Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Were you injured by a negligent motorist while crossing the street, walking in a parking lot, or on a sidewalk in Queens? If someone else failed to respect your rights as a pedestrian, and you suffered an injury, you have the right to demand fair compensation from them. The experienced Queens pedestrian accident lawyers at Finz & Finz P.C. can help.

personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers in New York

For three generations, our family-run injury firm has fought for the rights of those hurt in our community. Our legal team is nationally recognized for the verdicts and settlements we’ve secured for our deserving clients. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to handle even the most complex pedestrian accident cases.

An injured pedestrian should not have to pay for medical bills and doctor’s visits or forego wages due to missed time from work. This is particularly true if you were walking in Queens and have been hit by a motorist who was speeding, distracted, intoxicated, or otherwise negligent. Contact the Queens personal injury lawyer Finz & Finz P.C. today for a free initial case review with a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer.

Compensation Available for Queens Pedestrian Accident Victims

Through a pedestrian accident claim, you could recover compensation for your losses. At Finz & Finz P.C., a Queens pedestrian accident attorney could help you seek fair compensation for the losses you’ve incurred, including the following:

Costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation for injuries you suffered in the accident
Costs of long-term care, such as home health care or home renovations, for permanent disabilities that result from your injuries
Loss of income due to missed time from work caused by the injuries you sustained in the accident
Loss of future earnings and employment benefits if permanent disabilities prevent you from returning to work
Loss of quality and enjoyment of life
Pain and suffering

Can I Still Be Compensated If the Driver Fled the Accident Scene?

If the driver who hit you flees the scene, you might think you have lost your opportunity to recover compensation for the injuries and losses you suffer. However, you may still be able to secure compensation for your injuries if you have your own auto insurance policy.

In New York, auto insurance policies must include supplemental under insured motorist (SUM) and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with a limit equal to the liability coverage you have purchased. Although uninsured motorist coverage is normally used in auto accidents where the at-fault driver does not have the liability insurance coverage required by New York law, UM coverage could also be used in hit-and-run pedestrian accidents since hit-and-run drivers are treated as uninsured.

Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians have little to protect themselves if they are hit by a vehicle. As a result, pedestrian accidents often result in serious or potentially life-threatening injuries, even at low speeds.

Common injuries pedestrians suffer in accidents in Queens include the following:

Abrasions, including road rash
Broken or fractured bones
Crush injuries
Hand and arm injuries
Leg and knee injuries
Herniated disc injuries
Ligament sprains and tears
Muscle or tendon strains and tears
Internal organ injuries and bleeding
Spinal cord injuries
Paralysis
Head and facial injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Whiplash

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

According to the New York State Department of Health, on average in New York, there are:

312 pedestrian deaths in motor vehicle-related accidents per year
3,027 hospitalizations per year from motor vehicle-related pedestrian accidents
12,506 emergency department visits per year due to motor vehicle-related pedestrian accidents

Data also shows that rates of fatalities and hospitalizations were highest for males aged 65 and older. Emergency room visit rates were highest for males ages 20 through 24.

What to Do After a Queens Pedestrian Accident

After you have been injured in a vehicle-pedestrian accident, you should take the following steps to protect yourself:

Take photos and video of the accident scene to record important details, such as vehicle damage, skid marks or debris on the road, traffic signals and controls, and conditions at the time of the crash. If you have been seriously injured and cannot take photos, have someone else do so as soon as possible.

Promptly seek medical attention after the accident to have a doctor examine you and diagnose any injuries you may have suffered. Do not put off your medical recovery. Make sure to follow your doctor’s treatment instructions and recommendations.

Preserve records of the expenses and lost wages you incur due to the accident, such as medical bills, pay stubs, and income tax returns. You may also want to keep a journal to document the pain and impairment you experience during your recovery.

Avoid posting on social media about the accident, your recovery from your injuries, or your legal case. Insurance companies may try to use your social media posts, including photos or videos of you while you recover from your accident injuries, to try to weaken the credibility of your claim.

Make time to speak with a Queens pedestrian accident attorney from Finz & Finz P.C. as soon as possible.