Being hit by a car turns your life upside down, but the law gives you a path to hold a negligent driver accountable. A Queens pedestrian accident lawyer is the advocate you need to protect your rights and fight for your recovery.
An experienced attorney guides you through the process, handles the insurance companies, and works to secure the compensation you need to move forward. Take the first step and get the strong legal support you need by calling the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler at (914) 220-1088.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Us for Your Queens Pedestrian Accident Case
- How a Queens Pedestrian Accident Attorney Helps You
- Available Compensation in a Queens Pedestrian Injury Claim
- Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Queens
- FAQ for Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
- Take Back Control
Why Choose Us for Your Queens Pedestrian Accident Case
Choosing the right attorney is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your recovery. You need a legal team that knows the law, the streets of Queens, and the challenges pedestrians face here every day. We’re that team, and we’re ready to fight for you.
We Know this Borough
We know firsthand how dangerous intersections on Queens Boulevard and Northern Boulevard are for pedestrians. We represent clients hit by cars in busy neighborhoods from Flushing and Jamaica to Astoria and Long Island City.
Our local knowledge is a powerful tool. Whether your accident happened near Queens Center Mall, on a service road in Forest Hills, or in a crosswalk in Jackson Heights, we can use our insight to build a stronger, more detailed case on your behalf.
We’re Not Afraid of a Fight
Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny a claim or reduce its value. A common tactic is to blame the pedestrian. They may claim you were jaywalking, distracted by your phone, or not visible enough, even when their driver was the negligent one.
We don't let insurers control the narrative. The pedestrian injury lawyers at our firm proactively counter these false accusations with evidence. We use police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to show what truly happened and protect you from unfair blame.
Personalized Attention
When you're recovering from a serious injury, you need answers and reassurance, not voicemails and runaround. You might feel lost in the shuffle at larger firms, rarely speaking to the attorney handling your file. We offer a different, more personal approach.
At the Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler, you have a direct line of communication with your lawyer. We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive to our clients. You'll get regular updates on your case and have your questions answered by the person who knows your situation best.
Being hit by a car on Roosevelt Avenue or while crossing the street near Queensbridge Park requires a lawyer who gets it. The Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler provides the dedicated, local, and tough representation you need to get results. Call us today at (914) 220-1088 for a free consultation.
How a Queens Pedestrian Accident Attorney Helps You
Your primary job is to focus on your health and recovery. Your pedestrian accident lawyer’s job is to handle everything else. We take the legal weight off your shoulders so you can heal without the added stress of a complex claim.
The Investigation
A successful claim is built on a foundation of reliable evidence. As you prioritize your medical treatment, our legal team will immediately launch a comprehensive investigation. We'll gather facts to substantiate the driver's negligence.
We work to obtain and analyze:
- Official Reports: We get the New York Police Department accident report, which contains the driver’s information, witness names, and the officer’s initial observations.
- Scene Evidence: Our team may visit the accident site in Queens to photograph the crosswalks, traffic signals, sightlines, and any other conditions that played a role.
- Video Footage: We canvass the area for security cameras on nearby businesses or traffic cameras that might have captured the moment you were hit.
- Witness Interviews: We track down and speak with anyone who saw the accident to get their independent account of the driver’s actions.
Managing All Insurance Company Communications
The other driver's insurance adjuster will likely contact you soon. Their goal is to protect their company by paying as little as possible. They may try to trick you into a recorded statement or offer a fast, low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Your Queens pedestrian accident lawyer steps in and handles all these communications for you. We provide the insurance company with the necessary information without putting your claim at risk.
Your attorney will make it clear that you have strong legal representation, forcing them to take your case seriously from the start.
Calculating Your Claim
The true cost of a pedestrian accident is far more than the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit. Your injuries might require future surgeries, long-term physical therapy, or lifelong medical care.
Your Queens pedestrian accident lawyer assesses the full impact of your injuries, including future medical costs, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. We seek a settlement covering both past and future losses.
Available Compensation in a Queens Pedestrian Injury Claim
A successful claim provides you with financial compensation (damages) for everything you have lost due to the driver's carelessness. New York law allows victims to seek recovery for both their economic and non-economic losses.
A dedicated Queens pedestrian accident lawyer pursues every category of compensation available to you.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover direct financial losses with specific dollar amounts. Your attorney will meticulously gather bills, receipts, and pay stubs to document these tangible costs, aiming to restore your pre-accident finances.
These damages often include:
- Medical Bills: You can recover the costs for all of your past and future medical care, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
- Lost Wages: This includes the income you lost from being unable to work during your recovery.
- Future Lost Income: This covers the impact on your long-term earning potential if your injuries leave you with a permanent disability.
- Other Expenses: You might recover costs for medical equipment or home modifications needed to accommodate your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the accident's profound personal impact. Though they don’t have price tags, a compassionate and skilled attorney shows the human cost of these real, devastating losses.
They include:
- Pain and Suffering: This is for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries and the accident itself.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: You can seek compensation if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, social activities, and other parts of life you once valued.
- Scarring/Disfigurement: This compensates you for the long-term physical reminders of the accident and the impact they have on your self-esteem.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Queens
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are preventable. They happen when drivers fail to operate their vehicles with the care and attention required in a bustling borough like Queens. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer knows how to identify the specific careless action that led to your injuries.
Distracted and Inattentive Drivers
A driver who is looking at a cell phone, adjusting their GPS, or is otherwise distracted is a danger to every pedestrian. It only takes a few seconds of inattention for a driver to miss seeing a person crossing the street. In that moment, a life can change forever.
Failure To Yield in Crosswalks
Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right-of-way. Unfortunately, many drivers roll through stop signs or make turns without checking to see if the crosswalk is clear.
These failure-to-yield accidents are especially common at busy intersections with multiple lanes of traffic, such as those on Union Turnpike or Woodhaven Boulevard.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speed limits exist for a reason. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to unexpected situations, and the force of any impact is much greater. A speeding car is often a fatal threat to a pedestrian.
Aggressive behaviors like tailgating and unsafe lane changes also contribute to pedestrian accidents. A driver weaving through traffic on Roosevelt Avenue might be unable to stop in time for a person legally crossing the street.
FAQ for Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
What Should I Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Queens?
Your most important job is to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. Attend all follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions, as this documents your recovery journey. Keep a file with your paperwork, including the police report number, medical bills, and correspondence.
Don’t speak to the driver's insurance adjuster; contact a Queens pedestrian accident attorney to protect your rights.
How Is Fault Determined if a Car Hit Me in Queens?
Fault in New York is determined through an investigation to see who was responsible. Sometimes, more than one person can be liable for your injuries. Insurers may try to shift the blame onto you, the pedestrian.
Your lawyer will use evidence like the police report, witness accounts, and video footage to prove the driver was negligent and to fight back against any attempt to blame you unfairly.
How Long Do I Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York?
For most pedestrian accident cases in New York, you have three years from the date you were injured to file a lawsuit. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as being hit by a city bus, the deadline is much shorter.
Speak with an attorney quickly to avoid losing your right to seek compensation.
What if the Insurance Company Says I Was Jaywalking?
Even if you were crossing outside of a crosswalk, it doesn’t automatically mean you cannot recover compensation. All drivers have a duty to see what is there to be seen and to avoid a collision if possible.
A lawyer for a pedestrian accident will investigate to see if the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, which can make them liable regardless of where you crossed the street.
Why Do I Need a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for My Claim?
You need a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer because insurance companies have teams of professionals working to pay you as little as possible. An experienced attorney levels the playing field, protects you from aggressive adjusters, and builds a powerful case based on evidence.
We calculate the full, long-term value of your claim and fight to secure the compensation needed for you to rebuild your life.
How Do My Medical Bills Get Paid After a Pedestrian Accident?
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means that the auto insurance policy for the vehicle that struck you is the primary source for paying your initial medical bills and a portion of your lost wages, regardless of who was at fault.
The process involves complex paperwork and strict deadlines. Your pedestrian accident lawyer handles the entire no-fault application process for you so that your bills get paid on time while they build your case.
What if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?
A hit-and-run accident is terrifying, but you still have options for financial recovery. Your own automobile insurance policy may contain Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
If you don't have car insurance, you might be able to file a claim with the New York Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This entity provides benefits to victims of uninsured drivers and hit-and-run accidents.
Take Back Control
A negligent driver took away your health and your sense of security. You have the power to take it back. Holding them accountable is the first step toward getting the justice and financial stability you need for the road ahead.
The Law Offices of Jason B. Kessler will be your strength and voice, pursuing the best possible outcome for you and your family. For a free, confidential case evaluation, call us today at (914) 220-1088.