If you walk or bike in a city, you may often face the threat of being hit by a car or truck. Pedestrian accidents result in some of the most severe injuries. It can be a traumatizing experience. Unfortunately, they happen more than we would like. In fact, the bustling intersections of Queens, NY and other busy neighborhoods are dangerous hotspots for such occurrences.
One out of every five pedestrian crashes leads to death in the United States.
If you have been involved in an accident, and you were a pedestrian, you may have suffered catastrophic injuries. Under the law, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages and injuries caused by the accident, so that you can pay for necessary medical expenses and recoup lost wages from being unable to work.
However, without proper legal representation, you may not be getting the compensation you deserve. Read on to find out more about why you should hire a lawyer if you were involved in a pedestrian accident in Queens.
Common Causes
Pedestrian accidents, as with most auto accidents, usually occur due to rash or negligent driving. Everyone on the Queens roadways, whether bicyclist, motorcyclist, motorist, or pedestrian, should be careful when they are on the road. Everyone should obey the basic traffic rules like using the highways, streets, crosswalks, etc.
When people are negligent, the result is often an avoidable accident. Several examples of negligence while driving are:
- Distractions while driving, such as speaking on the phone or texting
- Failing to pause at crosswalks
- Being intoxicated while driving
- Making illegal U-turns
- Limited visibility
- Municipal negligence like the poor layout of the street or faulty traffic control devices
- Jaywalking across a bustling street
- Speeding
- Taking sudden right turns without checking the roadway
- Running red lights
Whenever a driver strikes a pedestrian, it is very important to determine who is at fault. However, even with all the aforementioned causes, both the driver and pedestrian can contribute to the accident.
Determining the fault, and whether it was a shared fault, can be the primary difference between getting adequate compensation for your injuries or your claim being dismissed. Only a qualified pedestrian accident lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you receive what you deserve.
Pedestrian Accident Damages
When there is a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, it almost always leads to a devastating result. Unlike the driver of a vehicle, a pedestrian is vulnerable and unprotected. Hitting someone at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour can result in fatalities.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Bleeding
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
These injuries can be severe enough to cause loss of work for several weeks, if not months. As a result, medical bills start adding up. The law addresses these expenses and considers these as damages, which is the harm caused to the victim. It requires immediate action with repayment to restore justice. There may be multiple categories of damages due to a pedestrian accident, such as:
- Injuries and pain
- Loss of pay
- Medical expenses
- Loss of the joy and zeal of life
Why Should You Seek Legal Help?
To receive adequate compensation for the life-altering damages due to a pedestrian accident, you must seek legal help.
The role of a lawyer is to determine the fault and damages. A lawyer can also mediate for the insurance companies and help you with your next move.