Pedestrian Knockdowns in New York: Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options
New York City is one of the most pedestrian-heavy places in the country. With millions of people walking daily, vehicle accidents involving pedestrians—often called pedestrian knockdowns—are unfortunately all too common. When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the consequences can be devastating, leading to serious injuries, long-term medical expenses, and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian knockdown, it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options. Contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., after an accident for help from a skilled and experienced New York pedestrian knockdown attorney.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Knockdowns in NYC
Pedestrian accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
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Driver Negligence – Speeding, distracted driving (texting or using a phone), failing to yield at crosswalks, and running red lights are leading causes of pedestrian knockdowns.
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Failure to Obey Traffic Signals – Drivers who ignore traffic signals or stop signs put pedestrians at risk.
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Poor Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility, increasing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents when drivers don’t adjust their speed and driving habits to the weather conditions, as is required by law.
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Left-Turn Accidents – Many knockdowns occur when drivers making a left turn fail to see pedestrians crossing legally or give the pedestrians time to cross the street safely.
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Reckless or Aggressive Driving – Some drivers fail to exercise caution in high-pedestrian areas by making rapid, unsignaled lane changes or whipping around cars that have stopped to allow pedestrians to cross, increasing the risk of collisions.
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Drunk or Impaired Driving – Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, making pedestrian knockdowns more likely.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Knockdown Cases
Pedestrians have little protection against a moving vehicle, making injuries severe in many cases. Some of the most common injuries include broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries and paralysis, internal bleeding and organ damage, lacerations and road rash. Fatalities are also high among pedestrian knockdowns compared to other vehicle accidents, which can give rise to wrongful death claims brought by surviving family members.
Who Is Liable in a Pedestrian Knockdown Accident?
Determining liability in a pedestrian knockdown case depends on the circumstances of the accident. In most cases, the driver is at fault if they failed to follow traffic laws or acted negligently. However, other parties may also bear responsibility, including government entities if the accident was caused by poorly maintained roads, malfunctioning traffic signals, or lack of crosswalk markings. In these situations, a claim against the city or state may be possible.
It’s not only motor vehicles that can cause a serious pedestrian knockdown injury. If a pedestrian is struck by a bicycle or motorcycle due to negligent or reckless operation, the cyclist or motorcyclist may also be held liable. In cases where sidewalk obstructions like sidewalk sheds or outdoor seating force pedestrians onto the road, property owners, landlords or commercial tenants may bear responsibility.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Knockdown Accident in New York City
If you are involved in a pedestrian knockdown accident in New York, taking the following steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
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Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if you don’t feel injured right away, some injuries take time to manifest. These latent or hidden injuries can cause serious complications if not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion. Medical documentation linking the injury to the knockdown is also critical.
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Call the Police – A police report will document the accident, which can be critical in proving liability.
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Gather Evidence – Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicle involved, and your injuries. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
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Do Not Admit Fault – Avoid discussing fault with the driver, police, or insurance companies before speaking to a lawyer.
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Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – A lawyer experienced in pedestrian knockdown cases can help you navigate the claims process and maximize your compensation.
Compensation for Pedestrian Knockdown Victims
Victims of pedestrian knockdowns may be entitled to compensation for all of the ways the injury has impacted their lives. Legal damages can include, for example, medical expenses (current and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, rehabilitation costs, and wrongful death damages in the case of fatal accidents.
New York operates under a comparative negligence rule, meaning even if a pedestrian was partially at fault, they may still recover damages, though their compensation may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. A skilled plaintiff’s attorney will work to prove the driver’s full extent of fault and fight back against insurance company tactics to blame the victim.
How Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian knockdown accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we have extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Hempstead, Islip and Brookhaven on Long Island and Yonkers and White Plains in Westchester County. We understand the complexities of these cases and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. Let us help you on the road to recovery while we handle the legal battle on your behalf.
