Struck While Walking? How to Recover from a Pedestrian Accident in New York
Walking should be safe—but pedestrians in the New York metro area often face dangerous conditions and negligent drivers. If you were injured as a pedestrian, the road to recovery may involve high medical costs, lost wages, and long-term consequences. At the Noll Law Firm, we focus on helping pedestrian accident victims secure the compensation they need and hold negligent drivers accountable.
Why pedestrians are at elevated risk
- Pedestrians have little protection compared to vehicle occupants. Even a low-speed crash can cause significant injuries.
- Drivers may fail to yield at crosswalks, speed, be distracted by phones, run red lights, or otherwise violate traffic laws.
- Poor lighting, inadequate signage, uneven sidewalks, and road hazards also contribute to pedestrian accidents.
- Evidence collection is often time-sensitive (skid marks, traffic-camera footage, witness recollection).
Injuries commonly sustained by pedestrians
- Broken bones (legs, hips, arms)
- Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal organ damage, soft-tissue trauma, long-term mobility issues
- Psychological impacts (PTSD, fear of walking again)
- Loss of income when unable to work, future medical costs, ongoing therapy
What you should do after a pedestrian accident
- Call 911 and get medical help — Your health comes first, but the initial report and images are critical.
- Document the scene — If you are able, photograph the location of the collision, road conditions, crosswalks, debris, vehicle damage, your injuries, and anything else relevant
- Get driver and witness info — Name, license plate number, insurance, contact info for any bystanders or witnesses.
- Preserve evidence — Vehicle may be repaired, skid marks may fade, traffic-camera footage may be overwritten.
- Seek legal counsel early — A skilled attorney can help locate and preserve evidence (e.g., traffic-cam footage, maintenance records for roadway, driver’s phone data).
- Avoid giving recorded statements prematurely — Insurance adjusters may seek statements that limit your future recovery.
How Noll Law Firm protects pedestrian victims
We conduct a full investigation into the driver’s negligence: whether laws (crosswalk rights-of-way, speed, cell-phone use) were violated.
We identify all liable parties: driver, vehicle owner, property owner (if sidewalk or roadway was unsafe), municipality (in some cases).
We evaluate both current and long-term damages: medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, reduced mobility, pain and suffering.
We are trial-ready and will fight aggressively for fair compensation—because results matter.
FAQs
Q: Can I still recover if I was jaywalking?
Possibly yes. New York doesn’t bar all claims simply because a pedestrian crossed outside a crosswalk, but the driver’s negligence must still be proven, and your seeking recovery may depend on degree of fault. Shared fault (comparative negligence) may reduce your recovery but not necessarily eliminate it.
Q: What if the municipality failed to maintain the sidewalk or crosswalk?
In some cases, a city or town may share liability if a defect (e.g., missing signage, poor lighting, broken pavement) contributed to the accident. Timing and notice requirements can be complex—legal help is crucial.
Q: How much is my case worth?
Every case is different: the value depends on severity of injury, medical costs, recovery time, long-term impact, fault allocation, and insurance coverage. The best step is to discuss the specifics of your case with an attorney.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in Nassau, Suffolk, or elsewhere in the New York area, you have a right to seek compensation—and you don’t have to do it alone. The Noll Law Firm is ready, with decades of trial experience and a commitment to help you move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your future.
