Pedestrians Need an Injury Lawyer in Queens On Their Side

Everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their life. Even if you drive everywhere, the moment you leave the safety of your vehicle, you are now a pedestrian. This moment in your life, while common, is important. Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable people on the road, as fast-moving vehicles can do significant damage to an unsuspecting pedestrian. In 2023, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in pedestrian accidents, and over 68,000 were injured. Unlike drivers or passengers, pedestrians don’t have seatbelts, airbags, or a car’s metal frame to protect them. More often than not, pedestrians struck by a vehicle experience more severe injuries than those in the car. After a pedestrian accident, contact an injury lawyer in Queens, like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz. With our 65 years of experience and knowledgeable team, we can secure the compensation you deserve!

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In the United States, various rules and protocols are in place to protect pedestrians. Sidewalks, rails, and the right of way are all common protections that pedestrians rely on for their safety. Unfortunately, not everyone plays by the rules. Common things to look out for as a pedestrian are:

• Impaired drivers: People under the influence of substances like alcohol or marijuana have a slower reaction time and altered perception. In this state, they often fail to consider pedestrian safety or follow the guidelines in place to protect them.
• Failure to yield: The right of way is an actual right that all people are entitled to under specific conditions. For example, people have the right to cross at crosswalks, but unfortunately, many drivers don’t yield to pedestrians.
• Poor road conditions: Low visibility and inadequate sidewalks make being a pedestrian much more dangerous. Without sidewalks, you are often much closer to the road when walking, increasing your risk of a pedestrian accident.
• Risky driving: Distracted driving, road rage, and running red lights and stop signs are dangerous for everyone on the road. Pedestrians are no exception, as risky driving often involves ignoring rules made to keep them safe.

If you’re in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to know what your case is worth is to schedule a free consultation with an injury lawyer in Queens like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz! With our legal expertise, we review the details of your case, understand the damages, and help you make an informed decision about the next steps to take.

What an Injury Lawyer in Queens Can Do for You

After a pedestrian accident, always prioritize your safety first. If you can, get to a safe location and call 911. Emergency responders will provide urgent medical care and transport you to the hospital if necessary. Once your safety is secure, provide a detailed account of what happened to the police. This evidence is usually crucial when obtaining compensation for your injuries.

Often, your next step would be to speak with the insurance company, but we advise you against doing this before consulting a lawyer. Unfortunately, many insurance agents will try to diminish your payout. However, the experienced injury lawyers at Shaevitz & Shaevitz can handle the insurance company for you, protecting you from their minimizing tactics!

In most cases, after a pedestrian accident, the insurance of the car that hits you pays for your compensation. All New York State drivers must have coverage of at least $50,000 that will cover your no-fault benefits, but only if you file within 30 days of the accident. Fortunately, we can help with that, too! For any additional damages, your injuries must surpass the serious injury threshold. If so, you’ll need to file a separate claim.

However, it’s important to note that New York State operates under a comparative negligence law. This means that if you are at fault in any way, the amount you receive will be diminished according to your degree of fault. For example, if you’re 25% at fault for the accident because of jaywalking, the compensation you are due would be reduced by 25%. As your injury lawyers in Queens, we can help build your case and prove the negligence of the other parties involved. We will represent you in court or settlement negotiations to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Trust Shaevitz & Shaevitz as Your Injury Lawyer in Queens!

Many laws and protocols are in place to protect people like pedestrians. When drivers fail to follow these guidelines, pedestrians often end up hurt. If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, you should contact a Queens injury lawyer like those at Shaevitz & Shaevitz for expert legal advice! We can help steer you in the right direction and take on your case to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation today to discover what your case may be worth.

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