When walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street, you always remain cautious about what’s going on around you. Whether you are taking a stroll or headed out for plans, the packed streets of New York City can cause for some chaos. No matter how attentive you may be to your surroundings, accidents can happen. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident where you were struck by a vehicle, contact an attorney to find out what can be done.
As there are many causes of car accidents, there are many different causes of a pedestrian accident. Pedestrians are taught from a young age to look both ways before they cross the street. But what happens when that doesn’t work? Drivers can be held accountable for injuring you in a pedestrian accident.
What factors contribute to a pedestrian accident?
Accidents can happen due to a variety of reasons. Drivers can become distracted when operating their vehicles. They may be reaching for the radio or turning up the air conditioning. They could even be using their cell phones when the accident occurs. Any type of distraction for even a second could cause bad consequences. If an individual has driven in a negligent manner, you can recover damages from them.
Negligent driving that can lead to pedestrian accidents usually includes cell phone usage, reckless or careless driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a driver has committed one of these wrongs when they injured you, they can be held responsible.
Sometimes the driver is not totally to blame. Road conditions could have led the driver straight into an accident. When roads are filled with potholes, drivers often swerve to avoid them. This could lead to a pedestrian accident. Other conditions that may lead to an accident involving a pedestrian include debris and spills, uneven surfaces, sidewalk closures and weather conditions. While weather conditions are out of our control, they can lead to disastrous consequences. The driver’s visibility could have been interrupted by another vehicle, lack of lighting or physical hazards that blocked their view.
How do I proceed with the situation?
When the driver is held responsible for the accident, you can receive compensation through payments for medical bills and lost wages. You may also receive a monetary value for your pain and suffering from the injury and its impact on your future quality of life. If you have been struck by a vehicle, you could be covered automatically. As long as the driver has the proper insurance, you become covered under their Personal Injury Plan, which is a no-fault insurance. This will immediately cover lost wages and medical bills. However, you could be entitled to further compensation based on your accident. If you wish to pursue a lawsuit against the driver, contacting an attorney about your options and your situation can be best.
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.
