New York City Pedestrian Accident Attorney

The Rising Toll of NYC Pedestrian Accidents

New York City's dense urban landscape creates unique challenges for pedestrian safety, with millions of people sharing crowded streets with vehicles every day. Recent statistics paint a troubling picture — 645 pedestrians were seriously injured in New York City in the first nine months of 2024, 13% more than were injured by this point last year. Despite Vision Zero initiatives and infrastructure improvements, pedestrian accidents continue to devastate families across all five boroughs.

Leading Causes Behind Pedestrian Accidents in NYC

Understanding what leads to pedestrian accidents helps victims build stronger cases and prevents similar incidents in the future. Our New York pedestrian accident attorneys have handled hundreds of cases, and we've identified clear patterns in how these tragic events unfold. 

• Distracted Driving: Texting, phone use, and other distractions that take eyes off the road.
• Failure to Yield: Drivers ignoring pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks and intersections.
• Speeding: Especially dangerous in residential areas and school zones where pedestrians are common.
• Improper Turns: Left turns account for higher pedestrian injury rates than right turns.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drug impairment affecting reaction time.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice reducing visibility and stopping distance.
• Traffic Signal Violations: Running red lights or stop signs, particularly during rush hour.

Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle

Every pedestrian accident brings its own unique circumstances and challenges. Over our decades of practice, our New York pedestrian accident attorneys have successfully represented victims in virtually every type of pedestrian collision scenario. We bring focused knowledge to each case, understanding the specific laws, regulations, and precedents that apply to different situations:

• Crosswalk Collisions
• Intersection Accidents
• Parking Lot Incidents
• School Zone Accidents
• Hit and Run Cases
• Sidewalk Accidents
• Construction Zone Collisions
• Backing-Up Accidents
• Multiple Vehicle Incidents.

Whether you were struck in Manhattan's busy streets or a quiet Queens neighborhood, we'll investigate every detail to build your strongest case.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries We Handle

Pedestrian accident injuries often have life-altering consequences due to the significant size and force disparity between vehicles and people.

Our New York City pedestrian accident attorneys have helped victims recover compensation for a wide range of trauma, from immediate injuries to long-term complications that may not be apparent right after the accident. Our experience with serious injury cases allows us to accurately assess both current and future medical needs:

• Catastrophic Injuries: Traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, paralysis.
• Orthopedic Trauma: Multiple fractures, joint injuries, crush injuries.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Severe sprains, ligament tears, muscle injuries.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, chest trauma.
• Psychological Impact: PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the accident.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Requiring reconstructive surgery.
• Long-Term Disabilities: Chronic pain, mobility issues, cognitive impairment.

New York Pedestrian Rights and Laws

The legal framework protecting pedestrians in New York City is comprehensive but often misunderstood. With over 25% of all traffic-related fatalities involving pedestrians, following the laws is literally life and death. Here's what you need to know about your rights:

Getting Fair Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

When we take on your pedestrian accident case, we pursue every available avenue for compensation. Our attorneys calculate both immediate and long-term impacts:

Remember, insurance companies often try to minimize pedestrian injury claims. Our track record of substantial settlements proves we know how to fight back effectively.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Car in New York

The moments after a pedestrian accident are critical for both your health and your legal case. Our New York pedestrian accident attorneys have guided hundreds of victims through this challenging time, and we've seen how the right actions can significantly impact recovery — both physical and financial. Here's a comprehensive guide to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

Getting Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident

New York offers several routes to recover damages after being struck by a vehicle while walking. Understanding these options helps ensure you pursue all available compensation:

Each type of claim requires specific evidence and skill to pursue successfully. Our team's experience with complex third-party claims ensures no potential source of compensation goes unexplored in your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Pedestrian Accidents?

Pedestrian accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties. Our thorough investigations frequently reveal liability extending beyond just the driver who struck you:

• Negligent drivers
• Commercial vehicle operators
• Rideshare service drivers
• Government entities responsible for road maintenance
• Property owners near accident sites
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Construction companies
• Employers of at-fault drivers.

Proving Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases

Building a strong pedestrian accident case requires clear evidence of negligence and causation. Our legal team employs a comprehensive approach to establish liability and gathers the following evidence:

• Traffic camera footage
• Witness statements
• Accident reconstruction
• Medical documentation
• Police reports
• Cell phone records
• Vehicle maintenance history
• Weather and road condition data.

We collaborate with specialists in accident reconstruction, medical assessment, and economic analysis to build compelling cases that demonstrate the full impact of your injuries.

Should You Hire a Pedestrian Accident Attorney?

After being struck by a vehicle, victims face a web of medical, financial, and legal challenges. While handling a claim independently might seem straightforward, statistics show that having skilled legal representation significantly impacts the outcome of pedestrian accident cases. Insurance companies employ sophisticated tactics to minimize payouts, especially in cases involving serious injuries.

Legal representation ensures accurate claim valuation and swift evidence preservation while maintaining detailed medical documentation throughout recovery. Such guidance brings strategic advantages in negotiations with insurance companies, often leading to higher settlements. Attorneys prepare each case thoroughly for potential trial, manage all legal deadlines, and investigate multiple liability sources to maximize compensation.

Why Choose Attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss for Your Pedestrian Accident Claim?

For several decades, our New York City pedestrian accident attorneys have transformed cases into victories for pedestrians who were hit on NYC streets. After a collision, you deserve more than just legal representation — you need advocates who will stand between you and insurance companies while orchestrating your path to recovery.

When you choose our firm for your pedestrian accident case, we deliver:

• Deploy rapid response teams to gather time-sensitive accident evidence
• Reconstruct accident scenarios using advanced technology and expert analysis
• Challenge insurance companies' attempts to minimize serious injuries
• Create compelling visual presentations that demonstrate accident dynamics
• Coordinate with healthcare specialists to document your full range of injuries
• Develop comprehensive life-care plans for long-term injury impacts
• Take cases to trial when settlement offers fall short
• Provide guidance in multiple languages throughout your case.

Beyond our $700 million recovery record, we bring a distinct advantage to pedestrian accident cases through our deep familiarity with local traffic patterns, road designs, and accident hot spots across all five boroughs. This local insight, combined with our network of accident reconstruction specialists and medical experts, allows us to build uniquely powerful cases.

Let our experienced team at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss hold the negligent at-fault drivers responsible and win the compensation you deserve.