Pedestrian accident in Garden City, NY
Walking for exercise or as a convenient method of transportation has its benefits. Walking around the lovely village of Garden City has its own benefits. However, cars and pedestrians do not mix. Cars today have gotten faster, and their drivers are more distracted than ever. It is no wonder that the frequency of pedestrian crashes continues to rise with each passing year.
Pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents and the families of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents in Garden City, Long Island need aggressive, accomplished, and expert pedestrian accident lawyers to represent their best interests. The Garden City pedestrian accident lawyers from Parker Waichman LLP have the necessary expertise, skills, knowledge, and determination to maximize their clients’ opportunity to recover a significant financial award for damages.
Parker Waichman LLP Has Recovered Over $2 Billion for Victims of Negligence
Every claim is different from every other and comparing one case to another is pointless. That is why examining a law firm’s entire body of work provides better insight into whether a Garden City pedestrian accident victim has obtained the best legal advice for his or her situation.
Parker Waichman LLP has a demonstrated track record of success that stands out from all of the rest. With over $2 billion in damages recovered for their clients, Parker Waichman LLP’s pedestrian accident lawyers will give Garden City pedestrian accident victims and their families the edge they need to recover the most extensive damage award possible.
Parker Waichman LLP Advocates for the Best Possible Outcome
Parker Waichman LLP’s team of sophisticated pedestrian accident advocates pursues justice on behalf of the clients with zeal and ferocity. But, unlike other law firms who are solely interested in the financial windfall a significant case might bring to the firm, Parker Waichman’s pedestrian collision lawyers show compassion and empathy for their clients and their families. Doing so fosters an excellent attorney-client relationship while facilitating open and honest lines of communication.
Pedestrian Accidents in Garden City, New York
Pedestrian accidents are frequently devastating events. When a person is “run over” by a car, the injured person suffers damage from the contact with the motor vehicle and then a second strike when that person lands on the ground. Therefore, even when contact with a car might not look significant to a bystander, hitting the ground is as dangerous as being struck by the vehicle.
That being said, very few pedestrians walk away from a collision with a motor vehicle. Even the smallest, lightest cars on the road weigh 3,000 pounds. Unloaded pickup trucks and SUVs can weigh as much as 5,000 pounds. The force of contact against the human body will propel the person out of control. There is almost no chance for the person to be able to control his or her body to soften the blow with the ground.
Garden City and Nassau County Pedestrian Accident Statistics
In an average year, approximately 1,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in New York State. Among those killed statewide, 320 were pedestrians according to statistics generated by the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research. Therefore, one out of every three people killed in New York fatal vehicle collisions was walking at the time of the accident with the vehicle. Additionally, 15,326 pedestrians suffered injuries in crashes statewide. That figure is nearly 2,000 more than the average in recent years. Regionally, 21% of the fatal pedestrian accidents that occurred on Long Island.
In Nassau County, pedestrians and bicyclists were the most likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury in a motor vehicle accident. Nearly 50% of pedestrians and pedal cyclists as well required hospitalization for a brain injury. Also, a higherpercentage of pedestrians involved in motor vehicle accidents required hospitalization compared to occupants of a car involved in a collision.
The average cost of a hospital stay for an injured pedestrian in Nassau County is pricey. IN the past few years, the average cost of a hospital stays for a pedestrian injured in a car accident was $80,203.00.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Aside from fatal crashes and traumatic brain injuries, Parker Waichman LLP’s Garden City pedestrian collision attorneys represent clients who were hurt as a pedestrian after having been struck by a motor vehicle such as:
- Broken bones,
- Dislocated limbs,
- Amputated limbs,
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis,
- Nerve damage,
- Neck and back injuries,
- Severe lacerations and disfigurement requiring plastic surgery,
- Internal injuries and internal bleeding, and
- Death.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Garden City, Long Island
Garden City pedestrian accidents can occur in a variety of ways. Statistically, the most common reasons of pedestrian accidents are:
- Pedestrian error or confusion,
- Distracted or inattentive driving, such as texting while driving,
- Failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian,
- Failing to use care while driving in reverse,
- Speeding,
- Alcohol or drug consumption,
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals, and
- Failing to stay within proper lanes or improper passing.
Proving Liability in a Garden City Pedestrian Collision
Auto insurers are in business to make money. Instead of selling “widgets,” they sell insurance policies. An insurance company generates income when the company pays out less money in claims than they take in with payments on premiums. Therefore, insurance carriers have an incentive to pay lower settlement amounts than what might be justified by the evidence.
One of the methods insurance companies will use to try to drive down the value of a pedestrian accident claim is to blame the claimant for the accident. New York law allows an injured pedestrian to recover for damages even if he or she contributed to the accident in some way. The legal theory that supports this result is called comparative negligence.
Insurance companies will also try to drive down the value of a pedestrian accident claim by stalling. This tactic works well for people who need money fast. The insurance company plays on the desperation of the injured with the hope that he or she will accept a low offer to settle the case only because he or she needs the money.
A similar tactic employed by insurance companies is to offer a speedy and easy settlement. Insurance companies know when they face substantial exposure from a claim. In that instance, the claims adjuster may approach the pedestrian accident victim and make an offer to settle that sounds generous but truly undervalues the claim when extrapolated over time.
Parker Waichman’s pedestrian accident lawyers know how to beat the insurance companies to the punch. By getting involved very early on in a pedestrian accident claim, Parker Waichman’s lawyers can prevent the insurance companies from speaking with the injured party by sending the insurance company a letter of representation. Ethically, the insurance company cannot contact the accident victim once that happens.
How New York’s No-Fault Law Applies to Pedestrian Accidents
One of the most important reasons why personal injury victims should retain an attorney is to protect their legal rights and fight for a full monetary recovery. New York’s no-fault insurance law does not apply to pedestrian crashes on its face. However, if it did, it is likely that one of the many exceptions to the general rule would apply. The no-fault law contains a “severe injury threshold” when satisfied, relieves the claimant of having to first seek compensation from the first party insurer rather than from the liable party’s insurance company.
Statutes of Limitations in Garden City Pedestrian Legal Claims
New York State’s statute of limitations for all personal injury claims is three years. Not every state follows this rule and exceptions may apply. Therefore, anyone who contemplates filing a legal claim for damages must consult with a seasoned pedestrian accident lawyer who will correctly ascertain the deadline date imposed by the statute of limitations.
New York’s three-year statute of limitations gives plaintiffs sufficient time to resolve their injuries and determine who is at fault for their loss. Notwithstanding the three years, every person seeking damages from a pedestrian accident must contact a qualified lawyer as soon as practicable. Doing so will give the lawyer sufficient time to investigate the claim, seek out and interview witnesses, collect medical records and consult with experts.
Parker Waichman LLP’s lawyers will protect their clients’ rights by preparing a persuasive and compelling claim for damages and, if a settlement is not possible or more time is needed, then the attorney will file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs. Failing to file a complaint in court before the third anniversary of the date of the accident will irrevocably prevent a person from recovering damages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Garden City Pedestrian Accident Claims
What type of award can I receive?
Pedestrian accident victims can receive compensation for damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, future anticipated medical costs, and pain and suffering.
Parker Waichman’s pedestrian accident lawyers will vigorously pursue damages to compensate their clients fully.
Will you charge attorneys’ fees?
Parker Waichman LLP represents clients on a contingency fee basis. This means our firm will not ask for any upfront fees or money out of your pocket. The firm will receive its fee from the settlement funds and will recoup advanced costs out of the settlement as well.
How long do I have to wait for a settlement?
Parker Waichman LLP’s Garden City pedestrian accident attorneys always work diligently to move their clients’ cases forward. They want their clients to receive their settlement as soon as possible. Notwithstanding, they will work closely with their clients to determine the course of action that is in their client’s best interest.
Helpful Accident Injury Information
Garden City’s Police Department is situated at 349 Stewart Avenue. The non-emergency phone line for the Garden City Police is 516-465-4100.
The following is a list of hospitals and medical centers that are near Garden City:
Winthrop University Hospital is located at 259 1st Street, Mineola, NY 11501. 1.0 miles from Garden City. Phone: 516-663-0333
Catholic Health Services of Long Island is located at 992 North Village Avenue Rockville Centre NY 11570. 2.8 miles from Garden City. Phone: 516-705-3700
Long Island Jewish Medical Center is located at 270-5 76th Avenue New Hyde Park NY 11040. 3.7 miles from Garden City. Phone: 718-470-7000
Parker Waichman LLP Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Are Nationally Recognized for Excellence
Parker Waichman LLP has received several distinctions for their work. A few of our firm’s representative awards include:
- S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” Honoree,
- 8 rating out of a potential 10.0 on reputable website AVVO,
- Highest Rating of “5 Dragons” based upon peer review,
- Recipient of “Top U.S. Verdicts,”
- Member of Distinguished group of “Billion Dollar Trial Lawyers,” and
- Highest Peer Rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Receive Your Free Accident Case Review Today!
Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) as soon as you can to receive your free consultation with our Garden City pedestrian accident lawyers. We have an office conveniently located in Port Washington for our clients residing in Garden City. Our firm has recovered over $ 2 billion for clients throughout the firm’s history. If it is easier for you, you may also access our online contact form to start your claims.
Parker Waichman LLP’s accident lawyers represent accident victims from all locations in New York and on Long Island including Suffolk County, King’s County, Queens, and Nassau County.
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