Pedestrian accidents are becoming increasingly common in New York City, including Astoria. With the high volume of pedestrian traffic on the streets of Astoria, it is no surprise that these accidents occur frequently.
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Astoria pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we have a team of highly skilled attorneys who are dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our attorneys understand the complexities of pedestrian accidents and can provide the legal guidance you need during this difficult time.
If you need the services of a pedestrian accident lawyer, contact our office for a free consultation.
Laws to Protect Pedestrians in New York
New York has laws in place that protect pedestrians on the road. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians when turning at an intersection, even if there is no marked crosswalk. Drivers are also required to come to a complete stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children, regardless of which direction the driver is traveling.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
New York also has a law called the “Vulnerable User Law,” which provides extra protection for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable road users. Under this law, drivers who cause serious physical injury or death to a vulnerable user face increased penalties, including fines and jail time.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can occur for various reasons, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers distracted by their phones, food, or other distractions may fail to see pedestrians.
- Speeding: Drivers who exceed the speed limit are more likely to cause accidents because they have less time to react to unexpected situations.
- Drunk driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may have impaired judgment and reaction time, making them more likely to cause an accident.
- Failure to yield: Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or at intersections significantly cause pedestrian accidents.
- Poor visibility: Poor lighting or weather conditions can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents and the Long-Term Effects
Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries, including:
- Head injuries: Pedestrians hit by a car may suffer a traumatic brain injury, which can have long-term effects on their cognitive and physical abilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Pedestrians who suffer a spinal cord injury may be paralyzed, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Broken bones: Pedestrians hit by a car may suffer broken bones, which can take weeks or months to heal.
- Internal injuries: Pedestrians hit by a car may suffer internal injuries, such as damage to their organs, which can be life-threatening.
- Emotional trauma: Pedestrians involved in accidents may suffer from emotional trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How to File a Claim
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Astoria pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible. The first step in filing a claim is to meet with an attorney to discuss the details of the accident. Your attorney will gather evidence, such as police reports and witness statements, and evaluate your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Your attorney will then file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. The insurance company will investigate the claim and may offer a settlement. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.
Damages You Can Recover
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and any other medical treatment related to your injuries.
- Lost wages: This includes the income you lost because you could not work due to your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by your injuries.
- Future medical expenses: This includes the cost of any medical treatment you may need due to your injuries.
- Future lost wages: This includes the income you will lose because you cannot work due to your injuries.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages to punish the driver who caused the accident for their reckless or negligent behavior.
Why Choose Us
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we have a team of experienced Astoria pedestrian accident lawyers dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accidents and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Here are some reasons to choose us:
- Experienced attorneys: Our attorneys have years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases and have a proven track record of success.
- Personalized attention: We provide personalized attention to each client and will keep you informed throughout the process.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
- Aggressive representation: We will aggressively represent your interests and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Contact Our Astoria Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Assistance
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious injuries and long-term effects on a person’s physical and emotional well-being. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to contact an experienced Astoria pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we have a team of skilled attorneys dedicated to helping pedestrian accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accidents and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
FAQs
What should I do if I am involved in a pedestrian accident in Astoria?
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Astoria, you should seek medical attention immediately, call the police to report the accident and contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer.
What damages can I recover if I am involved in a pedestrian accident in Astoria?
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Astoria, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, future lost wages, and in rare cases, punitive damages.
How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian accident in Astoria?
In New York, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a claim for a pedestrian accident.
What should I look for when choosing a pedestrian accident lawyer in Astoria?
When choosing a pedestrian accident lawyer in Astoria, you should look for experience, a track record of success, personalized attention, and a willingness to fight for your rights.
How can I prove that the driver was at fault for the pedestrian accident?
Your attorney will gather evidence to prove that the driver was at fault for the pedestrian accident, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. They will also evaluate the driver’s actions leading up to the accident.
What if the driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover my damages?
If the driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company or pursue other avenues for compensation, such as a personal injury lawsuit.
How much will it cost to hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Astoria?
At The Law Offices of Joseph J. Perrini, III, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case.
Call us today at 516-221-7900 or contact us online using our free and secure submission form. We are available 24/7 to assist you and offer FREE initial consultations.
“Joseph J Perrini, esquire and his staff were top-notch and extremely caring and professional from the inception to the conclusion of my case. They got me so much more money than I expected and I strongly recommend anyone injured in an accident to use their”
- Margaret H.