Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
A pedestrian accident shatters more than your body. It affects you emotionally, mentally, and financially. It may very well shatter your future and that of your family. Yet, you still might consider yourself lucky in that you survived the collision, as many pedestrians succumb to their injuries. If you’ve been hit by a car in Queens, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
The sheer number of pedestrians in New York City, one of the most walkable cities on the planet, means that such traffic accidents are among the most common. The New York City pedestrian accident lawyers at Douglas & London will protect your rights while fighting aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Pedestrian Accident Causes
In New York City, the majority of pedestrian accidents occur because the driver did not yield the right of way in the intersection or crosswalk. Under New York law, drivers must yield to pedestrians when a traffic signal is not present. That holds whether or not the pedestrian was in the crosswalk.
In addition, pedestrians are hit by speeding vehicles or drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Some motorists simply disregard traffic signals, with catastrophic results. People are also hit by motor vehicles backing out of driveways when the driver fails to check their mirrors or the car’s blind spots.
While all pedestrian accidents are unfortunate, it is a tragic fact that many such collisions involve children. These accidents often occur because drivers do not slow down in school zones or simply ignore children in the vicinity. It’s essential to contact a lawyer to ensure you receive the most substantial pedestrian accident settlement possible. It will give you the time to heal and rebuild your life.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
The average car weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. A human being of any size is likely to suffer serious injuries if they are struck. Examples of this include:
- Amputation
- Crushing
- Disfigurement
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Multiple fractures
- Spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injury
A pedestrian accident lawyer knows the settlement amount necessary to provide for the individual client’s needs. Some victims will eventually make a full recovery. Others will never hold a job or live independently again. Medical and economic experts will provide information regarding the client’s prognosis and how the accident affected their current and future employment prospects. Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in Queens today.
Comparative negligence and pedestrian accidents
It is important to understand the concept of comparative negligence when you pursue your injury claim. The law of comparative fault limits the amount of compensation an injury victim can recover depending on their degree of responsibility for the accident. New York uses a system known as “pure comparative negligence.”
Under this system, you can sue the other party no matter your degree at fault. However, the courts will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault. For example, if you suffer $10,000 in damages but are 50 percent at fault, your recovery would be capped at $5,000. If you have further questions about comparative negligence, contact our team of Queens personal injury attorneys.
The Statute of Limitations
Your time to file a lawsuit following a pedestrian accident in Queens is limited. Under the law, you will only have three years to bring your claim. Filing your lawsuit after the expiration of the deadline could lead the court to dismiss your case.
The deadline for these cases is known as the statute of limitations. It begins to expire on the date of your pedestrian accident. This deadline could be shorter if fatal injuries are involved. The statute of limitations is complex, and the failure to comply carries serious consequences. Putting your case in the hands of a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer will help you protect your recovery.
Seek medical care right away
Never delay seeking medical care in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it is crucial to have them checked out by a medical professional. It is not uncommon for specific injuries, such as whiplash or other soft tissue injuries, to worsen hours or days later.
Seeking immediate medical care can also protect your personal injury case. In addition, creating a record of your medical care will provide you with the documentation you may need to prevail in court.
Contact our team of Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you know were hit by a motor vehicle and seriously injured, contact an experienced Queens pedestrian accident attorney at Douglas & London as soon as possible. Call or text us 24/7 or complete our online form to arrange a free consultation. We will evaluate your claim and discuss your options. If a family member died from their injuries, we could file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties. Personal injury legal fees are contingent on your winning your case. Hablamos Español.
