in a Pedestrian Accident
Every case has its own facts. There is no one-size-fits-all settlement or outcome. That said, a successful claim with help from a pedestrian hit by a car lawyer may provide compensation for:
- Emergency care and hospitalization,
- Surgery and follow-up treatment,
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy,
- Prescription medication and medical equipment,
- Lost income if you cannot work,
- Reduced earning potential in the future,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal accidents.
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your life, and the available insurance coverage.
New York’s No-Fault System and Pedestrian Claims
New York follows a no-fault insurance model for many vehicle-related injuries. That means that your own auto policy’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage often pays for your initial medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.
Pedestrians who do not own a vehicle may be covered under the driver’s PIP insurance. However, PIP benefits have limits. They do not cover noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering. If you have sustained a serious injury as defined by New York law, you can step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the driver.
What Counts as a “Serious Injury”?
To pursue additional compensation, you must meet the state’s serious injury threshold. Examples of qualifying injuries include:
- Bone fractures,
- Significant disfigurement,
- Permanent limitation of a body organ or member,
- Significant limitation of a body function or system, and
- Injuries that prevent you from performing daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident.
If you are unsure whether your injuries meet these criteria, a New York pedestrian accident lawyer can help you evaluate your case.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
In the hours and days after being hit by a car, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. These steps can help protect your health and your legal claim:
- Call the police and make sure a report is filed;
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you feel fine;
- Collect contact information for any witnesses;
- Take photos of the scene and your injuries;
- Keep all receipts and records related to your treatment;
- Do not post about the accident on social media; and
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.
You do not have to handle these steps alone. When you work with an experienced attorney, you have someone to help guide you through the process and look out for your interests.
Why Choose Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers
Since 1959, Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has been helping injured New Yorkers get the support they need after serious accidents. We understand that a pedestrian accident is not only physically painful but also emotionally and financially draining.
Our team is known for:
- Decades of experience handling pedestrian injury cases;
- Personalized, one-on-one attention;
- A bilingual staff serving English- and Spanish-speaking clients; and
- A track record of thorough investigations and clear communication.
We believe that every client deserves to feel respected and informed, regardless of the complexity of their case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accident Claims
Pedestrian accidents raise many questions. Here are some of the most common topics prospective clients want to know more about.
What If I Was Not in a Crosswalk When the Accident Happened?
Pedestrians still have rights even if they were not in a crosswalk when the accident happened. Drivers have a duty to exercise care and avoid hitting people, regardless of location. The facts of your case will determine whether you can recover compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Claim in New York?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, shorter deadlines may apply if a government entity is involved or if the accident resulted in a fatality. Speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights.
Can I Afford a New York Pedestrian Injury Lawyer?
Our firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is always free.
What If the Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
Insurance adjusters may reach out soon after an accident. They may request a recorded statement, ask for medical records, or offer a quick settlement. You are not required to speak with them. In fact, doing so without legal guidance can hurt your claim. Always consult with a lawyer before discussing your injuries or accepting any payment. A settlement offer may not reflect the actual value of your case.
Talk with a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers Today
You did not choose to be in this situation. But you can decide what happens next. A skilled New York pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your options, handle the insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Greenspan & Greenspan Injury Lawyers has offices in White Plains, Yonkers, The Bronx, and New City and serves clients across New York State. Whether you are recovering from an injury yourself or helping a loved one, we are here to answer your questions and provide the support you need.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation. There is no cost to speak with us, and you are under no obligation to move forward. You deserve clarity, confidence, and an advocate who will stand by you every step of the way.