Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Queens, NY and Surrounding Areas
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city that trickles into the outer boroughs, pedestrians and motorists alike are responsible for practicing safe walking and driving behaviors to ensure everyone’s safety. NYC DOT reports that traffic deaths in Queens fell from 74 to 57 in 2025, and that citywide pedestrian deaths fell from 122 to 111. Even so, pedestrians are still killed and seriously injured in crashes with vehicles every year. DOT also completed the final phase of its Queens Boulevard redesign in 2024, on a road it notes was formerly known as the “Boulevard of Death.”
If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, The Barnes Firm is here to help. Our attorneys have worked on pedestrian accident cases in Queens and are familiar with the local courts.
Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident?
After an accident, you’ll want to prioritize recovering from the injuries you’ve sustained. During this time, insurance will likely present you with an offer that’s far less than the true value of your case. Before accepting the initial insurance offer, contact a trusted Queens pedestrian accident attorney at The Barnes Firm who can:
- Evaluate your case for FREE.
- Collect evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements and medical records.
- Negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Advise you on your legal options and the potential outcomes of your case.
- Update you on your case status and aid you in decision-making about settlement offers.
- If necessary, take your case to trial.
Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 to discover the true value of your case—it could be the best call you make.
Pedestrian Rights in Queens
It is important to be familiar with your rights as a pedestrian navigating Queens. 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.
At The Barnes Firm, we are committed to providing the best legal representation to pedestrian accident victims. If you or a loved one were injured by a motorist’s negligence, call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000. Our dedicated Queens pedestrian accident lawyers will fight hard to help you get the best result possible.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Queens
Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Queens include:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Unsafe reversing
- Unsafe or illegal turns at intersections
- Road hazards
Drivers and pedestrians have a shared responsibility to stay cautious and follow traffic laws to prevent accidents. However, negligent drivers can still cause pedestrian accidents to happen. These accidents can be very complex, and an experienced Queens pedestrian accident attorney from The Barnes Firm will thoroughly investigate your case to help you get the best result possible.
What are Common Injuries Sustained from Pedestrian Accidents?
Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents can vary in severity and are dependent upon the unique circumstances of the accident itself. Injuries can be costly, causing financial losses, pain, suffering, and a reduced quality of life. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken and fractured bones
- And more…
Following a pedestrian accident, always receive medical treatment. Some injuries, such as internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent. Once evaluated by a medical professional, contact a pedestrian accident attorney at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Queens Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in pedestrian accidents is determined by identifying the party responsible for causing the accident. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Taxi or rideshare drivers
- Bus drivers
- Truck drivers
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists and electric scooter operators
- New York City Transit Authority
- Other pedestrians
It is essential to collect evidence to determine liability in a pedestrian accident. This can include witness statements, police reports, pictures and videos of the accident scene, and medical records. An experienced Queens pedestrian accident attorney at The Barnes Firm can help collect and analyze this evidence to help build a strong case for your claim.
Deadlines for a Queens Pedestrian Accident Claim
New York’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to 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. Missing a deadline can bar your claim, so speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Queens Pedestrian Accident
- Get medical treatment. Some injuries, such as internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent.
- Collect evidence. Gather witness names and contact information, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, and get a copy of the police report.
- Keep your medical records.
- Talk to an attorney before accepting any insurance offer. Insurance companies may offer far less than your case is worth.
Pedestrian Accident Settlements We’ve Recovered in New York City
- $1,925,000: A pedestrian was struck by a bus and suffered head injuries.
- $1,250,000: A pedestrian crossing the street was struck by a garbage truck and suffered foot injuries.
- $1,225,000: A pedestrian was struck in a crosswalk and suffered shoulder, leg, neck, and back injuries.
- $1,000,000: A pedestrian was struck by a bus in a crosswalk and suffered knee, rib, head, neck, back, and shoulder injuries.
- $900,000: A pedestrian was hit by a car and suffered a leg injury.
- $800,000: A pedestrian suffered knee, elbow, shoulder, neck, and back injuries.
Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact The Barnes Firm
Pedestrian accidents can have devastating consequences and require an experienced attorney to navigate the legal complexities surrounding this type of case. At The Barnes Firm, our team of Queens pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting hard for you to help you get the best result possible while you focus on what’s most important, your recovery.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Queens pedestrian accident lawyers.
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
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.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Answers to Your Queens 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