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Everything Pedestrians Need to Know About Traffic Accident Injuries

New York City is a pedestrian paradise, with so many exciting places to walk around and explore. Unfortunately, walking around the City is not without its perils. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) approximately 6,000 pedestrians a year are killed by motorists. Another 130,000 are treated in emergency rooms for serious injuries. These statistics shouldn’t scare people away from the fun and health benefits of exploring the City on foot. There are many ways for pedestrians to decrease the likelihood of being injured in a pedestrian traffic accident. If you are a pedestrian that’s sustained a serious injury in a traffic accident, it’s important to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney that can help you collect the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Most Likely to Be Hit by a Car in a Brooklyn Traffic Accident?

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children in the United States. With the increasing number of families with both parents working, children are more frequently, and at younger ages, being expected to walk around on their own. This has led to increasing rates of children injured or killed by cars. Parents can help by making sure that their children are properly instructed on how to safely cross the street and by encouraging them to walk in groups that are more easily noticed by drivers. The second highest group of pedestrian injuries from car accidents are senior citizens. This statistic is due to the fact that older people are less likely to drive, but also because of their slower foot speed and diminished faculties. There is a growing awareness about pedestrian safety that suggests that walking when impaired isn’t a safe choice. New studies have shown that a large percentage of pedestrian deaths are caused by people walking under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal drugs. If you aren’t up to walking home, taking a taxi is the safest choice.

“Vision Zero” Efforts to Reduce Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents

The speed of a vehicle has a tremendous impact on how severe the injuries are when a pedestrian is hit by a car. That’s why Mayor De Blasio reduced the speed limit on city streets to 25 miles per hour in 2014. The speed limit reduction was coupled with a campaign showing pictures of children and the injuries they would sustain at the new speed limit, compared to higher speeds. Enforcement with camera tickets is increasing, with new cameras being installed all over the City. There are also new street designs and configurations specifically geared towards improving safety, and increasing penalties for dangerous drivers. The mayor calls this plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities on the city’s streets,“Vision Zero,” modeled after a successful Swedish program.

What To Do Immediately After a Serious Pedestrian AccidentNew York City Personal Injury Lawyers

Despite these efforts, pedestrian accidents are still widespread throughout the city, so it’s important to know what to do if you are injured in a pedestrian accident. The first thing to do is assess whether or not you’re in a place of safety. If you’re in the way of traffic, it might be safer to move, than to remain in place. If you’re not in the street, it’s safest to remain still until an ambulance arrives. Once safety has been established, use your mobile phone to call 911 if somebody on the scene has not already done so. It’s also a good idea to call a Brooklyn pedestrian injury attorney to begin to establish your claim. If you are comfortable walking, take pictures of the vehicle(s) that hit you, noting any damage to the vehicles. Look for skidmarks and other markings on the scene that might explain how the accident happened. Speak to the driver of the car that hit you, and any occupants of the vehicle, and scout the scene for any witnesses that may have seen you get hit. Try to get statements on video of anybody that will agree to it. When the ambulance arrives, it’s wise to accept a ride to the emergency room to be thoroughly checked out, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe. The adrenaline spurt after an accident can mask pain and there could be life-threatening internal injuries that need to be diagnosed and treated immediately.

How to Establish Your Personal Injury Claim for a Pedestrian Accident

The days immediately following your accident are crucial for your health and establishing any claim you’re making for compensation for injuries sustained in the accident. Your Brooklyn pedestrian injury attorney will guide you, and it’s important that you take their advice seriously. You should be getting follow-up treatment for the injuries you sustained, which should always include diagnosis and oversight by medical doctors. Beware of “therapy places” that solicit your business, trying to talk you into treating with chiropractors and physical therapists 5 days a week without a doctor’s diagnosis, and without scheduling appropriate diagnostic testing. This scenario isn’t good for your health or your personal injury case! If you’re employed, you need to discuss with your doctor when you should go back to work. Ideally, your attorney’s office will be taking care of all of the paperwork and contact with the insurance companies, so all you need to do is get the medical treatment you need.

What Are Common Injuries From Pedestrian Accidents?

When a heavy metal machine hits flesh and blood, the injuries are usually serious. Sometimes pedestrians are flown up into the air from the force of the impact, or part of their body is run over by the vehicle. These are the most common injuries from pedestrian knockdown accidents:

  • Head Injuries such as Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
  • Orthopedic injuries to the back, neck and extremities
  • Wounds, road rash and scarring

What you Need to Know About Insurance In NY for Pedestrian Accidents

New York City Personal Injury Lawyers When a pedestrian is hit by a car in New York, the insurance company for the car that is responsible usually pays the first-party benefits known as “no-fault” benefits. “No-fault” benefits will pay for medical treatment, lost earnings, and out-of-pocket expenses. If the person was working at the time of the accident, such a delivery-person, workers compensation will usually pay the first-party benefits. There are some situations with self-employed persons where “no-fault” will be responsible for payments, even though the person was working when they were injured. If the car that hit you doesn’t have insurance, a car owned by you, or by a relative living in the same home with you, will cover the loss. If nobody in your home has a car, a fund called MVAIC comes into play. These complicated issues are why it’s so important to hire an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, to ensure that you collect everything you are entitled to. The compensation for pain and suffering and other “liability” claims are paid by the responsible car’s insurance. If there’s no insurance, the next place to look is the “car in the household,” and if there’s no car in the home, the MVAIC fund is next in line. It’s important to know that there is always insurance coverage for pedestrians hit by cars in New York, even when the car doesn’t have insurance or it’s a hit and run.

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April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
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Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
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Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
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