New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking through New York City is a vibrant and rewarding experience. From the busy sidewalks of Times Square to the serene pathways of Central Park, pedestrians flock to neighborhoods across the city to work, shop, and explore. However, navigating these busy streets comes with risks.

Pedestrian accidents are a serious issue in New York City, and if you or a loved one has been injured, it’s crucial to have the right legal team on your side. At the Rothenberg Law Firm, LLP, we are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they need to rebuild and move forward. Speak with our compassionate New York City pedestrian accident lawyer today to learn how we can fiercely fight for your rights.

Free Legal Case Evaluation

Why Choose the Rothenberg Law Firm for Your New York City Pedestrian Accident Claim?

At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we have an unwavering commitment to treating every client as if we were advocating for someone in our own family. With over five decades of experience and billions of dollars secured for injury victims, we have built one of the most trusted legal teams in New York City for pedestrian accident victims.

1. Compassionate Guidance Beyond the Courtroom
   We understand that the aftermath of a pedestrian accident is often overwhelming, not just physically but emotionally and financially as well. That’s why we prioritize more than just legal representation. Our firm connects clients with medical providers, counselors, and other professionals to help put the pieces back together. We’re not just here to fight your court battles—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
2. Proven Track Record of Results
   Success in personal injury law isn’t just about lawsuits; it’s about changing lives. Our team works tirelessly to maximize compensation for every case we take on. We analyze every detail, build compelling cases, and are always fully prepared to go to trial to secure a fair outcome for our clients.
3. Experienced Trial Lawyers Who Go the Distance
   Unlike some law firms that might push for quick and easy settlements, we are zealous advocates who are not afraid to see cases through to trial if necessary. When the stakes are high, and the opposition is fierce, you can count on us to persevere and fight aggressively for justice.

Contact our NYC pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free consultation and to discover why thousands of New Yorkers have trusted The Rothenberg Law Firm to handle their most important cases.

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

New York is a state full of local and out-of-town pedestrians. Though all this foot traffic creates busy cities like Albany, Buffalo, and NYC, it also means that pedestrian accidents happen way too often. According to the New York State Department of Health, 300 pedestrians are killed, and 15,000 are injured each year, with more than 3,000 admitted to the hospital annually.

In New York City, more pedestrians and cyclists are losing their lives to traffic accidents, and drivers are often to blame. With distracted driving, speeding, and other negligent behaviors on the rise, pedestrians are at an increased risk on New York's roads and sidewalks.

Some of the most dangerous locations for pedestrians in New York City include busy intersections like those in Times Square, Columbus Circle, and near the Flatiron District. These areas see dense foot traffic alongside heavy vehicle congestion. What makes these incidents even more devastating is that pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities. The human body is far more vulnerable when struck by a motor vehicle, leading to injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, and internal organ damage.

Families impacted by these tragedies not only endure physical pain but also deal with overwhelming medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma. With such high stakes, having an experienced and compassionate advocate by your side is critical.

Do I Have a Pedestrian Accident Case?

When you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, the first step in holding someone legally responsible is proving negligence. Negligence occurs when another party acts carelessly, disregarding the duty to prioritize safety, and causes harm. To win a pedestrian accident case, you and your legal team must establish the following four elements:

1. Duty of Care
   Drivers owe a legal duty of care to pedestrians. This means they must operate their vehicles responsibly and follow traffic laws to avoid causing harm.
2. Breach of Duty
   When a driver fails to follow the rules of the road or acts carelessly—for instance, by speeding, texting, or failing to yield to pedestrian crossings—that driver breaches their duty of care.
3. Causation
   It’s not enough to prove that a driver was careless; you must show their negligence directly caused your injuries.
4. Damages
   Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional suffering, as a result of the accident.

At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we will thoroughly investigate your case, gather compelling evidence, and consult with experts to establish these critical elements. Our goal is to tilt the scales in your favor so that you can secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

What Duty Do Motorists Owe to Pedestrians?

New York law places clear responsibilities on motorists to protect the safety of pedestrians. These obligations include:

• Yielding the right of way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Obeying speed limits, especially in school zones and other high-foot-traffic areas.
• Avoiding dangerous behaviors such as texting, drinking, or driving while distracted.
• Exercising additional caution during unfavorable weather conditions or in areas with limited visibility.

While motorists carry a significant share of the responsibility, pedestrians also have rules to follow. New York law requires pedestrians to:

• Use crosswalks whenever available.
• Obey “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” traffic signals.
• Avoid stepping into the street unexpectedly or in areas where drivers may not see them.

However, even if a pedestrian does not fully adhere to these rules, they are not necessarily disqualified from pursuing a legal claim after an accident. All cases are unique and dependent on specific details, which is why consulting a New York City pedestrian accident attorney is essential.

Free Legal Case Evaluation

What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Injuries?

It’s not uncommon for pedestrian accidents to involve some shared blame. For example, a pedestrian might be looking at their phone while crossing the street, or they may cross outside a designated crosswalk. If you believe you may share some responsibility for your accident, you may be concerned about whether you can still pursue compensation.

Under New York’s pure comparative negligence rule, even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your level of fault only reduces the total compensation you may receive. For instance, if a court determines you were 20% responsible, you would still receive 80% of your compensation.

Insurance companies and defense lawyers are quick to exaggerate a pedestrian’s fault in these situations, which is why having skilled legal representation matters. At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we push back against these tactics and advocate fiercely for the compensation our clients are entitled to, regardless of shared blame.

Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?

When you’re dealing with the repercussions of a pedestrian accident, you may feel tempted to accept the insurance company’s first offer just to resolve things quickly. However, doing so could cost you in the long run. Insurance companies are businesses aiming to protect their bottom line, and their initial settlement offers often don’t reflect the full extent of your damages.

Insurance adjusters may employ tactics such as downplaying the severity of your injuries, claiming you were partly at fault, or insisting that your medical treatment costs are excessive. Without a full understanding of what your claim is worth, you risk settling for far less than you deserve. That’s why it’s critical to consult an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer before accepting any settlement. At the Rothenberg Law Firm, we’ll analyze your case, negotiate aggressively, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.

Compensation Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims in NYC

Being injured in a pedestrian accident disrupts every aspect of your life, from your physical health to your emotional well-being and financial stability. If you or your loved one have been affected by such a tragedy, it is essential to understand the types of compensation available. These damages are meant to help you rebuild your life and address the far-reaching consequences of the accident.

Victims of pedestrian accidents in New York City may be entitled to pursue the following types of compensation:

• Medical Expenses
  Covers the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical treatments required due to the injuries sustained.
• Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity
  Compensation for the income lost during recovery and the potential reduction in your ability to earn a living in the future.
• Pain and Suffering
  These damages address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, including the impact on your quality of life.
• Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care Costs
  Reimbursement for specialized treatments, therapy, or necessary adjustments to your home if permanent disability occurs.
• Wrongful Death Damages (in the event of a fatal accident)
  If a loved one tragically loses their life in a pedestrian accident, their family may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Every case is unique, and so is the compensation available to victims. Partnering with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer ensures that no aspect of your damages is overlooked.

New York City Pedestrian Accident Claim FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions regarding pedestrian accident claims: