Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Brooklyn, NY and Surrounding Areas
Residents and tourists use sidewalks and surface streets every day in Brooklyn, rarely thinking about pedestrian accidents. However, pedestrian accidents happen, and they can result in severe injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families burdened with long-term medical bills, income loss, and emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Brooklyn, contact The Barnes Firm and speak to an experienced attorney. Our successful team of Brooklyn pedestrian accident lawyers are dedicated to defending your rights to help you get the best result possible.
Call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.
Should I Hire an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident?
After a pedestrian accident, our team of Brooklyn pedestrian accident lawyers at The Barnes Firm are here to help you get the best result possible. No matter the type of pedestrian accident or severity of your injuries, our team of experienced lawyers will work hard for you every step of the way. When you hire The Barnes Firm, our Brooklyn pedestrian accident attorneys will:
- Answer any questions you may have and evaluate your case for FREE.
- Investigate and review the circumstances surrounding and leading up to your accident.
- Assist you in filing a pedestrian accident claim.
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
- Prepare and take your case to trial, if necessary.
At The Barnes Firm, we understand how overwhelming a pedestrian accident can be for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of a motorist, don’t hesitate to call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.
What are the Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Brooklyn?
Pedestrians in Brooklyn face real danger from motor vehicles. The most common causes of pedestrian accidents in Brooklyn include:
- Failure to Yield Right of Way to Pedestrians. Motorists should prioritize the safety of pedestrians by yielding to them at intersections or marked crosswalks, even without a traffic signal present.
- Distracted Driving. Interacting with passengers, using mobile phones to talk, text and video call, or listening to loud music can all lead to a car veering off the road and injuring innocent pedestrians.
- Aggressive Driving. Speeding, neglecting blind spots, or running red lights and stop signs pose a significant risk to both pedestrians and other motorists.
- Unsafe Reversing. A motorist’s failure to check behind them before backing up can put pedestrians at risk for being struck by a motor vehicle. Drivers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings to prevent accidents while backing up their vehicle.
- Unsafe or Illegal Turns at Intersections. Impatient drivers often make unsafe or illegal turns at intersections, disregarding the right of way of pedestrians. Such actions can result in collisions with pedestrians who have the legal right of way.
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and/or Alcohol. Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs significantly reduces reaction time and impairs judgment. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by impaired drivers due to their smaller profile and decreased ability to react quickly. Never get behind the wheel if you are intoxicated. If you notice someone else driving erratically, report them to your local authorities immediately.
- Road Hazards. Cracked sidewalks, potholes, construction zones, improperly marked crosswalks, and defective signage, all can cause pedestrian accidents.
It’s important for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution and follow traffic laws to prevent accidents from occurring. As a driver, it is your responsibility to prioritize the safety of pedestrians on the road. However, negligent drivers can still cause pedestrian accidents to happen.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a driver’s negligence, contact The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000.
Pedestrian Rights in Brooklyn
It is important to be familiar with your rights as a pedestrian navigating Brooklyn. 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 in a Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident depends on who caused it. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include:
- Motor vehicle drivers
- Truck drivers
- Bus drivers
- Motorcyclists
- Bicyclists
- Taxi or rideshare drivers
- New York City Transit Authority
- Electric scooter operator
- Other pedestrians
New York’s no-fault laws can be complex, so it’s important to hire an experienced Brooklyn pedestrian accident attorney at The Barnes Firm to aid you in navigating the complexities. With decades of combined experience, our knowledgeable attorneys will work hard to help you get the best result possible. If you or a loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, call The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.
Deadlines for a Brooklyn 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 Brooklyn 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.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?
Following a pedestrian accident, the amount of compensation you can seek relies on the extent of your injuries and the severity of the accident. Our experienced Brooklyn pedestrian accident lawyers are likely to pursue the following damages in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident:
- Medical costs
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Lost wages
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
Safe walkways are a shared responsibility between pedestrians and motorists. This can only be achieved when both parties obey traffic signals, signs, and laws that are in place for the safety of everyone. However, negligent drivers cannot be prevented from causing pedestrian accidents.
At The Barnes Firm, our team of Brooklyn pedestrian accident lawyers will work to defend your rights and pursue compensation for you. Call The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a free consultation and find out what your case is worth.
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.
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What our clients are saying about us
Nichole W.
The Barnes Firm was very friendly, always quick to respond to our calls, emails. When we had any questions or concerns they were there to walk us through everything. Would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking for an attorney that will honestly fight for you and has your best interest in mind.
Answers to Your Brooklyn 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