New York City is getting more crowded and densely populated every year. Traffic jams are a common occurrence throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and other parts of the Tri-State area. Millions of people walk our city streets each day. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are becoming more common. Causes of pedestrian knockdown accidents include:
- Driver inattention
- Driver distraction due to cell phone use, text messaging, listening to the radio, talking with someone in the car, or other distractions
- Overly aggressive driving (attempting to turn in front of pedestrians crossing the street)
- The type of vehicle (large tractor trailers have blind spots), Drivers of buses often cannot see pedestrians until it is too late
- Poor lighting conditions (lack of street lights) coupled with pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night
Of course there are many more causes of pedestrian knockdowns. In some cases, the pedestrian is also to blame either partially or completely for the incident. The New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (VTL) sets forth strict standards that motorists must obey including the duty to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Often times people cross the street near the crosswalk but outside the white lines and accidents may occur.
If you have been injured while walking the streets of New York City, call Frekhtman & Associates for a consultation. We specialize in pedestrian knockdown cases. It is important to know that if you were struck by a vehicle, you as the pedestrian may apply for No Fault or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits meaning all of your hospital bills, medical bills, and other related expenses up to a maximum of $50,000.00 will be paid by the insurance company of the automobile that struck you. But you must apply within 30 days of the accident or else the insurance company will deny your claim. A pedestrian struck by a car must also obtain immediate medical treatment. If the injury is not immediately apparent such as a fracture or need for surgery, the individual MUST obtain a minimum of 90 days (3 months) of therapy and undergo diagnostic testing such as comparison of range of motion to normal, Magentic Resonance Imaging (MRI), EMG/NCV testing, neurological evaluation, orthopedic evaluation, and other testing which will together form a comprehensive medical record that we can later utilize in negotiating your damages claim for maximum monetary compensation. There are many pitfalls that a pedestrian must be careful to avoid.
Call us at 1(866) ATTY - LAW. Our consultation and ALL our legal services are free of charge. The legal fee is contingent or dependent upon a successful resolution of the matter. We do not get paid unless we win money for you first. All expenses are advanced by the attorney and are payable at the conclusion of the litigation from the proceeds recovered.
