Pedestrian accidents in New York City often happen in the middle of ordinary routines, crossing a busy intersection in Midtown, walking to school in Brooklyn, or stepping off a curb in Queens traffic. New York City streets are among the busiest in the country, and pedestrian injury claims frequently involve serious disputes with insurance companies that attempt to minimize payouts or shift responsibility onto the injured person.
Our injury attorneys at Lipsig, Freund & Wisell represent injured pedestrians throughout NYC and work to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable. Our firm builds strong cases designed to pursue full compensation through negotiation or litigation when necessary.
Pedestrian Accidents on New York City Streets
Pedestrian accidents are especially severe in dense urban environments like Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Even at low speeds, vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection for pedestrians. Contributing factors often include:
- Drivers failing to yield at crosswalks
- Speeding in residential or commercial corridors
- Distracted driving, including phone use
- Vehicles turning without checking for pedestrians
- Poor visibility during nighttime or adverse weather
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of traffic-related hospitalizations and fatalities in the United States. Because pedestrians have no physical protection against impact, injuries are often severe and may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, or surgery.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Fractures and orthopedic trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Severe lacerations and disfigurement
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and PTSD
Our Approach to Pedestrian Accident Claims
Every pedestrian accident case is fact-specific, and our attorneys take a comprehensive approach to case preparation. We focus on identifying all available sources of compensation and establishing a clear connection between the driver’s conduct and the injuries sustained. Our process includes:
- Investigating police reports and crash scene evidence
- Obtaining surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Working with medical professionals to document injuries
- Calculating lost wages and long-term financial impact
- Negotiating directly with no-fault and fault-based insurance carriers
- Preparing for trial when settlement offers are insufficient
Pedestrian accident claims in New York often involve multiple claims and parties, including drivers, vehicle owners, commercial entities, or municipal agencies, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Our firm evaluates all potential avenues of recovery to ensure no source of compensation is overlooked.
Pursuing Full Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
Victims of pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. Compensation for serious injuries can include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care costs
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Don’t Wait to Contact a NYC Pedestrian Accident Attorney
New York law provides pathways for injured pedestrians to pursue claims against negligent drivers, but these cases require strong evidence and experienced legal representation to counter insurance company defenses. Our attorneys at Lipsig, Freund & Wisell are committed to advocating for injured pedestrians across New York City.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City, you can contact our firm at (212) 285-3300 or online to discuss your case and legal options.