New York Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrians are at a disadvantage as they walk from one location to another. It’s not the weather, ice, rain or anything nature can throw at them. Instead, motorists, e-bike riders and crossing conditions pose the biggest problem.
A New York pedestrian accident lawyer can help when an injury occurs due to negligence. At The Platta Law Firm, we put our clients first. A pedestrian accident is often brutal, and serious injuries occur along with fatalities. New York pedestrian accident attorneys at our firm have years of experience handling such cases.
They work diligently to get the compensation our clients deserve. Insurance companies and at-fault parties try to settle an accident as cheaply as possible. That may help them but not our client, and we won’t stand for that. We believe that a person injured by another’s negligence should never pay both physically and financially. A New York pedestrian accident attorney at The Platta Law Firm does everything possible to avoid this double trauma.
Incidence of Pedestrian Accidents in New York City
The biggest city in the state has a history of unsafe conditions for walkers. Traffic congestion is a big factor.
Lowering the speed limit to 25 mph on many roads has not helped. In 2021, the rate of pedestrian accidents and deaths soared. Some statistics follow:
- In the first five months of 2021, there were 41 pedestrian fatalities.
- The number of pedestrian accidents in 2020 exceeded 6,500 incidents.
- The number of pedestrian traffic deaths in 2021 was up by 58 percent compared to earlier years.
Causes of New York Pedestrian Accidents
There are many reasons accidents involving walkers occur. The following are the most common:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the leading reason for pedestrian accidents. It occurs when drivers focus on texting or engaging in other activities rather than watching the road.
Sidewalk and Roadway Maintenance
Sidewalk and roadway maintenance are essential to pedestrian safety. When potholes, cracked pavement or poorly maintained crosswalks lead to a pedestrian accident, it is possible to sue the city. This type of lawsuit’s deadlines is different than other claims.
Drunk Drivers
Drunk drivers cannot respond quickly in an emergency. This type of driver will react slowly to a pedestrian, causing an accident.
Bad Weather
Bad Weather can lower visibility, making it hard to see a pedestrian. Drivers need to slow down when this happens.
Speeding
Speeding is a reason for many accidents involving walkers. The faster the vehicle is going, the greater the physical impact. An accident at 15 mph has different results than one at 40 mph.
Red-Light Running
Red-light running is a constant problem for walkers. Drivers who run a red light show little regard for others.
Illegal Turns
Illegal turns result in pedestrian accidents. Both left and right-hand illegal turns are a problem.
Tired Drivers
Tired drivers are just as bad as those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This driving behavior leads to many pedestrian accidents.
A New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Determines Liability
Determining liability is an important part of what a New York pedestrian accident lawyer does. At The Platta Law Firm, we do this using accident reconstruction, talking to witnesses and getting surveillance camera footage. Without these steps, a lawsuit will not move forward in the courts. Many times, the following are liable for pedestrian accidents:
- Truckers
- Motorists
- Cab drivers
- Bus drivers
- Limo drivers
- Uber drivers
- Motorcyclists
- Transit drivers
- E-scooter operators
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles
Types of Pedestrian Injuries
Your New York pedestrian accident lawyer will help you recover damages associated with injuries. Since pedestrians are not safe from harm when a vehicle strikes them, these injuries can be intense. Some of the most common injuries they face are:
- Paralysis
- Back injury
- Amputations
- Crushed limbs
- Wrongful death
- Fractured bones
- Spinal cord injury
- Traumatic brain injury
Compensation a New York Pedestrian Accident
Attorney Can Recover
A pedestrian who suffers injury because of negligence can recover the following:
Medical Expenses
This category includes all medical expenses caused by the accident. For example, hospital and doctor fees, as well as home care, are recoverable. Medical costs also include medications and diagnostic tests. Modifications to the home are recoverable as well.
Lost Wages
The injured party can recover lost wages. This category includes bonuses, job perks, commissions and other income such as pensions.
Permanent Disability
Sometimes, the injured individual cannot work at the same job. If the pay for another type of work is less, it is possible to receive the difference between the two until retirement age. This also holds for those who cannot work at all due to the accident.
Scars and Disfigurement
Reconstructive surgery is expensive. A lawsuit against a negligent driver can recover these costs. Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, are also recoverable.
A Spouse Can Join a Lawsuit
A spouse can join a lawsuit to file for loss of consortium. This represents the loss of love and affection she/he had before the accident.
Emotional and Mental Trauma
Emotional and mental trauma is part of the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. Your New York pedestrian accident attorney works hard to get compensation for such trauma. The accident may result in anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Time Limit to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim
An injured pedestrian has only so much time to sue a negligent party. Other than those against a government agency, the deadline is three years. This may seem like a long time, but it isn’t when you suffer a brutal injury. In addition, it is better to seek a New York pedestrian accident lawyer’s help sooner since evidence can disappear.
How a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help
At The Platta Law Firm, our legal team and staff understand the toll an accident can take. Aside from the pain you endure, financial worries can be monumental. That is why insurance companies try to settle quickly, offering a low-ball amount. It is a trick that works all too often. After accepting their offer, the injured person has to pay for treatment and loss of wages that were unexpected in the beginning.
Our legal team represents you in insurance company negotiations and does not allow them to evade responsibility and try to blame you. We will guard your right to compensation by investigating the accident and unearthing proof of liability. We will calculate all costs related to the pedestrian accident. The experienced lawyers at The Platta Law Firm will make sure that you are not blamed for something you did not do.
The Platta Law Firm in New York
After a pedestrian accident, you will most likely focus on recuperating. Let a pedestrian accident lawyer at The Platta Law Firm do the rest. From discovering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies or successfully resolving your case in court, we are here for you. Call us at (212) 514-5100 to schedule a free case review, or reach out to us online. We will protect your rights and work hard to recover the compensation you deserve.
