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Pedestrian Crosswalk

New York Crosswalk Accident Lawyer

Crosswalks are meant to provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross the street. While no one expects to be hit by a car when walking in a marked crosswalk, pedestrian accidents unfortunately occur all too often in New York City. Whether a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk due to driver negligence, road conditions, or another reason, the results can be catastrophic.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a crosswalk accident, you might be entitled to monetary recovery. The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. understand the economic difficulties you may be facing following a crosswalk accident — and the substantial impact your injuries may have had on you and your family. With a focus on ensuring you receive full and fair compensation, we provide unwavering advocacy to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

Causes of Crosswalk Accidents

There are many reasons crosswalk accidents can occur. However, in many cases, they are the result of a vehicle operator’s failure to exercise due care. Not only can crosswalk accidents involve passenger cars, but pedestrians can also be hit by taxis, buses, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles. Critically, the larger the vehicle involved, the more serious the resulting injuries can be.   

Common causes of crosswalk accidents can include:

  • Speeding
  • Left-hand turn
  • Trying to beat a red light
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failure to yield
  • Drowsy driving

Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1151, drivers must yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, regardless of whether there is a traffic control device. If a driver fails to do so, they may be presumed negligent under the doctrine of negligence per se. This can also make establishing liability against the driver at fault for the accident easier. 

Although many crosswalk accidents are caused by driver carelessness or recklessness, sometimes they can be the result of mechanical malfunctions in a vehicle, such as faulty brakes or a defective steering wheel. In these cases, a vehicle manufacturer might be to blame for the accident. Additionally, a municipality may be held liable if a defective traffic signal contributed to the accident, or if the crosswalk was improperly constructed.      

A defendant’s insurance company will usually attempt to blame the pedestrian for the accident to avoid paying out on their claim. For instance, they may try to argue that the pedestrian crossed at the wrong time or they were wearing dark clothing that made them less visible if the accident occurred at night. Importantly, New York State follows the rule of comparative negligence. This means that a pedestrian might still be entitled to recover compensation for their damages, minus any share of fault for the accident.  

Offering compassionate counsel and reliable representation, the personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. are dedicated to being by your side to protect your rights when you need a lawyer the most. We know the toll a crosswalk accident can take on all aspects of your life, and we are committed to ensuring you obtain the maximum compensation available for your injuries

Common Crosswalk Accident Injuries

If you were struck by a passenger car, taxi, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle in a crosswalk, you may have suffered severe injuries. Common crosswalk accident injuries can include torn ligaments, lacerations, fractured ribs, broken bones, concussion, traumatic brain injury, nerve damage, disfigurement, paralysis, and permanent disability. Tragically, these types of accidents can also be fatal.  

After a crosswalk accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. In addition to the apparent physical injuries that you may have sustained in the accident, you might also have suffered internal bleeding or damage to your internal organs. Your doctor may recommend MRIs, X-rays, CAT scans, EMG-NCVs, and any other tests necessary to determine the extent of your injuries.

Depending on the injuries, medical treatment after a crosswalk accident can include physical therapy, chiropractic care, the use of durable medical equipment, or surgery in some cases. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s guidelines not only to resolve your injuries, but also to build a strong personal injury claim.

At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we will carefully assess your case and develop a solid strategy to help ensure the negligent party is held accountable for your injuries and the impact that they have had on you — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Diligent Representation to Help Ensure You Receive Maximum Recovery

In New York, no-fault insurance may cover up to $50,000 of medical expenses, and a certain amount of lost wages for a pedestrian injured in a crosswalk accident. However, your medical bills may quickly exceed the amount provided by no-fault benefits. Additionally, no-fault does not compensate you for the full amount of your lost earnings or for the pain and suffering you experienced due to your injuries.

By filing a personal injury action for your crosswalk accident injuries, you may be able to recover your economic damages, including unreimbursed medical expenses, lost earnings, and the out-of-pocket costs you incurred in connection with the accident. You might also be entitled to receive compensation for your non-economic damages, including the physical pain, mental anguish, and the loss of enjoyment of life you experienced due to your injuries. Families who have lost loved ones may also be entitled to monetary recovery by filing a wrongful death action.

At The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., we know how an accident can change your life and provide personal attention in every case. Whether the most favorable result would be achieved by negotiating with the insurance company or bringing your case to trial, we work vigorously to help ensure you obtain justice.

Contact an Experienced New York Crosswalk Accident Lawyer

A crosswalk accident can be life-changing and cause permanent disability. If you suffered injuries while crossing the street due to a driver’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, it’s vital to have a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side to protect your rights. For more than three decades, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been providing capable counsel and vigorous representation to pedestrians and their families — and obtaining favorable results in their cases.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Long Island in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Contact us for a consultation.