Have you been injured in a pedestrian accident? At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, our pedestrian accident attorneys have years of experience helping injured pedestrians in New York get the compensation that they deserve, including a recent $1.5 million settlement for a pedestrian accident.
Need to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC after getting hit by a car? You can reach us online or call 212-490-5700 to schedule your free consultation. There are no costs up-front, and you won’t owe us anything until you recover compensation.
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Personal Injury Law
The reality is that if you live, work, or are visiting New York, you could be hit by a car while crossing the street. New York City’s streets are as exciting as they are congested and dangerous. Fatal pedestrian accidents increased by 7.5% in 2018, and tens of thousands of pedestrians in New York are injured by motorists each year. The injuries sustained in these wrecks can be catastrophic, requiring serious medical care and time away from work. Also, determining fault in these cases can become very contentious. That makes it essential to work with a New York pedestrian accident lawyer from the beginning, who can handle your claim and ensure that you recover everything you need.
Hit by a Car in NYC? Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you were recently hurt or a loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident, it is time to contact a New York City personal injury lawyer with Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. With decades of experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for victims in similar situations, we know what it takes to see your case all the way through and secure fair and full compensation.
We will review the details of your pedestrian accident, answer all your questions, help identify the at-fault party, and work tirelessly to hold them accountable. Contact us today at 212-490-5700 to set up a free, no-risk consultation.
Compensation for Pedestrians Hit by Cars in New York
Being injured in a pedestrian-auto accident usually results in staggering medical bills and time away from work. Whether we believe it will be necessary to take your case to trial or are confident that we will negotiate a settlement, we will always pursue the maximum compensation possible for all the various damages you incurred from getting hit by a car.
Through a personal injury claim, you may recover your:
- Medical bills, including future medical expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Permanent disfigurement
- Disability
- Lost wages between the date of the accident and your return to work
- Lost Benefits
- Reduced earning capacity when you are disabled and cannot return to work or earn as much as your previous position
- Loss of Enjoyment of life
As a pedestrian accident law firm, Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is proud to have recovered significant compensation for those injured in pedestrian accidents in New York. However, there is no way to tell the precise value of your claim without speaking to an attorney. To discuss your injuries and what you can expect through a settlement or court award, call our pedestrian accident lawyers in NYC right away.
New York Pedestrian Traffic Laws
New York has strict traffic laws regarding pedestrians. These traffic laws require motorists to yield to pedestrians in almost every situation and to do everything possible to avoid pedestrian accidents.
NY Pedestrian Crosswalk Law
Generally, pedestrians in a crosswalk always have the right-of-way.
New York pedestrian traffic law states:
- Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, signs, and pavement markings. Failure to follow traffic directives could impact your case and possible compensation if you were a pedestrian hit by a car. New York is a “pure comparative negligence” state, meaning no matter how much you might be at fault, recovery is not automatically barred. Instead, the percentage of your fault would reduce any damages awarded.
- Pedestrians are given the right-of-way (vehicles must yield to them) when there is no traffic control device, especially if in a crosswalk. Drivers must yield or be liable for any damages sustained by a pedestrian struck while in a crosswalk. Our pedestrian accident attorneys can help assess the extent of your damages from being hit in a crosswalk or roadway and fight to get the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents in NYC
In a collision between a car and a pedestrian, you have virtually zero protection. As a result, the injuries are both severe and one-sided. At A Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we have assisted many pedestrians recover from:
- Broken bones
- Disfiguring lacerations and abrasions
- Dislocated joints and hyperextensions
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle or tendon strains
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Knee Injuries
- Shoulder Injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage
- Severe burns
- Sensory loss
- Psychological trauma
What to Do if You’ve Been a Victim of a Pedestrian Accident
The odds of being a victim of a pedestrian accident in New York are very high. For that reason, it is important to know what you need to do if you find yourself in this type of situation:
1. Remain calm
Do not get into an argument with the driver who hit you and call 911 to report the accident. Cooperate with the police and medical staff. If EMTs suggest you need hospital care, get in the ambulance and go to the emergency room. Answer the police officer’s questions honestly and ask how to get a copy of the police report.
2. Document the accident scene
If possible, take pictures of the scene, including the car that hit you, the pavement behind the car, the car’s license tag, and the location.
3. Gather driver and witness information
Name, address, driver’s license number and insurance information from the driver who hit you are key. Take notes of witnesses’ names and contact information.
4. See a health professional
Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor within 24 hours of the accident as some injuries may appear later. Request a medical report that will provide evidence of your injuries.
5. Contact a lawyer
Hire an experienced NYC pedestrian accident attorney who can handle all legal aspects of your case, including dealing with insurers and making sure you obtain proper settlement.
Fatal New York Pedestrian Accidents
Due to the exposure involved in a pedestrian accident, the likelihood for fatalities is drastically increased. Your loved one may have lost their life immediately or succumbed to their injuries in the days, weeks, or months following the crash. Whatever the case, we recommend you call a New York pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.
When your spouse, parent, child, or other close relative’s death is the result of a reckless driver, your family may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This requires a lawyer with practical experience and prior success in these types of claims, like the team with Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in New York City?
Pedestrians must obey traffic control signals, signs, and pavement markings. However, when there are no signs, vehicles must give pedestrians right of way. If a car hit you while you were walking on or near a road, you should contact a pedestrian accident attorney right away.
2. What Kinds of Evidence are Used in Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Most pedestrian accident cases rely heavily on evidence collected from the scene, which is why an investigation is important. We will collect information from eyewitnesses, traffic cameras, dash cams, accident reconstructionists, and expert witnesses to prove you deserve compensation.
3. What If a Taxi or Uber or Lyft Driver Hit Me While I Was Walking in NYC?
Taxis and Uber and Lyft drivers often drive closer to sidewalks than they should. They also fail to adhere to rules of the road when trying to pick up riders. If you were a pedestrian and got hit by a taxi or Uber/Lyft driver, then you should contact a pedestrian accident attorney right away.
Call Our NYC Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Pedestrians involved in car accidents can be seriously injured or killed and deserve compensation for their losses. In addition to your physical injuries, you must address the psychological impact and navigate the financial difficulties that follow unexpected medical expenses and lost wages. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we will gather the facts, assess your damages, and help get you back on your feet. Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than you deserve and always be aware of your rights.
You can reach us online or call 212-490-5700 to schedule your free consultation. There are no costs up-front, and you won’t owe us anything until you recover compensation.
CLIENT REVIEWS
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike W., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT