When you are crossing the street with the walk signal in your favor, you expect to be able to get safely to the other side. Unfortunately, pedestrians are often struck by cars as they cross in the crosswalk, which can result in devastating injuries.
New Yorkers walk everywhere, and given the volume of people and cars on the streets in New York City, it is inevitable that pedestrians will be struck by vehicles and injured.
There can be many reasons for auto-pedestrian accidents, such as distracted driving, failure to yield the right of way, and failure to carefully look and see the pedestrian. New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, section 1146, states that the pedestrian has the right of way and the vehicle turning or entering the roadway has the responsibility to yield to the pedestrian.
While there are circumstances that can lead to a finding that the pedestrian was responsible, in whole or in part, for the accident, if you were crossing in the crosswalk with the light in your favor, as a pedestrian you have the right of way.
How Can A New York Personal Injury Attorney Help?
After a serious accident, your first priority is always getting the medical attention you need. In a pedestrian knockdown case, the first $50,000 in medical expenses and lost wages will be covered by no-fault, and an experienced personal injury attorney can make sure all of the no-fault forms are filed correctly within the short 30-day time limit.
The driver’s insurance company may try to make you an offer to settle your claim, but without an attorney you may end up with less than you deserve. Experienced trial lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault and gather all of the evidence to get you the compensation you deserve. This includes gathering all of the documentation to determine the full impact the accident had on your life, and, when indicated, working with experts to determine future medical costs and economic damages.
At Bonina and Bonina, P.C., we have been successfully fighting for New Yorkers injured in car accidents for over 50 years. Our experienced trial attorneys can help to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today at 1-888-MedLaw1, or online so we can help you.