Pedestrians often have the right of way in New York. Pedestrian traffic control signals, stop signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks are among the traffic-moderating resources that help drivers and pedestrians avoid collisions. When pedestrians enter the roadway without the right of way or the right of way is unclear, motorists must err on the side of caution.
A New York pedestrian accident lawyer from our team will pursue justice if you or a loved one was a pedestrian injured in a car accident. A motor vehicle operator or another negligent party may have violated your rights, and you may be entitled to financial compensation as a consequence.
- Even If a Pedestrian does Not Have the Right of Way, Drivers Must Prioritize Pedestrian Safety
- Instances When Pedestrians Clearly Have the Right of Way in NY
- Let a Lawyer Seek Compensation for Your Pedestrian Accident in NY
- Damages Injured Pedestrians Often Deserve Compensation for
- Call Us Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Even If a Pedestrian does Not Have the Right of Way, Drivers Must Prioritize Pedestrian Safety
Every motor vehicle operator has a duty of care to drive safely to protect those around them, including pedestrians, throughout all of New York State. This duty of care requires the vehicle operator to act as any other reasonable party would. Examples of “reasonable” behavior include:
- Respecting pedestrians’ right of way at all times
- Paying attention to pedestrian crossing signals, traffic lights, stop signs, and other accident-prevention mechanisms
- Stopping, swerving, and making any other necessary evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision, even if a pedestrian has acted carelessly (such as crossing the road without the right of way)
Because a motorist has a duty to prevent pedestrian accidents however they can, a motorist is often liable for pedestrian-involved collisions.
For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400
Instances When Pedestrians Clearly Have the Right of Way in NY
New York State provides a comprehensive outline of pedestrians’ rights of way. This outline notes that pedestrians generally have the right of way when:
- There is a “Walk” indicator on the pedestrian traffic signal at a marked crosswalk.
- The “Don’t Walk” or “upraised hand” signal is flashing, which means pedestrians who are already crossing should hurry (but still have the right to be crossing the street).
- There is a crosswalk without a pedestrian signal, and the pedestrian has clearance to cross (usually when traffic is crossing in the same direction the pedestrian is crossing).
- They are on the sidewalk (including where a vehicle might cross the sidewalk, such as entering or exiting a parking lot).
Importantly, state law notes that motorists must always yield to pedestrians at intersections without traffic signals.
Let a Lawyer Seek Compensation for Your Pedestrian Accident in NY
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident on Long Island, in New York City, or elsewhere in the state, it’s worth speaking with our legal professionals. You may be entitled to compensation covering any medical care costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages resulting from the accident.
Our personal injury law firm has obtained over $250 million for clients. If you hire a NY pedestrian accident attorney from our team, they will:
Determine Who Caused Your Accident and Who Is Liable for Your Damages
Our team will immediately start investigating your pedestrian accident, as we must know:
- Who caused the accident (who is “at fault”)
- Who should cover the cost of your economic and non-economic damages
According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, motorists in New York must have valid auto liability insurance, so insurance companies are often liable when pedestrians suffer injuries.
Obtain Evidence Supporting Your Case
As your New York pedestrian accident injury attorney establishes fault and liability for your collision, they will gather relevant evidence that may include:
- Video footage (many public spaces in New York are recorded at any given time, so we may be able to obtain clear footage of the accident if you hire us quickly)
- Witness testimony
- Your testimony about how the accident happened
- A police report
We never know what specific evidence will be available, but we will work to obtain all relevant evidence and we will certainly make the most of the evidence we collect.
Fight for Appropriate Compensation
We will enter settlement negotiations with a precise financial target supported by proof of your damages. Our New York injured pedestrian lawyers are never satisfied unless our clients receive every dollar they are entitled to.
Oversee Communications (Including Regular Communications with You)
Our New York personal injury lawyers and support staff manage all communications for pedestrian accident victims because:
- Bad-faith tactics can catch unsuspecting claimants and plaintiffs off guard, so we will shield you from such tactics.
- You deserve to focus on recovery without dealing with unwanted phone calls, letters, and other communications.
- We want to resolve your pedestrian accident case as soon as possible, and leading all communications is part of that mission.
Please review our firm’s case results, which include many multi-million-dollar recoveries. Though each case value varies, our New York personal injury attorneys strive to ensure our clients get everything they deserve after pedestrian collisions.
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Damages Injured Pedestrians Often Deserve Compensation for
A NY pedestrian crash attorney from our team will be ready to identify and document any harm you’ve suffered, as we have seen firsthand the economic and non-economic costs of accidents like yours. Your recoverable damages may include:
- Diminished quality of life, emotional distress, physical pain, and other causally related types of pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- The cost of repairing or replacing property damaged when a motorist hits you
If you are searching for a New York wrongful death lawyer following a fatal pedestrian accident, please accept our team’s condolences. Our legal services are available to you, and we vow to fight tenaciously for justice in your loved one’s memory.
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Call Us Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
The value of a New York pedestrian accident attorney extends far beyond their legal services. Having our firm’s support and guidance is priceless, as we have been fighting for clients like you since 1991.
Call Friedman & Simon Injury Lawyers L.L.P. today for your free consultation.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form