- April 25, 2025
- Tucker Law
- Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve ever crossed a busy street in Long Island, you know how hectic it can get. Cars rush by, and bikes weave between vehicles and through crosswalks. All it takes is one distracted driver for things to go wrong. Long Island pedestrian accident injuries are far too common — and when they happen, the aftermath can be catastrophic.
Whether you’re walking to work or just taking a quick trip to the shop on the corner, you have a right to expect safety. But when that safety is shattered by a careless driver, you also have a right to seek justice.
Tucker Lawyers helps level the playing field for victims of pedestrian accidents. Call our office at (516) 399-2364 to schedule a free evaluation of your case today.
Why Legal Support Matters After a Pedestrian Injury
Injuries are often serious when a pedestrian is involved in an accident, but the real struggle sometimes begins after the hospital visit. Who’s responsible for the hospital bills? What about lost wages, or the emotional trauma and pain that doesn’t go away? These are real, life-altering consequences, and the legal system allows victims to pursue compensation for them.
This is where a personal injury claim comes into play. In New York, if someone is hit by a vehicle while walking, they may be entitled to collect payment for their financial losses. The problem is that insurance companies often don’t make this process easy. They may send lowball settlement offers or try to pin the blame on the pedestrian.
A lawyer can help accident victims negotiate with these insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement. They can also assist with investigating the incident and proving that the other party was responsible for it.
The Most Common Injuries Suffered by Pedestrians
Pedestrians can suffer all manner of injuries in an accident, from broken bones to spinal cord trauma.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones make up some of the most common pedestrian injury claims NY attorneys deal with. Bones in the legs, arms, ribs, wrists, and ankles can break easily when a person is hit by a vehicle or knocked to the pavement. They can lead to long recovery times, several surgeries, and permanent mobility limitations.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Even in low-speed impacts, head injuries can be serious. TBIs can involve long-term cognitive problems that affect the victim’s memory, concentration, and overall personality. When it comes to legal claims, proving the lasting effects of head trauma is critical to getting the right compensation.
Spinal Cord Trauma
Injuries to the back and neck can be devastating. In the worst cases, they can lead to full paralysis, but even less severe trauma often triggers chronic pain and problems with movement. Many people can’t return to work and have a hard time doing the activities they used to enjoy.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs isn’t always immediately visible, which is why it’s so important to get medical treatment immediately after an accident. These injuries can be subtle but serious — and when they’re linked directly to your accident, they can factor heavily into your personal injury claim.
Cuts, Bruises, and Road Rash
These might sound minor, but deep cuts and abrasions can become infected and cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. They also carry a lot of emotional weight, particularly if they impact visible areas like the face or hands.
One moment on the street can change everything. But you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
How Fault Is Determined in a Pedestrian Accident
Key Evidence and Considerations
New York follows a comparative negligence rule. That means both the driver and the pedestrian can share responsibility for an accident. However, being partly responsible doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to anything. Even if you were jaywalking or were distracted at the time of the incident, you could still recover compensation as long as the driver was also negligent.
That’s why collecting evidence is so important. Surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, and accident scene pictures can all help build a strong case. A good attorney knows how to collect and organize this information to prove the extent of the driver’s liability and limit any blame placed on the victim.
What Compensation Can Cover
Every case is different, so the exact types and amounts of compensation that can be recovered will depend on the details of the situation. However, most victims can generally collect payment for:
- Medical costs, both current and future
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Insurance companies often try to downplay these elements, but your lawyer will know how to present a clear, powerful picture of how the injury has changed your life.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Insurance Is Not on Your Side
After an accident, you’ll probably get a call from the driver’s insurance company. They may try to offer a quick settlement or get you to make a recorded statement. It might be tempting to settle quickly, especially if your bills are piling up, but be careful. Once you take an offer, you can’t go back and ask for more money if future medical problems and costs come up.
That’s why legal guidance is important. A pedestrian accident attorney can handle communications with the insurance adjusters so that you don’t have to worry about being pressured or misled. They can also help you understand what your case is really worth before you make any final decisions.
Legal Claims Have Time Limits
In New York, the statute of limitations that applies when filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically three years from the day that the accident happened. That sounds like a long time, but it’s not a good idea to wait and put it off until the last minute. Evidence can disappear and memories can fade, making it difficult to secure the proof you need to support your case. The sooner you get legal help, the better off you may be.
Depending on your situation, some factors might affect the deadlines. If a government vehicle was involved, or if you’re filing a claim with a public entity like the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), you might have only 90 days to take action. That’s a much tighter window, and missing it could mean losing your right to collect compensation at all.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Getting hit by a car is a traumatic experience. Getting justice shouldn’t be. At Tucker Lawyers, our team takes pedestrian injury claims seriously. We understand what’s at stake and how much is riding on a fair outcome for you.
Our seasoned attorneys take the time to learn your story, explain your options, and fight for what you need to recover and continue on with your life. Because we work on contingency, you don’t pay unless we win your case, so there’s no risk to you.
Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (516) 399-2364 to speak with the legal team at Tucker Lawyers today.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]