A sunny day in Staten Island. You’re out for a walk, enjoying the fresh air and exploring your neighborhood. Suddenly, the unexpected happens: a car turns a corner too quickly, and you’re in an accident.
Being a pedestrian on Staten Island can be a wonderful way to get around, but it’s important to remember that it also comes with risks. That’s why we’ve dedicated this page to helping Staten Island pedestrians understand their rights and what to do if they’re ever involved in an accident.
Here’s the truth: in a collision between a car and a pedestrian, the pedestrian almost always comes out worse. These accidents can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens that can last a lifetime.
But here’s some good news, too: If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a careless driver, you have rights under New York law. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our experienced Staten Island pedestrian accident lawyers are here to help. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Here are some of the reasons why Staten Island pedestrians are more at risk:
- Lack of Safe Walking Areas: Some parts of Staten Island lack proper sidewalks and crosswalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to stay safe.
- Busy Roads & High Speeds: Major roads on Staten Island can have fast-moving traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Trucks & Commercial Vehicles: The presence of large trucks and commercial vehicles can create blind spots and make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians.
- Driver Inattention: Distracted drivers texting or using their phones pose a serious threat to pedestrian safety.
So, how can you stay safe as a pedestrian in Staten Island? Here are some essential tips:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always pay attention to what’s happening around you, and avoid distractions like talking on your phone or listening to music with headphones.
- Use Crosswalks and Sidewalks: Whenever possible, stay in designated walking areas.
- Make Eye Contact with Drivers: Before crossing a street, try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
- Be Predictable: Walk in a straight line and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.
- Obey Traffic Lights: Even as a pedestrian, you need to follow traffic signals for your safety.
- Be Extra Cautious at Night: Wear reflective clothing and use a flashlight if you’re walking at night.
Even if you follow all the safety rules, accidents can still happen. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm.
We’ll be there for you every step of the way.
How the Staten Island Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help You
Being injured in a pedestrian accident can turn your life upside down. Medical bills pile up, you might be unable to work, and the emotional toll can be immense.
You shouldn’t have to face this alone. Our Staten Island pedestrian accident attorneys understand the unique challenges you face after an accident.
We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Why Choose the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case?
- Experience: We have a proven track record of success in handling pedestrian accident cases in Staten Island.
- Aggressive Representation: We won’t back down from insurance companies who try to lowball your settlement offer.
- Client-Centered Approach: We understand that every case is unique, and we’ll give your case the personalized attention it deserves.
- Free Consultation: We offer free consultations so you can discuss your case with an experienced attorney at no cost.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm:
- A Compassionate Team: We understand the physical and emotional pain you’re going through, and we’ll treat you with respect and compassion.
- Thorough Case Investigation: We’ll gather all the evidence necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Skilled Negotiation: We’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.
- Trial Ready: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court to fight for your rights.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Take Advantage of You
Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they’ll often try to settle pedestrian accident claims for as little as possible. They may try to:
- Blame you for the accident
- Downplay the severity of your injuries
- Offer a lowball settlement
How Common Are Pedestrian Accidents on Staten Island?
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common in New York City, including Staten Island. Here are some statistics to consider:
- In 2019 alone, over 15,600 pedestrians were injured, and 121 pedestrians were killed in New York City.
- Pedestrians make up about 30% of all traffic fatalities in New York City.
- Nationally, about 130,000 pedestrians are treated in emergency rooms for traffic accidents each year.
These statistics highlight the importance of pedestrian safety and the need for aggressive legal representation after an accident.
Staten Island’s Pedestrian Accident Risks
Staten Island may be known for its walkable neighborhoods, but even the most cautious pedestrians can be involved in an accident. While surviving such an event is a victory, the journey towards regaining your full mobility and well-being can be a significant undertaking.
Here’s a sobering statistic: in a single year, Staten Island witnessed a staggering 376 pedestrian accidents. Tragically, four of these resulted in fatalities. The vast majority leave victims with a spectrum of injuries, highlighting the potential severity of these incidents.
Here’s a look at some of the common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of a collision can throw a pedestrian to the ground, often resulting in a head injury. A severe blow to the head can cause a TBI, leading to long-term cognitive, motor, and emotional problems. In the worst cases, a TBI can leave the victim in a coma or permanently incapacitated.
- Spinal Cord Injury: The impact of a collision can damage the spinal cord, resulting in permanent numbness, weakness, or even paralysis. Spinal cord injuries are life-altering and can incur immense medical costs for treatment and rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Amputation and Crush Injuries: In some cases, a pedestrian accident can result in the partial or complete amputation of a limb. Even if amputation is avoided, crush injuries can leave permanent damage and loss of function in the affected limb.
- Orthopedic Trauma: Even seemingly minor pedestrian accidents can cause broken bones, dislocated joints, or soft tissue damage. While these injuries may heal in time, the healing process can be painful and lead to long-term limitations.
Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. Pedestrian accidents can cause a variety of other injuries, depending on the severity of the collision.
The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your chances of a full recovery and help document the extent of your injuries for potential legal action.
Why Staten Island Pedestrian Accidents Happen (And It’s Usually Not Your Fault)
Being struck by a car, truck, or even a bicycle can leave you feeling confused and wondering who to blame. Here at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand that pedestrian accidents can be traumatic, and the emotional toll is often compounded by feelings of self-doubt.
The Truth About Pedestrian Accidents
While everyone shares responsibility for safety on the road, pedestrians are often the most vulnerable in a collision. Statistics show that in most Staten Island pedestrian accidents, the fault lies with the driver or cyclist, not the pedestrian.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common causes:
- Failing to Yield Right of Way: In New York, pedestrians have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks. Drivers and cyclists are legally obligated to yield to pedestrians, but unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, using a phone, or fiddling with the radio can take a driver’s eyes off the road for a crucial moment, increasing the risk of hitting a pedestrian.
- Impaired or Fatigued Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or being overly tired significantly impairs reaction time and judgment, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians.
- Backing Up Without Looking: Drivers backing out of driveways or parking lots without checking for pedestrians can cause serious accidents.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Drivers who disregard traffic lights, stop signs or lane markings put everyone at risk, including pedestrians.
- Poor Road Design: Confusing intersections or poorly designed roads can create blind spots and make it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to see each other.
Even the most cautious pedestrian can be involved in an accident. While it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, the responsibility ultimately lies with drivers and cyclists to operate their vehicles safely and attentively.
Here are some safety tips for pedestrians:
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Use sidewalks whenever possible, and walk against traffic if there’s no sidewalk.
- Wear reflective clothing and use a headlamp if walking at night.
Don’t Blame Yourself
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s natural to question your actions. However, we urge you to set those thoughts aside.
Even if you may have contributed in some way, drivers and cyclists have a legal duty to avoid collisions with pedestrians.
What Can You Recover After a Staten Island Pedestrian Accident?
Being injured in a pedestrian accident can leave you facing a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain. We understand the financial hardship these accidents can cause, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Damages You Can Recover
Here’s a breakdown of some of the damages we typically fight for in Staten Island pedestrian accident cases:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries. This covers hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, medical equipment, and in-home care.
- Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries or if your injuries prevent you from working at the same capacity in the future, we’ll fight to recover lost wages and lost earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: Pedestrian accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. We’ll work to ensure you’re compensated for this suffering.
- Loss of Consortium: A serious injury can impact your relationships with loved ones. Loss of consortium damages compensate for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and support you experience due to your injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases involving intentional wrongdoing or extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The value of your case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The long-term impact of your injuries
- The amount of lost wages
- The at-fault party’s insurance coverage
Here’s the good news: At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our Staten Island personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who will fight tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Staten Island Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Being struck by a car as a pedestrian can leave you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. We’ve compiled some answers to frequently asked questions to help you understand your rights and options.
What responsibilities do drivers have towards pedestrians?
Staten Island’s streets are meant to be safe for everyone. Drivers in New York have a legal obligation to act with reasonable caution to prevent pedestrian accidents. This translates to yielding the right of way in crosswalks and intersections, where pedestrians are most vulnerable.
Are drivers always liable for Staten Island pedestrian accidents that occur in crosswalks?
Not necessarily. Pedestrians also have a responsibility to use crosswalks safely and obey traffic signals. However, in most cases, drivers will be held liable for accidents that occur in crosswalks if they fail to yield the right of way.
What makes someone liable for Staten Island pedestrian accident injuries?
Liability in pedestrian accident cases is determined based on negligence. This means the at-fault party is the one who acted carelessly or recklessly, and their actions caused the accident.
How do I recover compensation for my Staten Island pedestrian accident injuries?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced Staten Island pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
My spouse died in a Staten Island pedestrian accident. Can I sue?
Yes, in New York, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit if a loved one is killed due to someone else’s negligence.
Will my Staten Island pedestrian accident lawsuit be decided in court?
Most pedestrian accident cases are settled before going to trial. However, an experienced lawyer will prepare your case for trial if necessary.
What is the average settlement for a Staten Island pedestrian accident?
The value of a pedestrian accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, the long-term impact, and other factors. There is no average settlement amount.
When can I expect compensation for my Staten Island pedestrian accident claim?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The timeline for receiving compensation depends on the complexities of your case. Generally, simpler cases resolved through negotiation might see compensation sooner than those requiring a trial.
Our team will work diligently to move your claim forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and can provide a more specific timeframe based on your unique situation.
Do I need a Staten Island personal injury attorney for my pedestrian accident case?
Insurance companies often try to downplay the value of pedestrian accident claims. An experienced attorney can protect your rights, fight for maximum compensation, and handle the legal complexities of your case.
How much does a Staten Island pedestrian accident attorney cost?
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call Staten Island Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Today
If you’ve been injured in a Staten Island pedestrian accident, contact the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers will fight for the justice you deserve.
Don’t wait. Call our Staten Island personal injury law firm Now!
Ali Awad, also known as the CEO Lawyer, is the founder and managing attorney of the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. With a proven track record of success and a team of experienced attorneys, Ali can help you get the results you deserve.
