Bronx Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
While any type of traffic accident can cause serious injury or death, pedestrian accidents are among the worst. When two vehicles collide, the occupants have some protection via airbags and other safety equipment, including the fact they are enclosed in a metal frame. When a car strikes a pedestrian, there is nothing to blunt the impact of a vehicle weighing a few thousand pounds hitting a human body.
The New York City pedestrian accident lawyers in the Bronx at Douglas & London protect your rights and will hold those responsible for the accident accountable. We will fight hard so that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Staying Safe While Walking
The majority of pedestrian accidents occur due to distracted driving or failure to yield. The worst accidents tend to happen at crosswalks. Both drivers and pedestrians must follow all traffic laws. Many accidents are avoidable, and it is vital that pedestrians know the best ways to protect themselves.
There are actions you can take to make yourself safer. Besides always following traffic sign and signal directions, these include:
- Use walkways designed for pedestrians when available
- Avoid walking after dark whenever possible
- Wearing reflective clothing at night
- Cross with a group for better visibility
- Make eye contact with a driver before crossing
Just as drivers become distracted by cell phones, so do pedestrians. Always be aware of your surroundings and not your cellphone. If there isn’t a crosswalk or intersection and you must cross the street, do not cross from between parked cars or other places hampering visibility. Try to cross from an area with the best lighting and sightlines.
Seek Medical Help After an Accident
New York pedestrian lawyers advise that if you are hit by a car in the Bronx, head to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care center right away, even if you feel fine. Many injuries aren’t evident until the next day or even the following week. Failing to undergo an immediate medical examination threatens your health and harms your ability to file a personal injury lawsuit. In addition, the driver’s insurance company may argue that failure to seek prompt medical attention proves the victim’s injuries were not serious. The insurer may even allege that the person’s injuries were not caused by the impact but from another incident.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If a pedestrian survives the impact, recovery time is often slow, and many victims are disabled permanently. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury
If an individual succumbs to their injuries, a pedestrian accident lawyer will work with family members and the estate to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York City
As noted above, your priority should always be to seek medical treatment and get a thorough diagnosis of all of your injuries. Afterward, you should consult with experienced Bronx personal injury attorneys as soon as possible to confirm what the applicable statute of limitations, or deadline, is for filing a lawsuit to recover compensation for your losses.
If your accident involved private parties, you have up to three years to file a lawsuit under New York law. If a family member was killed by the driver, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit is two years. The deadline is even shorter if a government entity owns the vehicle. Three years may seem like a long time, but that deadline can quickly approach. An individual always has an advantage when filing a lawsuit sooner rather than later within this period. Waiting too long can mean the loss of crucial evidence such as surveillance videos. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we can discuss the potential value of your pedestrian accident settlement.
What is Comparative Negligence in New York?
Comparative negligence, also known as comparative fault or contributory negligence, means that both parties are partially at fault in a personal injury case. It’s common for people to think that if they are partially responsible for an accident, it prevents them from filing a personal injury lawsuit and receiving monetary damages. That isn’t true. Although many states don’t recognize comparative negligence in personal injury cases, New York does– the injured person can still recover damages even if they bear some degree of liability.
There are many personal injury claims where it is clear that just one party is at fault. However, there are many instances where it is less apparent. For example, if a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle while walking against the light at a crosswalk or walking into a street between cars, both the pedestrian and the driver bear partial responsibility.
Contact our Team of Bronx Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you were seriously injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent or reckless driver, or if a family member was killed, you need the services of an experienced Bronx pedestrian accident attorney at Douglas & London. Schedule a free consultation by calling or texting us 24/7 or completing our online form.
After reviewing your claim, we will discuss all options. Because personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis, you do not pay a fee unless you receive compensation. Se Habla Español.
