Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving New York City, NY and Surrounding Areas
Walking is one of the most popular ways to get around New York City. Many people elect to skip public transportation buses and subways and walk to their destination. Pedestrians everywhere are entitled to safe sidewalks and roadways, but with NYC having some of the most congested roads in the world, pedestrian accidents will occur.
The team of pedestrian accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm helps those injured in pedestrian accidents pursue the best result possible for their case. Our New York City office is at 420 Lexington Avenue, and our attorneys handle pedestrian accident cases in all five boroughs and work in the local courts.
Call (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
How The Barnes Firm Can Help You After a Pedestrian Accident
When an accident occurs, pedestrians tend to suffer more severe injuries as they have no protection. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and life-long treatments. After any accident, insurance companies are often very difficult to work with and will try to reduce the value of your claim or deny it entirely. You should not have to pay for another person’s negligence. When you hire a pedestrian accident attorney at The Barnes Firm, we will investigate all aspects of your claim to assess who is at fault and what damages can be recovered. We will negotiate with the insurance companies and take your case to trial, if necessary.
What are the Main Causes of NYC Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, pedestrians hit by a motor vehicle are 10 times more likely to be fatally injured than a motor vehicle occupant in the event of a crash. Some of the causes of pedestrian accidents include:
- Failure to Yield Right of Way to Pedestrians. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections cause many collisions.
- Distracted Driving. Being distracted by other passengers, phones, music, etc. can cause drivers to veer off the road, cross into pedestrian lanes, or fail to yield to pedestrians at intersections.
- Aggressive Driving. This behavior is often associated with speeding, not checking blind spots, or running stop lights, and can lead to increased pedestrian accidents. Aggressive driving increases the risk of collision with a pedestrian or another motorist.
- Backing up Unsafely. When a motor vehicle driver fails to look before backing up, they are at a higher risk of injuring a pedestrian that may be behind them.
- Unsafe or Illegal Turns at Intersections. Impatient drivers often make illegal or unsafe turns at intersections. When a driver makes an unsafe turn, and pedestrians have the right of way, this can result in an accident.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Alcohol and drugs reduce reaction time. Pedestrians are more likely to be hit by an intoxicated driver due to their smaller profile.
- Road Hazards. Road hazards including cracked sidewalks, potholes, construction, improperly marked crosswalks, and defective signage can lead to pedestrian accidents.
If you or a loved one were injured as the result of a negligent driver, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000. Our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you get the best result possible.
Pedestrian Rights in New York City
It is important to be familiar with your rights as a pedestrian navigating New York City. According to New York State, these include:
- Crosswalks and intersections. Pedestrians have the right of way in all crosswalks and at intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks. The area between the curbs at an intersection is a crosswalk whether or not it is marked.
- Turning vehicles. Drivers turning left or right at an intersection must yield to pedestrians, even if they have a green light.
- Driveways, alleys, and building entrances. Drivers entering or leaving an alleyway, building, private road, or driveway must yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
- Due care. Every driver must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian on a roadway.
- Traffic signals. Pedestrians must follow pedestrian signals:
- A steady “WALK” or walking person means you may cross, and other traffic must give you the right of way.
- A flashing “DON’T WALK” or upraised hand means do not start to cross. If you have already begun, continue to a sidewalk or safety island.
- A steady “DON’T WALK” or upraised hand means do not start to cross.
Who is Liable for my Injuries After a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident depends on who caused it. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Bus drivers
- Truck drivers
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists or electric scooter operators
- Taxi or rideshare drivers
- New York City Transit Authority
- Other pedestrians
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney at The Barnes Firm can help you determine who is responsible.
Injuries Resulting from a New York Pedestrian Accident
Depending on the circumstances of your pedestrian accident, injuries can range from minor to severe. Our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers know how dangerous an accident involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian can be. Our attorneys handle cases involving the following types of pedestrian injuries:
- Head injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Spine and back injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations
- Wrongful death
- Internal organ damage
- And more…
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, call us at (800) 800-0000 and ask to speak with one of our experienced injury attorneys to receive a FREE case evaluation today.
Damages to Recover After a Pedestrian Accident
Our team of personal injury attorneys will help you pursue damages after a pedestrian accident. This could include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings
- Disability, and more
After a pedestrian accident, The Barnes Firm is available 24/7 to review your case for FREE, answer any questions you may have, and help you file a personal injury claim.
Statute of Limitations in New York City
In New York State, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim from a pedestrian accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities, such as the City of New York, require a notice of claim, generally within 90 days, and the deadline to sue is also shorter. Call our New York City pedestrian accident attorneys today at (800) 800-0000.
Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers are Here to Help
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries as the result of another’s negligence, our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help you through this difficult time. The Barnes Firm proudly serves clients throughout the New York City area, including The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Call (800) 800-0000 today for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.
“We take great pride in bettering the commnuities we serve by helping clients acheve the best results possible.”
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Rich Barnes
Founding Attorney
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If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
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Answers to Your NYC Pedestrian Accident FAQs
According to New York State, pedestrians have the right of way in all crosswalks and at intersections with marked or unmarked crosswalks, and drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Drivers turning at an intersection must yield to pedestrians, even if they have a green light.
No. According to New York State, motorists have the right of way at all locations other than marked and unmarked crosswalks at intersections and marked crosswalks outside of intersections. If there is no crosswalk, the safest place to cross is at an intersection.
Get medical treatment right away, since some injuries, such as internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. Collect witness information, take pictures and videos of the scene, get a copy of the police report, and keep your medical records. Talk to an attorney before accepting any insurance offer.
Liability depends on who caused the accident. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include motor vehicle drivers, taxi or rideshare drivers, bus and truck drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and scooter operators, and the New York City Transit Authority. Evidence such as witness statements, police reports, pictures and videos of the scene, and medical records helps determine liability.
New York’s statute of limitations for a personal injury claim from a pedestrian accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities, such as the City of New York, require a notice of claim, generally within 90 days, and the deadline to sue is also shorter.
After an accident, insurance companies may offer far less than your case is worth. A pedestrian accident attorney can evaluate your case for free, collect evidence, negotiate with insurance adjusters, advise you on your legal options, and take your case to trial if necessary.
Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes