Walking through the streets of New York City is part of everyday life. Whether you’re heading to work in Manhattan, crossing intersections in Queens, or walking your dog in Brooklyn, pedestrians are everywhere. But with busy roads and constant traffic, danger is always close by. Pedestrian accidents remain a serious problem in New York and across the country.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, pedestrian fatalities hit a 40-year high in 2022. While efforts by the New York City Department of Transportation have made some progress, pedestrians are still at risk. Every day, people are hit by oncoming vehicles because of distracted driving, speeding, or drivers who simply fail to follow traffic signals.
Many pedestrian accidents happen at crosswalks, even when the pedestrian has the right of way. In some cases, drivers ignore traffic laws. In others, they’re not paying attention to the road. No matter the reason, the result is often the same: injured pedestrians facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional distress.
At our law office, we’ve seen firsthand the damage these accidents cause. From Staten Island to Long Island, we’ve helped pedestrian accident victims get justice and compensation. If you or someone you love has been hit by a car in New York, we’re here to help.
Common Injuries Pedestrians Suffer After Being Hit
When a person is hit by a motor vehicle, their body takes the full force of the impact. Pedestrians have no protection, and even a slow-moving car can cause serious injuries. In New York, we see many of the same types of injuries in pedestrian accident cases. These injuries can change a person’s life in seconds.
One of the most severe injuries we handle is traumatic brain injury. These injuries can lead to memory loss, confusion, dizziness, and long-term brain damage. In some cases, the effects may last a lifetime. Another common injury is spinal cord damage, which may cause tingling, numbness, or even paralysis.
Broken bones are also frequent, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs. Many victims require physical therapy just to walk again. We’ve worked with clients who suffered internal organ injuries, which are harder to see but just as dangerous. These often require emergency surgery and long-term medical care.
In some tragic cases, pedestrians lose a limb due to the force of the crash. Amputations bring both physical pain and deep emotional distress. Others may be left with facial disfigurement and permanent scarring, which can impact their self-esteem and daily life.
Whether it’s a minor injury or one that requires lifelong care, every injured pedestrian deserves support. We fight to make sure our clients get the medical attention they need and the financial compensation they deserve under New York law.
Who’s at Fault? Determining Liability in a Pedestrian Accident
Figuring out who’s responsible after a pedestrian accident isn’t always simple. In New York, the law allows injured pedestrians to seek compensation, but first, we have to prove who was at fault. Was it the driver who ignored a traffic signal? Was the pedestrian crossing outside the crosswalk? Sometimes, more than one person shares the blame.
Our job as New York pedestrian accident lawyers is to dig deep and find the truth. We collect evidence from the scene, speak to witnesses, review police reports, and even use surveillance footage when available. We also understand New York’s insurance laws, including the no-fault insurance system, which can impact how claims are filed and who pays what.
Drivers have a legal duty to follow traffic laws and yield to pedestrians. If a driver was texting, speeding, or just not paying attention, they may be considered a negligent driver — and legally responsible for the crash. In some cases, other parties like property owners or the city may also be liable if poor road design or lack of signage contributed to the accident.
Don’t assume the insurance company will play fair. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery. That’s why it’s so important to speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance adjusters and build a strong case. Our law firm offers a free consultation so we can review your case and explain your options.
How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help You
After being hit by a car, most people aren’t sure what to do next. Medical bills pile up. Time off work leads to lost wages. You may be in pain, confused, and unsure how to deal with the insurance company. That’s where we come in.
At our firm, we guide pedestrian accident victims through every step of the legal process. From the moment you contact us, we take the pressure off your shoulders. We investigate the crash, collect evidence, and deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
Sometimes we bring in outside experts. Accident reconstruction engineers can show exactly how the crash happened. Biomechanical experts help explain how your body was injured. Financial analysts and accountants can calculate the full cost of your injuries — including future medical expenses and lost income. These professionals help us build a case that clearly shows the impact on your life.
New York law allows you to seek compensation for many things — not just hospital bills. We help you pursue damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and financial compensation for any other losses tied to the accident.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. There are no upfront legal fees, and we offer a free consultation to get started. With our team by your side, you can focus on healing while we focus on getting you the maximum compensation available.
Choosing the Right Law Firm for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Not all law firms are the same. When you’ve been hit by a car, you need a team that knows how to win pedestrian accident cases in New York. At our law office, we don’t pass your case off to junior staff. You work directly with an experienced attorney who has handled cases just like yours throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Staten Island, and Long Island.
We understand the local streets, traffic patterns, and how cases are handled in courts across the five boroughs. That kind of local experience matters. We also know how to deal with the New York City Department of Transportation, local police departments, and the insurance companies that often try to avoid paying what’s fair.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for pedestrians who suffered severe injuries in crashes with motor vehicles. We don’t settle unless the offer is right. If we need to take your case to trial to get justice, we’re ready.
The right lawyer can make all the difference in your personal injury case. You need someone who knows New York law, understands how to prove liability, and is fully committed to helping you recover — not just physically, but financially.
What Compensation Can Injured Pedestrians Recover?
When you’re injured in a pedestrian accident, the effects can go far beyond the physical pain. You may miss work, lose income, and face a long road of recovery. In New York, the law allows you to pursue compensation for the full range of losses caused by the accident.
Medical expenses are usually the first concern. Hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication — the bills add up fast. If your injuries require long-term care, we fight to make sure your future medical bills are also covered.
You may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to work right away. In more serious cases, we work with financial experts to show how the accident has affected your future earning ability.
But not all damages are financial. Many of our clients suffer emotional distress, pain and suffering, and even loss of enjoyment of life. These are very real losses, and New York law allows you to seek damages for them as well. If property was damaged in the crash — such as your phone, glasses, or clothing — you may be able to recover for that, too.
Every case is different. Our team will review your situation and explain all your legal options. We aim to recover the maximum compensation possible — whether through negotiation or trial. With our help, you can take the steps toward financial recovery while focusing on your health.
Pedestrian Accidents Across New York City and Long Island
New York City is one of the busiest places in the world. With millions of people walking every day, it’s no surprise that pedestrian accidents are a major concern. In fact, pedestrians make up 52% of all traffic fatalities in NYC and 33% of all severe injuries, according to city data. These numbers highlight just how dangerous it can be to walk through the city.
Many of these accidents happen because drivers fail to follow traffic laws. They speed through red lights, ignore pedestrian crossings, or simply don’t look up from their phones. Even when a pedestrian has the right of way, too many drivers fail to yield as required by law.
We’ve handled pedestrian accident cases all over New York — from the crosswalks of Manhattan to the quiet streets of Staten Island and the suburbs of Long Island. Each borough has its own challenges, but one thing stays the same: when drivers don’t follow the rules, pedestrians get hurt.
Our law firm is deeply familiar with the roads, intersections, and high-risk areas throughout the city. We know how to investigate accidents and hold the at fault party accountable, whether it’s a careless driver or a company vehicle that failed to follow safety rules.
No matter where in New York the accident happened, we’re here to help you understand your rights and take action.
Why You Need a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, you may be overwhelmed. You’re dealing with injuries sustained, hospital visits, and maybe even time off work. You might wonder if you should handle the claim on your own — but that can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies are quick to offer low settlements, hoping you’ll accept before you know your full rights.
A New York pedestrian accident lawyer understands the laws that apply to your case, including how no-fault insurance works and when you’re allowed to step outside of that system to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, your own insurance policy may cover part of your losses, but it often isn’t enough to handle severe injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
Our legal team knows how to determine liability, calculate the value of your claim, and fight for what you deserve. We’ll work with experts to document your injuries, show how the crash affected your life, and hold the defendant driver or other at fault party responsible.
We offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win. There’s no risk in reaching out to learn about your rights and legal options. With our experience handling pedestrian accident cases across New York City and york state, we’re ready to help you pursue full and fair financial compensation.
Contact a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car in New York City, time matters. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve. Whether the accident happened in Manhattan, Staten Island, or Long Island, our law firm is here to help.
We understand how hard life becomes after a pedestrian crash. You’re dealing with medical bills, calls from the insurance company, and the stress of missing work. Our team steps in to handle every part of your case — from investigating the scene to negotiating with insurers and, if needed, going to court.
At the Law Office of Michael J. Redenburg, we’ve helped countless pedestrians injured by careless drivers. We bring local knowledge, real trial experience, and a commitment to personal attention. When you work with us, you don’t deal with a junior assistant. You deal with Michael directly.
We offer a free consultation, and you won’t owe us anything unless we recover money for you. There are no upfront fees, and no pressure. Just honest answers and strong legal help.
If you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in New York, don’t wait. Contact our Manhattan office today and let us fight for the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.