Walking freely and enjoying the tranquility of Suffolk County should never cause pain and suffering; accidents are no strangers to Suffolk County.
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident on Long Island while enjoying a quiet Sunday afternoon or walking to work, you will need the help of an experienced New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to give you a better chance of obtaining compensation to cover the expenses you will incur during your recovery.
At The Ward Law Group, we have successfully resolved thousands of personal injury cases, automobile accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicyclist accidents, among other contexts, that caused negligence to innocent victims.
Pedestrian Accidents in Suffolk County
In Suffolk County, pedestrian accidents are covered by personal injury law, a body of law intended to deal with damages brought about by the carelessness or wrongdoing of others. Comprehending the fundamentals of personal injury law in this context is imperative for pedestrians and accident participants.
- Suffolk County's Legal Landscape:
Although Suffolk County falls under the larger legal jurisdiction of New York State, unique local factors impact personal injury cases, particularly those involving pedestrian accidents. Important laws that apply to the region include:
- New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL):
The VTL outlines traffic regulations and rules in the state, governing the conduct of motorists and pedestrians. Sections such as Article 25 pertain to pedestrians' rights and duties, establishing the legal guidelines for safe pedestrian activities.
- Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (SCTPVA) Regulations:
The SCTPVA's enforcement of local parking and traffic laws may affect pedestrian safety. Comprehending the regulations at the county level is essential to comprehending accountability in incidents that transpire in Suffolk County.
- Suffolk County Municipal Codes:
Suffolk County-specific municipal codes may cover sidewalk upkeep, pedestrian safety, and other regional elements influencing personal injury claims. These codes may affect who is liable and how much is paid for pedestrian accidents.
- Public Spaces and Parks Regulations:
Suffolk County's public spaces and parks regulations may impact pedestrian accidents in these areas. Understanding these regulations is essential for determining liability and legal recourse.
Those injured in pedestrian accidents in Suffolk County can better navigate the local legal system and address particular nuances that affect their cases by considering these laws and regulations.
How Can a Lawyer Assist You After a Pedestrian Accident in Suffolk County, NY?
When pedestrians are involved in car accidents, they frequently sustain serious injuries that could last a lifetime. These injuries can also pose health risks because of the driver's carelessness.
Without a knowledgeable pedestrian accident lawyer in New York to take the insurance company to task on your behalf, seeking just compensation becomes extremely difficult.
The Ward Law Group has been working for the rights of our community for 19 years in Florida. Now, in our new office in New York, we are closer to more Spanish-speaking people and victims of accidents of various kinds.
Some of the key points that an expert pedestrian accident lawyer from NYC in our firm can help you with are as follows:
- Provide comprehensive legal advice, guidance, and support tailored to your case.
- Investigate your accident thoroughly, collecting and examining important evidence.
- Construct a robust negligence case with the assistance of an expert professional.
- Ensure an accurate valuation of your total damages.
- Challenge any tactics attempting to shift the blame
- Engage in negotiations with the insurance company to secure a just settlement.
- Pursue litigation before a jury if the insurance company fails to offer a fair resolution.
After a pedestrian accident, you don't have to deal with your insurance company's lackluster response. Contact The Ward Law Group's Suffolk County office right now to schedule a free consultation with a committed pedestrian accident attorney ready to fight for your rights.
Pedestrian Accidents Statistics and Facts in Suffolk County
Although pedestrian accidents are still a common feature in large cities such as New York, Brooklyn, Queens, it can be determined, according to a study by the digital portal Curbed, that there was a slight reduction in these events, which in all is good news compared to other years.
Some statistics about these events in recent years are as follows:
- Pedestrian Fatalities: In 2023, pedestrian deaths in New York City dropped below 100 for the first time in recorded history, reaching a new low of 93.
- Safety Improvement Initiatives: Vision Zero initiatives, including redesigning intersections, significantly reduced pedestrian fatalities.
- Bike Lane Installations: The steady installation of protected bike lanes, proven to reduce injury risks for all road users by 34%, is believed to have positively impacted pedestrian safety.
- Speed Camera Operation: Albany's decision to allow New York City's speed cameras to operate 24/7 near school zones resulted in decreased speeding, injuries, and fatalities. The data suggests that consistent camera operation led to changed driver behavior.
- Intersection Redesigns: The city's commitment to redesigning 1,000 intersections annually, with measures such as leading pedestrian intervals, raised crosswalks, and daylighting, contributed to enhanced safety.
- Daylighting Impact: Daylighting, involving curb extensions, boulders, planters, and paint, emerged as a key factor credited with reducing traffic deaths to zero in neighboring cities like Hoboken and Jersey City.
- Government Measures: Recent announcements indicate plans to increase intersection redesigns to 2,000 per year, with half focusing on daylighting. This emphasizes the city's commitment to further safety improvements.
- Parking Law Considerations: Experts suggest that ending the city's exemption to the state law prohibiting parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk and being more assertive in removing parking spots could enhance intersection visibility and safety.
Determining the Value of Your Pedestrian Accident Case
If you've been involved in a pedestrian accident, assessing the worth of your case involves thoroughly examining various factors. Each case is unique, and numerous elements contribute to its overall value.
- Individual Case Evaluation:
All pedestrian accident cases are meticulously evaluated according to their specific circumstances.
Similar accidents with comparable injuries may still exhibit significant variations in value due to distinctive elements.
- Calculation of Economic Losses:
The initial step involves precisely calculating economic losses, encompassing current financial damages and anticipated future losses.
Future considerations include ongoing medical requirements and any potential impact on your earning capacity.
- Consideration of Non-Economic Losses:
Non-economic or personal losses are then factored in to provide a comprehensive perspective on the overall impact of the accident on your life.
- Determining Personal Damages:
The severity and nature of a pedestrian accident injury and their influence on your daily life are pivotal in determining this factor.
- Influencing Factors on Case Value:
Various elements, such as the strength of your negligence claim, shared blame considerations, and the extent of available insurance coverage, can either enhance or limit your case's potential value.
- Expert Legal Consultation:
A complimentary consultation with one of our Long Island pedestrian accident attorneys is recommended to gauge the worth of your case precisely.
Our experienced team will provide insights into the unique aspects of your situation and guide you on the potential value of your pedestrian accident lawsuit.
Recovering Damages for Pedestrian Accidents
If your pedestrian accident case proves successful, you can seek compensatory damages from the at-fault party. These damages aim to address the losses you incurred due to the injury, assigning a financial value to physical, mental, and emotional harm.
Compensatory Damages Overview:
Compensatory damages are categorized into two main groups:
- Economic Damages:
Compensation for financial losses suffered, covering:
- Medical expenses associated with the accident.
- Medical Treatment.
- Anticipated future medical costs for ongoing care.
- Lost wages during the recovery period.
- Diminished or lost earning capacity and employment benefits in case of disability.
- Property damage.
- Other financial damages include domestic services, childcare, home or vehicle modifications, and therapy.
- Non-Economic Damages:
Compensation for personal losses without intrinsic financial value, including:
- Pain and suffering.
- Disfigurement.
- Anguish.
- Distress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Special Consideration for New York Cases
Sometimes, personal injury cases brought before a jury might qualify for punitive damages under New York law. This is contingent upon demonstrating that the injuries resulted from the defendant’s disregard for human life or gross negligence.
Seeking compensatory damages is an essential first step toward rebuilding your life, even though financial compensation cannot undo the psychological and physical toll that a pedestrian accident has taken.
The Ward Law Group is committed to walking you through this process and making sure your particular losses are appropriately acknowledged and taken care of. Allow us to support you as you seek just compensation in New York.
Can I Still Seek Compensation if I’m Held Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident in Suffolk County?
It's not uncommon for accidents to involve shared fault among multiple parties, including pedestrians. If, for example, you were crossing the street outside a designated crosswalk or were distracted, you may be assigned some responsibility for the accident.
Under New York's legal framework, specifically the modified comparative negligence rule, you can still pursue damages if you are found 50% or less at fault. This rule allocates a percentage of blame to each involved party.
Key Points Regarding Comparative Negligence in New York:
- You retain the right to seek damages if found 50% or less at fault.
- Your recovery will be proportionally reduced based on your assigned liability.
- If deemed 50% responsible, your recovery will be reduced by 50%.
- Recovery may be precluded if you´ve been found 51% or more at fault.
Insurance companies may shift blame onto you to minimize their payout obligations. If you find yourself facing blame for the accident, it's crucial to consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney. Their expertise can help you challenge such assertions, safeguard your case, and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve in New York City.
Pedestrian Accidents Can Result in Severe, Life-Altering Injuries
When motor vehicles are involved in an accident, pedestrians are more likely to suffer serious injuries or lose their lives. Pedestrians face an alarming 85% chance of death when struck at 40 mph or faster. Interestingly, there is still a considerable chance of serious injuries, even at slower speeds.
The Ward Law Group is committed to advocating for pedestrians who have suffered a spectrum of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Organ damage
- Nerve damage
- Joint injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
Contact A Pedestrian Accident Lawyer In Suffolk County
The Ward Law Group is fully committed to supporting you in the face of potential insurance company attempts to minimize losses and the seriousness of your injuries.
We recognize the significant emotional and psychological toll that such injuries in the dynamic city of New York entail, which is why we will relentlessly pursue comprehensive compensation covering all aspects of your losses.
Contact The Ward Law Group now and learn more about your case for free! Call now at 855-DOLOR-55!
We will be attentive to help you as soon as possible!