Busy cities like New York City means that motorists and pedestrians alike have to contend with traffic to get to their destinations safely. While traffic laws dictate that motorists must give way to pedestrians, this usually does not happen, resulting in serious pedestrian accidents and even death. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable on public roads, and they are often the victims of traffic accidents, specifically those that occur at intersections.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a pedestrian accident, be sure to work with an accident lawyer to ensure you get the representation and compensation you deserve. Settling such cases is often difficult, but working with the right professional will improve your chances of getting a fair settlement. Here is what you need to know about pedestrian accidents in New York City:
The Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
The statistics surrounding pedestrian accidents are fairly grim. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pedestrian died every 84 minutes in 2018, comprising 17 percent of traffic fatalities. One year later, in 2019, 6,205 pedestrians passed away due to these accidents. For these reasons, the NHTSA and transportation authorities in Jersey City have rolled out programs to advocate for pedestrian safety, aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities by 2026.
Motorist misconduct and poor choices are primarily responsible for these accidents, such as distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, and failing to abide by traffic laws. Many people have cultivated the habit of texting while driving or configuring their GPS while driving, leading to the accident. Others have driven under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs that impaired their ability to operate a vehicle safely. Some people fail to yield the right of way, obey traffic signals, or exceed the speed limit, often resulting in injury and fatality.
Parties Responsible for Pedestrian Accidents
While motorists are mostly the proponents of such accidents, they are not the only ones responsible. In some situations, other parties did not exercise a reasonable amount of caution and are accountable for the injuries caused by the accidents. It is crucial to identify all liable parties to provide the injured pedestrians with the complete amount of compensation they deserve, allowing them to cover their medical expenses and lost income while they recover.
It’s important to note that determining the parties responsible for a pedestrian accident relies on the accident’s causes and the kinds of negligence that resulted in it. Usually, motorists are liable if their reckless or negligent actions caused the accident. Motor carriers can also be responsible if their carelessness caused one of their commercial truck drivers to crash and harm a pedestrian. Automotive equipment manufacturers could be accountable if the accident were attributed to faulty vehicle equipment. Lastly, if the accident was caused by unsafe roads, sidewalks, or public transportation, government entities can be responsible.
Getting Fair Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to work with an accident attorney to help you determine the responsible parties that caused your accident. Once you have identified those who are liable, you can work with your attorney to claim the compensation you deserve. Even if you played a part in your accident, you would still be eligible for compensation, but you must proceed carefully to ensure you get every dollar you rightfully deserve.
You are entitled to receive compensation to cover the following:
- Lost wages that resulted from the accident
- Emergency medical care
- Surgery
- Hospitalization
- Ambulance services
- Medical bills
- Damaged property
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Conclusion
Getting involved in a pedestrian accident is often a harrowing experience. However, by working with an accident lawyer immediately, you can recoup your medical expenses and recover comfortably by getting proper compensation from the responsible parties.
If you need an accident lawyer to help you with your case, be sure to contact us at Ronemus & Vilensky. We are New York City’s experts in medical malpractice, civil rights, police brutality, auto accidents, and other similar areas. Our expertise allows us to evaluate each case with care and precision to ensure you the best possible chance of success. Contact us today for a free consultation.