If you live in New York City, there is a very good chance walking is your primary means of transportation. You depend on your own two legs to get you from point A to point B, so if you are injured in a pedestrian accident, it will most likely have a significant impact on your life. You may not be able to get to your job and other daily appointments, and you may lose out on wages, in-home care costs, medical bills and more. This is why it is so important you contact an experienced attorney in the event of a pedestrian accident. If you find yourself in a situation where you are injured, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are the primary causes of pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents are sometimes due to inclement weather conditions. If there is black ice on the road, a car may skid off the road and into a pedestrian. Additionally, if there are poor road conditions or a negligent road design, a pedestrian may also get struck by an oncoming vehicle as a result. However, the primary cause of pedestrian accidents is driver negligence. Unfortunately, this should also be the most avoidable cause.
How do I know if I am entitled to compensation?
In order to recover the compensation you need, you must first prove the other party’s negligence. As pedestrian accidents are most often a result of driver negligence, it is important you know the various types of negligent driving behavior. They are as follows:
- Texting while driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Unsafe lane changes, forcing another car off the road
- Excessive speed
- Smoking while driving
- Eating while driving
- Navigating maps or directions while driving
- Disciplining children while driving, causing the motorist to take his or her eyes off the road
- Failing to comply with traffic signs or lights
- Disregarding other rules and regulations of the road
If you were injured due to another party doing any of these things, you should be able to recover the compensation you deserve. You may also wish to further prove your claim via photographic or video evidence, witness testimony, or medical documentation regarding the extent and severity of your injuries. However, this is probably not enough. In order to recover the compensation you need, you must hire a knowledgable attorney who will fight for your rights.
Contact our experienced New York firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.