Pedestrian accidents can cause serious harm in New City, Rockland County, even if a vehicle is moving slowly. Pedestrians have little protection, which can result in devastating injuries.
If a negligent driver causes a pedestrian accident, they can be held accountable for any resulting damages in a lawsuit. These types of incidents can occur almost anywhere, but they tend to happen at intersections and parking lots where pedestrians have to rely on drivers. If the driver leaves the scene or multiple parties are responsible for the injuries, the lawsuit can become complicated. Our team can help investigate your case and gather the evidence needed to establish your claim.
Our pedestrian accident lawyers can provide you with a free case evaluation by calling The Martello Law Firm, PLLC at (914) 685-6950.
Common Locations of Pedestrian Accidents in New City, Rockland County
Pedestrian accidents have the potential to happen at any time and in any location, though some places have a higher likelihood of such incidents occurring. Our New City pedestrian accident lawyers are available to assist you in constructing a compelling case, regardless of where your injuries occurred. When cars and pedestrians are in close proximity, such as at intersections and parking lots, terrible accidents are more likely to take place. In the most severe instances, an irresponsible driver might lose control of their vehicle and collide with a pedestrian who was not anticipating it. The following are the most common places where pedestrians occur in New City:
Intersections
Crosswalks at intersections are a frequent location for pedestrian accidents in New City. In numerous intersections, pedestrians have to cross multiple lanes in both directions in order to reach safety. If a driver does not give way or ignores a traffic signal at the wrong time, the resulting injuries could be severe or even fatal.
Urban Areas
It is not unusual for accidents to occur in urban areas where pedestrians and vehicles share the same space. Despite the presence of more pedestrians, some drivers fail to remain vigilant, resulting in devastating injuries with even a moment of carelessness. Distractions such as oncoming lights, other motorists, and mobile phones can easily divert drivers’ attention, causing accidents throughout New City.
Pedestrians are especially at risk when drivers speed in urban areas, as they might not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Nonetheless, victims can seek compensation from the responsible driver through a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New City.
Sidewalks and Road Shoulders
Pedestrians can be severely injured if they are hit on a sidewalk or shoulder of the road, although these incidents are less frequent than accidents at intersections. It is possible that a pedestrian might not see the car that hits them coming and, therefore, cannot avoid or prepare for the accident.
Sometimes, drivers might be negligent and cause an accident by veering onto a sidewalk or road shoulder. In other cases, vehicle malfunctions, such as engine failure or tire blowouts, might be responsible for the accident, and multiple parties other than the driver might be at fault.
Parking Lots
Parking lots pose a danger to pedestrians who navigate between parked and moving cars. Multiple entrances and exits in some parking lots can be challenging for pedestrians to keep track of, especially if there are no walkways. Inattentive drivers can cause accidents, and pedestrians unfamiliar with the parking lot might be at risk. Drivers often focus on finding a parking spot and pay little attention to people walking around them. Our New City pedestrian accident lawyers can provide legal support if you were negligently injured in a parking lot or elsewhere.
Contributory Negligence in a New City, Rockland County Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a chaotic and overwhelming experience. It is common for injured individuals to worry about not receiving compensation if they played a role in causing the accident. Fortunately, in New City, injured pedestrians can still recover damages even if they were partly at fault for the incident.
In New York, the awarding of damages is governed by a comparative negligence rule. According to C.V.P. Law § 1411, the amount awarded to an injured party will be reduced based on the percentage of fault they are deemed responsible for causing the accident. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 for your injuries but found to be 50% at fault, you would receive $50,000. Even if you were found to be 99% responsible, you would still receive a portion of the damages awarded.
Damages You Can Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit in New City, Rockland County
Compensation for injuries sustained in an accident can be pursued in a lawsuit in New City. Damages is the legal term for the various types of financial compensation available. Economic damages are typically the focus in pedestrian accident cases, but non-economic damages can also be pursued for the impact of injuries.
Economic Damages
When it comes to recovering damages in a lawsuit, people often think of economic damages. Compensation for economic damages usually includes payment for your medical expenses, including any future medical costs you might have. Evidence to support these damages can be provided through your medical records and reports from your doctors.
In addition to medical expenses, you can also claim lost wages resulting from your injuries. If you missed work due to your injuries or had to take time off for appointments during your treatment, these losses can be included in your lawsuit. If your injuries were severe, you might also be eligible for compensation for loss of future income potential.
Non-economic Damages
If you have been injured, you might be able to seek compensation for damages that go beyond financial losses. These damages, known as non-economic damages, are meant to address the subjective impact your injuries have had on your life. Non-economic damages can include losses related to emotional distress, physical pain resulting from your injuries, and any humiliation you have experienced since the incident. You can also claim damages for depression, anxiety, and psychological effects that have resulted from the accident.
In New York, there is no limit to the amount of non-economic damages you can recover in a successful pedestrian accident lawsuit. However, accurately determining the value of these damages can be difficult, and the court will consider various factors to reach a final decision. Our team can assess your case and help you pursue all the damages you are entitled to.
Our New City, Rockland County Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help
For a free assessment of your case, contact our pedestrian accident attorneys at The Martello Law Firm, PLLC today at (914) 685-6950.
