Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Long Island is renowned for having a high incidence of pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians are susceptible to serious, frequently fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents because they are not physically shielded by automobiles.

The fallout can be severe, involving prolonged hospital stays, rising medical costs, and substantial personal losses.

Drivers on Long Island must adhere to their legal responsibilities and ensure safe road sharing with pedestrians. Failure to do so, through negligence, can lead to their accountability in a personal injury lawsuit.

Engaging a proficient Long Island pedestrian accident attorney can be crucial.

It can be difficult to comprehend the legal specifics of these claims, which include strict deadlines and complex procedural requirements. Our goal at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is to handle these legal obligations so you can focus on getting better.

Contact us now to learn how our personal injury attorneys on Long Island can help you during this difficult time.

How Our Long Island Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help You?

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you might be unsure about the next steps. An insurance adjuster may have already approached you with a settlement offer.

However, consulting with a Long Island personal injury attorney before engaging with the adjuster, giving any statements, or signing documents is critical.

Insurance companies are highly profitable entities, often earning their margins by denying or minimizing legitimate claims—including those from pedestrian accidents. An experienced lawyer can help even the playing field and improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

We operate on a contingency fee basis for all personal injury cases, meaning you only pay if we secure a win for you, whether through a settlement or a court verdict. This arrangement ensures that legal fees are not a barrier to seeking justice.

At our Long Island personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to personal injury law and approach each case with empathy and respect. Our primary goal is to secure the compensation necessary for our clients to recover and rebuild their lives.

Children and seniors are often the most affected by pedestrian accidents. Immediate and appropriate medical care is essential not just for recovery but also for preventing long-term disabilities.

Even healthy individuals can suffer lasting impacts from such incidents.

We are dedicated to ensuring Long Island pedestrian accident victims get the justice and compensation they are due. As part of our legal approach, we will seek maximum reimbursement for all relevant expenses and use expert medical testimony to support your claim.

Get Legal Advice With Our Long Island Pedestrian Accident Law Firm

Pedestrian accidents can cause significant injuries and, in severe cases, even death. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to supporting victims and their families through the recovery process.

We aim to secure the maximum possible compensation for you and ensure that those responsible for your accident are held accountable.

Here’s how our Long Island Pedestrian Accident Attorneys can assist you:

• Initial Case Evaluation: We provide a complimentary consultation for Long Island pedestrian accident victims. During this session, our Long Island personal injury lawyers will review your case, determine its potential value, and explore your compensation options, allowing you to make well-informed decisions.
• Evidence Collection: To secure fair compensation, establishing liability is crucial in pedestrian accident claims. Our team will gather robust evidence to support your case, including medical documents, police reports, CCTV and traffic camera videos, witness statements, and expert opinions.
• Legal Representation: Our attorneys will represent you at every stage of the legal process. We will handle negotiations with insurance companies to achieve a fair settlement. We are prepared to take your case to court to advocate on your behalf if necessary.

Contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to speak with an accomplished Long Island pedestrian accident attorney about your case. To schedule your free consultation and strategy session, call us right now.

Why Long Island Pedestrian Accidents Happen?

Pedestrian accidents in Long Island constitute a significant concern, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting that out of 207 total traffic fatalities in a recent year, 95 were pedestrians—accounting for 45% of all traffic deaths.

A pedestrian accident can involve anyone on foot—whether walking, running, jogging, hiking, or even sitting or lying down. These incidents often stem from motorist errors, although pedestrians must also adhere to traffic laws, such as obeying signals and using crosswalks.

One common cause of these accidents is driver inattention. Distractions such as cell phone use, eating, or other activities can lead to a motorist hitting a pedestrian.

Accidents frequently occur when drivers fail to adequately check blind spots while backing up or pulling away from parking spaces.

Intersections are particularly dangerous for pedestrians, especially during turns. For instance, a motorist’s view can be obstructed by the car’s design during a left turn, while during right turns, drivers focusing on oncoming traffic may fail to notice a pedestrian entering a crosswalk.

In cities like Long Island, aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding and unsafe lane changes, significantly contribute to pedestrian accidents. Ignoring traffic controls like stop signs and lights is a dangerous form of aggressive driving.

Alcohol involvement plays a substantial role in these accidents, with NHTSA noting that it was a factor in nearly half of the pedestrian fatalities in 2023. Driving under the influence impairs judgment and reaction times, making roads more dangerous for pedestrians.

It is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, highlighting the risks drunk drivers pose to pedestrian safety.

Common Injuries Incurred From Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident often involves severe trauma when a person is struck by a vehicle such as a car, truck, bus, motorcycle, or even a fast-moving bicycle. Initially, the victim suffers from the direct impact of the vehicle, followed by a secondary collision when they hit the ground or another object. In more severe cases, the victim may also be dragged along the pavement before the vehicle comes to a stop.

Survivors of such incidents typically sustain significant injuries, with the vehicle’s speed at the time of impact being a critical factor in the severity of these injuries. Common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents include

• Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis
• Fractures in the arms and legs
• Fractures of the ribs and pelvis
• Dislocated hips
• Internal organ damage
• Soft tissue injuries include torn muscles and ligaments, contusions, abrasions, lacerations, and degloving injuries.

The medical treatment required for these injuries can be extensive, often necessitating surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and comprehensive rehabilitation to achieve the best possible recovery. Unfortunately, many victims do not fully recover and may face lifelong disabilities that require ongoing medical care and support for daily activities.

If the accident was caused by a motorist, victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering through an insurance claim. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, experienced personal injury attorneys specializing in Long Island pedestrian accident claims can assist victims in getting full compensation for their losses.

Who Is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident in Long Island?

Determining liability after a pedestrian accident in Long Island is vital for holding the responsible party accountable for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Liability is often based on negligence.

Both pedestrians and drivers must exercise reasonable care and caution to avoid accidents. The responsible party can be held liable when this duty of care is breached.

Common causes of pedestrian accidents in Long Island include:

• Distracted Driving and Walking: Drivers’ and pedestrians’ lack of attention to the road significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, heightening the risk of pedestrian collisions.
• Fatigued Driving: Similar to drunk driving, drowsy driving reduces a driver’s alertness and reaction time, making serious accidents more likely.
• School Zones: Accidents frequently occur in school zones due to drivers speeding or not paying adequate attention to the presence of children.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to respond to traffic changes, making it more difficult to stop in time to prevent a collision.
• Parking Lots: Many pedestrian accidents happen in parking lots as drivers may not notice pedestrians while reversing or maneuvering their vehicles.
• Failure to Yield in Crosswalks: Drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to do so can lead to accidents and liability.
• Poor Road Conditions: If an accident is caused by inadequate road maintenance, such as potholes or unkept sidewalks, the government entity responsible for road upkeep might be liable.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Long Island, consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. An experienced lawyer can assist in identifying the responsible parties, gathering the necessary information, and constructing a compelling case for compensation.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we focus on researching pedestrian accidents and obtaining the compensation our clients deserve.

Essential Steps to Take after a Pedestrian Accident in Long Island

Following a pedestrian accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, you will have to battle for the compensation you deserve.

Take the following actions after a pedestrian collision in Long Island.

Prioritize Safety:

Immediately after the accident, move away from traffic to ensure your safety. If you can’t move, signal for help or have a bystander call emergency services to prevent further injuries.

Get Medical Attention:

Regardless of the severity of your injuries, get medical attention. Hidden injuries may not be immediately apparent, and getting a medical check-up will document your condition, which is vital for any claims.

Gather Evidence:

If you can, collect evidence at the scene. Take photos of the accident site, including the vehicle involved, traffic signals, and your injuries.

Also, gather contact details from witnesses. This evidence is crucial for establishing fault and supporting your claim.

Report the Accident:

Report the accident to the police. Provide detailed information about the incident and ensure a police report is filed.

This report is a critical piece of documentation for the accident.

Avoid Making Statements:

Be cautious about what you say following the accident. Avoid making statements to insurance companies or the at-fault party until you consult a lawyer.

Statements can be used against you in legal proceedings.

Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney:

Consult with an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents in Long Island. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Compensation Can You Get After a Pedestrian Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you could be entitled to seek compensation under personal injury law, which provides for two main types of damages: compensatory and punitive.

Compensatory Damages

These are intended to reimburse the victim for losses and fall into two categories:

• Economic Damages: These cover tangible financial losses like medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, ongoing healthcare costs, and diminished earning potential.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address more subjective losses such as emotional distress, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, and disfigurement.

Punitive Damages

These are awarded in cases of egregious wrongdoing, specifically when the at-fault party’s actions were intentional or recklessly indifferent, like in drunk driving incidents. Punitive damages are designed to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.

Given the severe nature of injuries that can occur in pedestrian accidents—ranging from broken bones and traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord injuries and more—understanding and pursuing these damages can be crucial. Consulting with an experienced pedestrian accident attorney can clarify what compensation you may be entitled to, especially whether punitive damages might apply in your case.

How Can Drivers Prevent Pedestrian Accidents?

To enhance road safety and minimize the risk of pedestrian accidents, drivers should adopt the following precautions:

• Keep your attention on the road and avoid distractions such as using your phone.
• Never drive when under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when excessively tired.
• Adjust your driving according to the weather conditions, as these can impact visibility and braking distances.
• Always adhere to the posted speed limits, especially in areas where pedestrians are likely present.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching crosswalks, stop signs, or traffic lights.
• Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front to allow enough space for sudden braking.
• Overtaking at crosswalks can obscure your view of pedestrians crossing the road.
• Reduce speed in residential neighborhoods, school zones, and parks where children and other pedestrians are common.
• Pay extra attention when backing out of driveways or parking spaces, especially in areas with limited visibility.

Talk to Our Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today!

Traffic accidents often result in serious injuries, which can sometimes lead to permanent disabilities. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are committed to assisting our clients in securing fair settlements for their personal injury claims. We provide free initial consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

For more information, call us at (516) 689-1132, or to schedule a one-to-one meeting with a skilled Long Island pedestrian accident attorney, please contact our law office.