The past couple of decades has witnessed a steady decline in the numbers of car-pedestrian accidents in the United States. In 1995, nearly 5,600 pedestrians were killed and 84,000 injured, while in 2009, less than 60,000 were hurt and only 4,100 killed. Fewer and safer cars on the road, improved traffic control technologies (intersection cameras, for example), meaningful laws and their enforcement all help explain much of this decrease. However, these numbers by no means proclaim New York City streets free of dangerous and neglectful drivers.
Rising fuel costs and increased environmental awareness mean more people walking and riding bikes, and with its huge numbers of foot and bicycle traffic, New York City is fraught with these kinds of accidents. Some sort of accident involving a pedestrian is a daily occurrence in New York. Of course, one of the last things most people thinks about after being hit by a vehicle is pedestrian accident law. Yet these laws are designed to protect the public’s safety, and a critical part of that protection is holding those who caused the injury responsible for their carelessness or negligence.
Tanya Gendelman Law Firm, P.C. is well versed in this area of law. When a pedestrian is injured, it is essential they become familiar with powerful advocates such as these as soon as possible. Insurance companies are not on the side of the victim and they will move swiftly to settle a claim in their favor. Accident attorneys realize this and know how to make insurance companies pay what they should. Injuries rob a person of income, damage their bodies sometimes beyond repair, and even take their lives. An experienced and tough pedestrian accident lawyer will make sure that insurance companies pay every dime of compensation a victim is entitled too.
Many pedestrian accident attorneys have a proven track record of success and are easily found in the Yellow Pages, through the Internet or from any number of attorney referral services. Often, they will provide an initial consult at no cost. During the consult, they will explain how pedestrian accident law applies in their particular case and advise the best course of legal action to follow. Many times charges for their services are assessed only if they win the case. Lawyers know that when pressed by the law, insurance companies are usually quick to back down and offer a settlement.
In a Pedestrian Accident Claim, What Compensation Can I Receive?
If you are injured on a pedestrian car accident, or you’re loved has suffered injury or death in a pedestrian accident, you are eligible to file accident lawsuit and secure compensation for the injury or death. To be frank, not every lawyer can handle the pedestrian lawsuit, and thus you should ensure you only use a pedestrian accident lawyer who is experienced in handling such matter.
What you should do.
If you have been injured, you should stay at the scene of the accident, call the police and a lawyer who is experienced in handling pedestrian car accidents. You should avoid giving a report to the police because your statement may be used against you in court. Yeah, it is good to cooperate and let the police do their work, but avoid recording statement or giving any sensitive information.
If you have a camera or phone, take photos of the vehicle. Remember to take contact information of a person who has witnessed the accident. Seek medical attention immediately.
Should I wait before contacting a pedestrian accident lawyer?
If you or your loved one has suffered a pedestrian accident, it is very important to talk to a reputable pedestrian accident lawyer immediately. If you wait too long, chances are the witness may disappear, you may lose evidence and insurance companies may also take advantage of you. Once pedestrian accident lawyer your injury claim, he/she will move swiftly to secure evidence and also gather more information from the witnesses. This will immensely improve chances of getting compensation.
Some of the compensation you should expect from a pedestrian accident claim are
New York pedestrian lawyers have a distinguished reputation for obtaining pedestrian accident injury compensation. An injured pedestrian can obtain compensation for all type of damages that someone injured in a bicycle or car accident would be entitled to. Some of the compensation you should expect includes:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost earnings as well as earning potential.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, including emotional distress.
- Loss of spousal or parental financial support.
- Loss of spousal relations.
- Property damage.
- Incidental expenses.
Reasons you should use a pedestrian accident lawyer.
Many pedestrian accident victims think they can resolve injury claim on their own, or using other party’s such as insurance companies. Most people who have tried on their own end up regretting, wasting time, and money only to end up losing. You should not leave your case to the insurance providers; always use a qualified pedestrian lawyer who will seriously protect your interests.
Before recording statement, ensure you get a legal advice from a pedestrian accident lawyer. A pedestrian accident lawyer will guide on the best way to claim for compensation. Pursuing compensation on your own will prove futile; you need someone who understands the pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian car accidents in New York are increasing each and every day. A pedestrian accident lawyer will help you to prove that the injury was a direct result of motorist’s negligence. The defective or dangerous roadway may contribute or cause the accident, and thus, pedestrian accident lawyer will have to prove beyond doubt that it the driver’s negligence caused the accident.