Pedestrian accidents can be traumatizing. If you’ve been injured in one, a Hempstead personal injury lawyer can help you get justice.
Pedestrians are completely exposed on the street, and even a low-speed collision can cause devastating injuries. If you’ve been struck by a vehicle in Hempstead, you may be entitled to compensation.
Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers has won more than $100 million for our clients. If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s negligence, a pedestrian accident lawyer in Hempstead can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What Can a Hempstead Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Do for Me?
If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident, a lawyer can:
- Investigate your accident: An attorney can gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Identify all liable parties: A lawyer can make sure the parties responsible for your injuries are held accountable.
- Handle negotiations: An attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
- File a lawsuit: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can take your case to court to fight for what you’re owed.
A Hempstead pedestrian accident attorney won’t just manage your paperwork—they’ll advocate for your best interests from start to finish.
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How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Pedestrian Accident?
Victims of pedestrian accidents can receive anywhere from a few thousand dollars to over $1 million. The value of your claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and whether you’re able to return to work.
A pedestrian accident attorney in Hempstead can help you secure the highest possible compensation for the accident.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
If you were injured as a pedestrian in Hempstead, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care related to the accident.
- Lost income: You can claim wages you’ve lost while recovering from the accident and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: You can be compensated for the cost of personal items damaged in the accident, such as a phone or bicycle.
- Punitive damages: You can pursue these in cases involving extreme negligence, such as drunk or reckless driving.
A Hempstead pedestrian accident attorney can review your case and determine which damages you’re eligible for.
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York?
According to NY CPLR § 214, you generally have three years from the date of a pedestrian accident to file a personal injury claim.
However, certain cases may have shorter deadlines. For example, if your claim involves a government entity, you may have to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days.
If you wait too long to file your claim, you could be barred from recovering any compensation at all, which is why it’s best to contact our Hempstead pedestrian accident attorneys promptly.
Who is Liable for a Pedestrian Accident?
The answer as to who is liable when a car hits a pedestrian isn’t always simple. Parties who can potentially be held responsible include:
- Negligent drivers: Drivers who speed, text, or fail to yield to pedestrians can be held responsible for resulting injuries.
- Government agencies: The city or county may be liable if poor road design, broken signals, or obscured signage contributed to the crash.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a defective part (like faulty brakes) caused the accident, the manufacturer could be at fault.
- Property owners: In some cases, unsafe conditions on private property can lead to pedestrian injuries.
A Hempstead pedestrian injury lawyer can pursue every possible source of compensation to maximize your recovery.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
The timeline for resolving a pedestrian accident claim varies from case to case. Simple cases may settle within a few months, while complex ones can take a year or longer. Factors that will affect this timeline include:
- The extent of your injuries and the length of your medical treatment
- Whether liability is disputed
- The insurance company’s willingness to negotiate
- Whether a lawsuit needs to be filed
A Hempstead pedestrian hit-by-car lawyer can keep you informed throughout the process and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often happen because of driver negligence, but other factors can also play a role. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting or using GPS often fail to notice people crossing the street.
- Speeding: Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of a pedestrian’s injuries.
- Failure to yield: Many accidents occur when drivers turn without checking for pedestrians or fail to respect pedestrians’ right of way.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs slow drivers’ reaction times and impair their judgment, which can lead to collisions.
- Poor visibility: Bad weather, inadequate lighting, and dark clothing can make pedestrians harder to see.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
What you do after a pedestrian accident can make a big difference in your claim. You should:
- Call the police: Report the accident and make sure an official report is filed.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any vehicles that were involved.
- Exchange information: Get the driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to show symptoms. Be sure to see a doctor to get evaluated.
- Avoid talking to insurers: Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
- Contact an attorney: Get in touch with a lawyer to discuss next steps.
Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Hempstead
If you were hit by a car in Hempstead, and you’ve been searching for a “Hempstead pedestrian accident lawyer near me,” look no further than Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers. The attorneys on our team can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options today.