New York City is known for its busy and bustling streets. With so many drivers and walkers rushing to their destinations, accidents are bound to occur. Pedestrian accidents can be extremely severe and even fatal. If you are struck by a vehicle due to the negligence of another party, you will likely be entitled to recover compensation. Read on to find out more about pedestrian accidents in New York City and the most common causes.
Driver Negligence
The majority of pedestrian accidents occur as a result of driver negligence. Some of the most common forms of negligence include:
- Speeding drivers
- Driving without headlights at night or in bad weather
- Drivers that fail to pay attention to crosswalks, streetlights, or stop signs
- Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Pedestrian Negligence
Both drivers and pedestrians need to be vigilant. Sometimes, pedestrians act negligently. For example:
- Pedestrians who are not paying attention while they walk
- Pedestrians who fail to cross in the crosswalk
- Pedestrians who ignore streetlights
Poor Road Conditions
Another large cause of accidents is poor road conditions. In this case, you may end up suing a municipality for failing to maintain the roads. Some examples of negligent road conditions include:
- Potholes
- Debris and spills
- Uneven surfaces
- Sidewalk closures
- Roads with obstructed visibility
Recovering Compensation
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation. In order to recover compensation, you will need to make sure you file your personal injury claim on time. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury accident is generally three years. This means that if you fail to file within three years from the date of your accident, you will most likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation.
Fulfilling the Burden of Proof
If you wish to take legal action, you will need to prove that some form of negligence occurred to cause the accident. To do so, you should ask the driver for his or her contact and insurance information. Additionally, if any bystanders witnessed the accident, obtain their information as well– they may be able to corroborate your version of events. It is also a good idea to take photos and videos of the scene.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our firm today to discuss your case.
Contact our 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. We understand the implications of a serious accident, which is why we take pride in tenaciously representing our clients. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.