Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents hurt or kill tens of thousands of people each year in the United States. The New York law firm Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman represents individuals and families who have been impacted by pedestrian accidents, whether vehicle or nonvehicle-related. We have the experience, knowledge and drive to help bring about a fair and full settlement or verdict for the injured.

For example, we obtained a $540,000 jury award in June 2008 in a pedestrian accident case. Our client was injured when the side mirror of a moving truck hit her hand. The truck's driver fled the scene. One of our firm's New York City pedestrian accident attorney specialits, Duane Morgan, spearheaded the investigation of the incident and pursued a claim with the New York agency whose purpose it is to compensate victims of hit-and-run injuries.

Compensation for Personal Injuries

That agency refused to settle the case, although our client's injury (a serious wrist fracture) required her to wear a hard cast for a month. The resulting overuse of her other hand resulted in carpal tunnel syndrome and eventual surgery. We took her case to trial, calling a physician and radiologist to testify. After just an hour's deliberation, the jury's award was $40,000 for her future medical treatment and $500,000 for her pain and suffering.

Five Thousand Pedestrian Accident Fatalities a Year

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), nearly 80,000 pedestrians are hit by a car or other type of vehicle on the road each year, and of those, 5,000 result in death. Children and the elderly are the most frequent pedestrian victims, and their small size or frailty makes them especially vulnerable.

Vehicle-Related Pedestrian Accidents

There are various factors that cause a driver to hit a pedestrian with his/her vehicle. For example:

•If the driver negligently disobeys a stop light or a stop sign in which the pedestrian has the right of way, or if he/she fails to signal while turning.
• If the driver is distracted; for instance if he/she is talking on a cell phone, eating or looking at a map for directions.
• If the driver is driving recklessly at excess speeds and loses control of the vehicle or is unable to stop quickly. 
• If the driver is driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Determining Who Is at Fault for the Pedestrian Accident

It must be noted, however, that in some cases a pedestrian who is hit was also at fault for the collision, in part or completely. For example, in an auto accident or injury, the pedestrian may have:

• Ignored "walk/don’t walk" signals or failed to use marked pedestrian cross walks.
• Darted in front of a vehicle or entered a street from between two parked vehicles so the driver could not see the pedestrian coming.

It’s a good idea to discuss the circumstances of a pedestrian accident with an experienced personal injury attorney in order to determine which party or parties are liable for the accident. After thoroughly evaluating the case, a lawyer for pedestrian accident injury cases will be able to determine the cause of the accident and fight to ensure all responsible parties are held liable.

Nonvehicle-Related Pedestrian Accidents

Thousands of nonvehicle-related pedestrian accidents occur each year as well, such as when a pedestrian is hurt passing a construction site, or in a slip and fall accident on a poorly maintained walkway or other property. Pedestrian accidents also occur in parking lots and parking structures.

When a pedestrian is hurt or killed on the premises or property of another individual or company, it is considered an issue for premises liability law. Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman pedestrian accident attorneys have extensive experience with this area of law, and can help the injured party receive the compensation they need and deserve.

Discuss Your Situation with an Experienced Attorney

Whatever the circumstances of your pedestrian accident, you have legal rights that should be protected. Contact one of our New York pedestrian accident attorneys today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.