Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
In addition to the statue of liberty and being the city where dreams are made, New York is also regarded for something else: traffic. And while traffic is inconvenient, polluting, and frustrating when you’re in a rush, it can also be dangerous. For those on foot, the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident is particularly scary and, according to the New York State Department of Health, there are 312 pedestrian deaths on average each year, leading to the deaths of 1.6 of every 100,000 New Yorkers. There is also an average of more than 3,000 hospitalizations each year as a result of motor vehicle pedestrian-related injuries.
Pedestrian accidents aren’t inevitable; instead, they’re preventable. At the law office of Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP, our hearts go out to you and your family if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident. For the legal support you need in pursuing damages and navigating the system and your rights, call our Queens pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
It goes without saying that a pedestrian accident can result in catastrophic injuries to a victim, including injuries that are fatal. Common pedestrian injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries that are incurred when a person falls as a result of the crash, slamming their head against the pavement or another object. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries, which happen when the spinal cord–which runs the length of the spine and is responsible for communicating messages between the brain and the rest of the body–is injured, disrupting the brain’s ability to communicate with any part of the body from the injury site downwards. This can result in permanent complete or partial paralysis.
- Injuries to extremities, which may vary and include bone fracture injuries, crush injuries, amputation injuries, soft tissue injuries, and laceration injuries.
- Internal injuries that are suffered when the body is hit with an object, punctured with an object (or punctured internally with a broken rib), or when too much force is placed on the body.
In addition to the above injuries, a pedestrian who is hit by a car and suffers serious injuries is very likely to develop psychological injuries as well. Types of psychological injuries that are common after a pedestrian crash include depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Liability for Damages from a Pedestrian Accident in Queens, New York
A person who is hit by a car is likely to suffer serious physical and psychological injuries as well as a range of economic damages, including medical bills and lost wages. For all of these losses, a pedestrian deserves to be compensated in full. When a pedestrian is hit by a driver who caused the crash through an act of negligence, such as distracted driving or failing to yield at a crosswalk, the pedestrian can hold the driver liable for their damages.
A pedestrian who is injured in a crash will be covered by no-fault coverage, which is required in the state of New York. No-fault coverage pays for medical expenses, lost earnings, and other “reasonable and necessary” expenses. You can file a no-fault claim against the insurance company of the driver who hit you.
Because a no-fault insurance policy may very likely not provide enough compensation to fully pay for the extent of damages you’ve suffered, you may also pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability insurance. In order to do this, the pedestrian will need to prove that the driver was at fault for their accident. An attorney can help you to gather evidence to establish that a driver did something that breached the duty of care owed to you. Types of evidence that may be helpful in your case include traffic camera footage and data, witnesses’ testimonies, vehicle electronic control module data, police reports, and more.
Call Our Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
Representing yourself in a pedestrian accident claim after a serious crash that’s left you injured can be overwhelming. You need to focus on your recovery – our lawyers can focus on your claim. At the office of Sullivan & Galleshaw LLP, our Queens pedestrian accident attorneys have been practicing personal injury law for many years and have earned a reputation for excellence. We have the resources that are necessary to fully investigate and commit to your case, and we can get started immediately.
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a pedestrian crash, please call our law office directly today for your free, no-obligation consultation at 781-843-0300.