Pedestrian Accidents

Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor — some, like concussions or internal injuries, aren’t immediately obvious. If possible, get the driver’s information, take photos of the scene, and get contact information from any witnesses. Report the accident to the police so an official report exists.

Liability often falls on the driver, but it can also extend to a vehicle owner (if different from the driver), a municipality responsible for poor road or sidewalk conditions, or an employer if the driver was working at the time. Determining every liable party is part of building a full claim.

New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident, though claims against a municipality have much shorter notice deadlines — often as little as 90 days. This is one of the most important reasons not to delay speaking with an attorney.

Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible, though your award may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Depending on the case, compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity if injuries are long-term, and pain and suffering. An attorney can help ensure long-term or future costs — like ongoing rehabilitation — aren’t left out of a settlement.