Westbury Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Westbury’s roads are often bustling with activity, which can present serious safety hazards for pedestrians. Unfortunately, drivers do not always exercise the caution required to prevent accidents. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable, with no protection from a vehicle’s impact. Our Westbury pedestrian accident lawyers will offer you support. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, understanding your legal options is crucial. At Levine And Wiss, our Westbury personal injury lawyers can use our century of combined experience to guide you through the complex process of securing compensation for your losses.

The Dangers Pedestrians Face in Westbury

Pedestrian accidents in Westbury are often the result of drivers failing to adhere to traffic laws or becoming distracted while behind the wheel. With its busy streets, Westbury presents unique challenges for those traveling by foot. Common causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while driving
• Failing to yield to pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks
• Speeding, especially in residential areas or school zones
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Reckless driving, including aggressive maneuvers and tailgating
• Poor visibility due to weather conditions or poorly lit streets

These types of accidents often result in severe consequences for pedestrians, given their lack of physical protection. Injuries can range from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and, in the most tragic cases, death. Our lawyers can help you recover compensation for your injuries. 

Understanding New York Pedestrian Laws

New York state law imposes strict obligations on drivers to protect pedestrians. Section 1146 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law requires drivers to exercise “due care” to avoid colliding with pedestrians. This means drivers must be vigilant, especially in areas where pedestrians are present, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, and intersections.

Under New York law, pedestrians also have responsibilities. They are expected to obey traffic signals, use crosswalks, and avoid crossing streets in dangerous ways, such as dashing into oncoming traffic. However, even when pedestrians follow these rules, accidents still occur, often because drivers are not paying attention or are acting recklessly.

When a driver fails to uphold their duty of care and a pedestrian is injured as a result, the driver can be held liable for damages. In such cases, a pedestrian accident attorney in Westbury can help injured pedestrians seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident.

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic experience, but taking the right steps afterward is crucial for protecting your legal rights and ensuring your safety. If you or a loved one has been injured, consider the following steps:

• Seek immediate medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.
• Document the scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver involved.
• File a police report: Reporting the accident to the police is important for legal purposes. An official police report will document the circumstances of the accident and may be crucial evidence in your case.
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies: Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident, but it’s important not to provide a statement or accept any settlement offer before speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you.

Serious Injuries Resulting from Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often lead to severe, life-altering injuries. Given that pedestrians have no physical barriers to protect them from the impact of a vehicle, the injuries can be much more serious than in other types of accidents. Common injuries include:

• Fractures and broken bones: These are among the most common injuries, often requiring surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even a minor blow to the head can result in a serious brain injury, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, or long-term disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, permanently affecting a person’s mobility and independence.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs may require immediate surgery and lead to long-term health complications.
• Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of an accident can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries, causing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dealing with these types of injuries can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Victims may face months or even years of medical treatment and rehabilitation, in addition to the financial strain caused by lost wages and mounting medical bills.

Compensation a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Westbury Can Seek for You

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, this may include:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for both current and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, as well as for reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to work in the same capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Diminished quality of life: In cases where the injuries lead to long-term disability or chronic pain, compensation may be awarded for the loss of enjoyment of life.

A skilled attorney from Levine And Wiss will work to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to. Backed by strong case results, your pedestrian accident lawyer in Westbury will leverage their experience to seek a favorable settlement. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, they will be prepared to take your case to court.

Contact a Westbury Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

The legal process after a pedestrian accident can be challenging, especially when you’re recovering from serious injuries. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We will handle the legal aspects of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.

Our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of accident victims and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve. At Levine And Wiss, we are not afraid to go to trial to get you everything you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing the justice you need.