Generally, you have three years to sue for a pedestrian accident in New York. The state set this time limit through the personal injury statute of limitations. However, several exceptions may reduce the time available to seek compensation for your losses.
A Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer can review your situation and provide specific information about the deadlines you face. An attorney can also take over the legal process and help you secure compensation for your losses.
What’s the Deadline to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
Typically, the legal system in New York gives you three years from the date of your pedestrian crash to file a claim for compensation. However, you may have less time if your accident involves a government agency or in some other situations.
Therefore, the professionals highly recommend that you contact a Long Island personal injury lawyer to discuss the specific statute of limitations for your claim. Your attorney can explain how long you have to sue for a pedestrian accident.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Sue for a Pedestrian Crash?
If you wait too long to file your claim after a pedestrian crash, you lose your chance to secure compensation. The court can dismiss your claim, so it’s essential that you reach out to an attorney quickly to get help.
Can You Sue After a Pedestrian Accident?
You may have a chance to file a lawsuit after a pedestrian collision if your attorney can show that someone else caused the crash, your injuries, and your financial losses. Generally, you can only seek compensation if a lawyer can demonstrate that:
- Someone else owed you a duty of care
- The liable party failed to adhere to their duty
- The responsible party’s actions directly caused your crash
A lawyer can review your situation, determine if you qualify for a claim, and explain how long you have to sue for a pedestrian accident. An attorney may need to collect evidence to establish fault for your crash.
Depending on your situation, a lawyer may:
- Speak to eyewitnesses and take their official statements
- Acquire a copy of the police accident report
- Visit the scene of the collision
- Work with a pedestrian accident expert
- Collect surveillance footage from local businesses
You can learn more about the strategies available in your situation by contacting a personal injury law firm.
You May Not Have to Sue for a Pedestrian Accident
In many cases, an attorney can bring you compensation by negotiating a settlement with the insurance company instead of filing a lawsuit. Settling out of court can reduce the time you have to wait to get compensation and allow you to avoid court fees.
How Quickly Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Generally, you should reach out to an attorney for help immediately following a pedestrian crash. You can reach out to a lawyer for help from the scene of your accident because many firms are available 24/7.
Getting assistance quickly improves your chances of securing fair compensation because it gives your lawyer a chance to collect evidence. Additionally, an attorney can help you avoid mistakes that could damage your claim.
In addition to calling a lawyer, you should report the crash to the police and seek medical care.
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What Compensation do You Get After a Pedestrian Crash
Filing a claim after a pedestrian accident can allow you to secure compensation for all the losses you face. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for money to pay for:
Current and Future Medical Bills
Individuals often need immediate treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCIs), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other catastrophic conditions after a pedestrian crash. Your attorney can help you secure funds for all your medical expenses.
Pain and Mental Suffering
A pedestrian crash can cause you pain that impairs your ability to go about your life, emotional suffering, and mental distress. An attorney can determine the financial value of these non-economic effects and add these costs to your claim.
Lost Pay and Reduced Earning Potential
Did you take time away from work to heal after a pedestrian crash? In this situation, a lawyer can help you get funds to cover your lost pay from the liable party.
A personal injury law firm can also push the responsible party to cover your diminished earning potential if a crash results in a disability.
Talk to Us About Suing for a Pedestrian Accident
How long do you have to sue for a pedestrian accident in New York? In many cases, the state gives you three years to file this kind of claim. However, exceptions may impact the time you have available.
Fortunately, you can contact our team at Levine And Wiss to get professional help with your claim. We can review your situation and provide information about your exact deadlines.
We have over a century of combined legal experience and we aren’t afraid to go to trial. You can learn more about us and then get help by calling or completing our online contact form.
