Be aware. Move everywhere with extreme caution. Be fully aware of your every move. Abandon once and for all the autopilot, the disconnection with reality, living in your mind or in some parallel universe where the music you listen to in your headphones is playing. These are some essential recommendations to avoid being a pedestrian accident victim on the streets of Brooklyn.
If you do not comply with these recommendations, it will be too late when you notice it. Suddenly, you could see the wall before you and hit some of your body against it. Or, it may already be too late when a negligent driver's car is already over the sidewalk, and the only thing that could save you is to have the reflexes of a superhero—or maybe a miracle.
That is why we must use the resources that life has given us, the resources of the senses. The possibility of choosing to be attentive every second, to practice active meditation, never disconnect from reality, always take care of your integrity, be attentive to your environment, and keep a preventive attitude for every action you take.
If people with accidents frequently comply with these essential guidelines, the number of reported cases in the city would likely decrease. But sometimes, we forget these recommendations, and when we realize that we are out of reality and are not taking the proper precautions, it is already too late to prevent them, and now we must deal with the consequences.
The good news is that although the consequences of such an accident can be difficult to deal with, they are not entirely impossible to overcome. In most cases, which do not involve permanent damage, the recovery rate we have seen in many clients is high. Of course, this did not happen overnight, but over some time.
This holistic work involves such elemental aspects as the indicated rest, following to the letter the treatment indicated by the doctor, and also the legal results that achieved satisfactory compensations.
Our clients can lighten their pain and worries when they notice that with our work, we achieve justice by giving them the reason and that by a court ruling, they are granted the corresponding reparations so that the act committed against them does not go unpunished. They can count on the economic resources to continue covering medical expenses and other possible expenses that are considered during the recovery and repair of the damage.
Walking through well-known neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Park Slope can be a special experience that lets you get a sense of the diversity and local culture. Being a pedestrian in this dynamic borough offers a sense of freedom and connection, whether you're strolling along the Brooklyn Bridge or exploring the many parks. Nevertheless, despite the beauty, pedestrian accidents can happen due to distracted drivers, speeding cars, and other dangers.
We want to delve a little deeper into this phenomenon so that you can identify valuable information that will be useful to you when making decisions about what your life will be like after integrating this negative experience. Remember that you are not alone; we are ready to serve you and help you overcome this painful stage at The Ward Law Group. We are sure that in the end, we will smile together when we obtain the results and meet the agreed objectives.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Brooklyn
Think about the following ideas embodied by writer Carlos Castaneda: "Applying concentration to decision making, the third principle of mindfulness is a very involved step and an opportunity to align yourself with your intention. After concentrating on the matter at hand and eliminating anything that might be a distraction, you make sure that all aspects of yourself agree with the choice you are about to make."
As you can see, the ability to be attentive to every act you perform is so basic that 80% of people forget it—the consequences are negative incidents of all kinds. You cannot live disconnected from reality.
Repeat that and record it. Do not walk the streets immersed in your mind, engaged in your world of fantasies; the street is where all kinds of people, emotions, desires, and moods pass by. It is not the paradisiacal place you thought it was. It is not a safe place if you do not have your feet on the ground.
We asked one of the professionals of our law firm to review the history of cases that we have seen since we started, that is, more than a thousand cases, and to group the main causes that generate this type of facts. Some of the most relevant were the following:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers using phones, texting, or engaging in other distractions while operating a vehicle.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces driver reaction time, increasing the risk of hitting pedestrians.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Disregarding traffic signals and signs leads to intersection accidents.
- Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers may not see pedestrians or react in time to prevent collisions.
- Jaywalking: Pedestrians crossing streets in non-designated areas, often leading to unexpected accidents.
- Poor Visibility: Inadequate street lighting or weather conditions impair driver and pedestrian visibility.
- Turning Accidents: Vehicles making turns without adequately checking for pedestrians crossing.
- Backing-Up Incidents: Drivers reversing without noticing pedestrians behind the vehicle.
- Aggressive Driving: Reckless behavior such as tailgating or abrupt lane changes that put pedestrians at risk.
- Pedestrian Right of Way Ignored: Drivers failing to yield to pedestrians with the right of way.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Blocked Crosswalks: Parked vehicles obstructing crosswalks, forcing pedestrians into dangerous areas.
- Construction Zones: Poorly marked construction areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space.
- Public Transportation Accidents involve buses, taxis, or rideshare services and pedestrians.
High-Risk Areas for Pedestrian Accidents in Brooklyn
If there is something that characterizes our professionals, they are very knowledgeable about the jurisdiction where they work. In this case, many of our workers at The Ward Law have walked around Brooklyn on their own and have been able to know the situation in several of its streets in detail.
After doing a survey among our staff and also taking into account what Brooklyn neighbors told us, the places with the highest incidence and most likely to witness an accident turned out to be the following:
- Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue: The intersection's heavy traffic and numerous pedestrians make it a potential hotspot for accidents.
- Grand Army Plaza: The convergence of multiple roads and pedestrian crosswalks can lead to complex traffic situations.
- Fourth Avenue: This avenue's significant traffic flow and frequent pedestrian activity require careful attention.
- Fulton Street: Crowded sidewalks and intersections along Fulton Street create situations where accidents are more likely.
- McGuinness Boulevard: A major road with high traffic volume and limited pedestrian infrastructure, posing risks to pedestrians.
- Nostrand Avenue: Busy intersections often involve interactions between pedestrians and vehicles.
- Flatbush Avenue and Tillary Street: A bustling intersection near the Manhattan Bridge with potential for accidents.
- Kings Highway: The fast-paced traffic and pedestrian crossings demand extra caution.
Importance of Legal Representation After a Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident
Understanding legal terminology, crime theory, procedures, and deadlines, as well as argumentation and negotiation skills, are skills that can take many years to develop and master. In a situation that requires urgent decision-making, it would be unhelpful to wait for you to become a legal expert before taking the first step.
By then, the case may already be lost, and you may be out of time. That's why legal support and top-notch counsel, as we provide at The Ward Law Group, are critical in obtaining satisfactory results at the end of the road.
We receive many questions regarding how good legal advice can make the difference between a positive or negative outcome, and thanks to the support of our professionals, we have been able to identify the following aspects in which the figure of a properly trained lawyer is so important:
- Navigating Complex Laws: A skilled lawyer understands the intricate legal landscape surrounding pedestrian accidents in Brooklyn.
- Determining Liability: Identifying the responsible party can be complex; a lawyer can investigate and establish liability.
- Gathering Evidence: Lawyers can collect and preserve crucial evidence to support your case.
- Negotiating with Insurers: Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting; lawyers can handle negotiations on your behalf.
- Calculating Damages: Lawyers accurately assess your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Fighting for Fair Compensation: Lawyers advocate for your rights to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Understanding Comparative Negligence: Lawyers navigate cases where pedestrians and drivers share fault.
- Avoiding Pitfalls: Lawyers help you avoid common legal pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.
- Exploring Settlement Options: Lawyers analyze settlement offers to determine if they adequately cover your losses.
- Preparing for Court: If necessary, lawyers are prepared to take your case to court to fight for your rights.
- Access to Resources: Lawyers have the resources to hire experts who can provide valuable testimony.
- Stress Relief: Legal representation allows you to focus on recovery while your lawyer handles legal matters.
- Statute of Limitations: Lawyers ensure your case is filed within the prescribed time limits.
- Maximizing Compensation: Lawyers work to maximize your compensation by accounting for both economic and non-economic damages.
- Knowledge of Local Laws: Lawyers know Brooklyn's pedestrian laws and regulations, ensuring your case is properly addressed.
Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
We know that no one wants to talk about injuries. We prefer to avoid anything related to pain. However, if we look at the vast majority of social media content, we will see that people always emphasize pleasure and the perfect life.
However, in pedestrian accidents, the injuries caused are decisive elements. These can directly influence the decision a judge makes regarding your case. So, anyway, and even if it costs us a lot to accept pain, we have been obliged to list the most common pedestrian injuries resulting from these accidents to create awareness regarding the risk of the consequences of this situations:
- Fractures: Broken bones, such as arms, legs, ribs, and hips, are common after an impact between a pedestrian and a vehicle.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can lead to concussions, contusions, or more severe brain injuries with lasting cognitive effects.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: a car accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force can lead to injuries to internal organs, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and ligament tears are common, causing pain and limiting mobility.
- Cuts and Abrasions: Pedestrians may suffer cuts and scrapes from contact with the road, vehicles, or debris.
- Bruises and Hematomas: Contusions can range from minor bruises to larger hematomas, causing pain and swelling.
- Facial Injuries: Facial impact can cause fractures, lacerations, and dental injuries.
- Burns: If pedestrians come into contact with hot surfaces, fires, or chemical spills, they may sustain burns.
- Road Rash: Skin abrasions caused by sliding on pavement can lead to painful and slow-healing injuries.
- Amputations: Severe accidents can result in the loss of limbs, necessitating surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
- Nerve Damage: Injuries may lead to nerve damage, causing pain, numbness, and loss of function.
- Eye Injuries: Debris or impact can cause eye injuries ranging from minor irritations to severe damage.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Psychological injuries can result from the traumatic experience of an accident.
- Wrongful Death: In the most tragic cases, pedestrian accidents can result in fatalities.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn
As you can see, the cost of going distracted through the streets, without a full awareness of reality and what surrounds you, maintaining a state of alertness about every action you take, is very high.
From now on, we want you to think every time you leave your house, you will be completely immersed in whatever you do. Avoid disconnecting from the real world. Following this advice will remind you of many hours of unnecessary suffering; we are sure this will be more bearable.
Contact The Ward Law Group professionals to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation. We will be with you until you achieve the desired result and justice. Call now at 855-DOLOR-55 for your free consultation!