212-962-1020 Menu

Pedestrian Accidents During COVID-19

With all the essential motor vehicle traffic and the drivers being less careful, pedestrians are exposed to more risks than ever. They are not as protected as if they were inside the motor vehicle. There is a greater chance that they will be hurt compared to the drivers and passengers. And with the increased number of bikes and scooters on the streets, the pedestrians are faced with brand new hazardous situations and increased exposure to potential injuries.

The most dangerous pedestrian struck downs are caused by motor vehicles. Pedestrian accidents involving motor vehicles, such as cars and trucks, are very common on NYC streets and can happen at any time and anywhere. The chances of this happening are nowadays increased due to the drivers choosing speed over safety and not paying attention to the nearby pedestrians.

The most common causes of pedestrian motor vehicle accidents include speeding, distractions, failure to yield, alcohol, and lack of visibility. Regardless of which one of these was the reason for the accident, the driver is usually liable for pedestrian injuries.

The injuries stemming from these types of accidents are often severe and include trauma to the head, legs, pelvis, torn ligaments, broken bones. Potential pedestrian injuries also include traumatic brain injuries and other muscle and ligament injuries that may leave the accident victim unable to return to work.

There are times when pedestrian accidents do not involve motor vehicles. Nowadays, in cities like New York, it is not rare that a pedestrian gets struck by a bicycle or a scooter. People are trying to get places and with no public transportation available, even the least experienced individuals are inclined to take a scooter or a bike for a ride. Although injuries stemming from these accidents are not as devastating as when there is a motor vehicle involved, they can still be the cause of severe injuries and both physical and mental trauma for the pedestrian.

Additionally, it is not rare that, for example, an individual gets injured while simply walking down the street and tripping over an improperly maintained sidewalk.

Pedestrian Accidents in New York City.

New York City can be one of the most hazardous places in the entire nation for pedestrians.  Whether they are crossing the street or walking down the sidewalk, the potential of being hit and knocked down by a car is tremendous.

There are many pedestrian accidents in this densely populated city that ‘never sleeps.’ Drivers often fail to obey the posted ‘yield to pedestrians’ signs, or they may simply be distracted. As personal injury attorneys, we are very aware that regardless of the cause of the accident, the injuries sustained can be catastrophic. A human being is no match for moving machinery, especially an automobile.

At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, our NYC personal injury lawyers have been fighting for the rights of victims of pedestrian accidents since 1992.  We understand that you have questions. Here are some of the answers that our clients have been looking for when they have been struck by a vehicle in New York City.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The length of time it takes to resolve a claim will depend on many different factors, such as the number of parties involved. A case that goes to trial will take a little longer to resolve than a case that is settled in the pretrial stage.

At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, our attorneys are tough negotiators who use a thorough approach. Often they are able to reach a fair and reasonable settlement while avoiding litigation altogether. This will significantly shorten the length of time necessary to resolve your case.

What can I expect to recover from my pedestrian accident claim?

Just as every pedestrian accident is different, the amount and type of damages that can be recovered from a claim will vary from case to case. At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, we handle each claim individually. By examining carefully the complete circumstances of the accident and its consequences, we are able to obtain the best possible results for each client.

The type and amount of damages awarded in these claims will vary with each individual case. 

The damages will be significantly impacted, for example, by the type and severity of the injuries sustained. 

Someone who is left physically impaired and unable to return to work will have a different claim than someone who sustains serious injuries but is able to make a full recovery. Yet in each case, we will want to work to make sure that the amount of damages awarded is the greatest possible. 

The amount of compensation in a claim will also depend on whether the driver was driving a personal vehicle or was on the job at the time of the accident. 

An experienced New York personal injury lawyer should be able to give you more insight about your specific claim. Call our offices, and one of our award-winning attorneys will help you find out all about your rights in a free consultation.

What causes pedestrian accidents?

In a densely populated city, such as New York, there are a lot of reasons why a pedestrian may be struck or knocked down by a vehicle. Here are some of the most common causes for pedestrian accidents:

  • The driver was not paying attention
  • The driver failed to see road signs
  • The driver did not use a turn signal
  • The driver was impaired by alcohol or another controlled substance
  • The driver doesn’t know how to drive
  • The driver disobeyed traffic laws
  • The driver wasn’t paying attention because they were texting or on the phone
  • The driver made a turn without looking for pedestrians
  • The driver ran a red light
  • The driver was distracted
  • The driver was driving too fast for conditions

There are many other reasons why these accidents may occur, and the results are usually tragic, as a motor vehicle can and will do significant damage to the human body.

Is there a time limit to file a claim?

The length of time you have to file suit will depend on the type of claim you are filing. The state of New York imposes a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. This means that you would have two years from the date of your loved one’s unnecessary passing to file a claim.

The statute of limitations on a personal injury claim in New York is three years. However, there are often injuries that may not be immediately apparent. In these cases, you have three years from the date that you should have reasonably known about the injury to file a claim.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, please call us today

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, consulting an experienced pedestrian accident attorney is crucial in handling your potential lawsuit. The team of attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff is here to help the ones who have been hurt in pedestrian accidents. Whether your pedestrian accident was caused by a driver, cyclist, an individual on a scooter, or someone who failed to exercise caution, our team of experienced and dedicated attorneys is here to help.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The length of time it takes to resolve a claim will depend on many different factors, such as the number of parties involved. A case that goes to trial will take a little longer to resolve than a case that is settled in the pretrial stage.

At the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, our attorneys are tough negotiators who use a thorough approach. Often they are able to reach a fair and reasonable settlement while avoiding litigation altogether. This will significantly shorten the length of time necessary to resolve your case.

What types of damages can I be awarded?

The types of damages awarded will be determined based on the circumstances surrounding your case.  Many times, victims can be awarded medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for physical impairment or disfigurement, and more. In extreme cases, victims can also be awarded damages for pain and suffering.

Michael S. Lamonsoff

Contact Us for Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Claim

If you or someone that you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC are skilled in all of the issues and nuances that have arisen in these types of cases because of  COVID-19.  We will immediately move to preserve and protect your rights to compensation. Contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC, to find out what your rights are and let us take the necessary action in your behalf. We litigate every case aggressively, so that you can concentrate on recovery.

WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR NEW CASE VIRTUALLY FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME. FREE TELEPHONE AND VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Languages Spoken
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 212-962-1020.

Are you a survivor of sexual assault or abuse that occurred years ago?

New York has recently passed the Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims that were at any age 18 or older, to now bring their abuser to justice. This includes the institutions that protected them.

Find out how to fight back with Michael S. Lamonsoff.