A study recently released by New York City’s Department of Transportation offers some revealing statistics about pedestrian accidents in the city’s boroughs. While the numbers of traffic fatalities have dropped over the last decade, pedestrians still account for more than 50% of traffic fatalities. Driver inattention was the key factor in 36% of the crashes that injured or killed pedestrians, and nearly 80% of the crashes that led to serious injuries or the death of pedestrians were caused by private vehicles.

Any collision between a car and a pedestrian can lead to severe injuries to the pedestrian. In some situations, the pedestrian may be held partly responsible for the crash—for example, if he or she walks or runs out into the path of an oncoming car, leaving the driver no chance of avoiding an accident. However, even in such situations, the driver of the motor vehicle is often at least partly negligent. If the driver was violating traffic laws (for example by speeding, or not obeying traffic signs), or otherwise failed to act like a reasonable person would have under the circumstances, the driver would be at least partly liable (i.e. responsible) for any injuries caused by the collision. In that case, the driver would have to compensate the injured pedestrian for part of the harm caused by the accident.

If you were injured in a New York pedestrian accident, you should pursue all the necessary medical treatment and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If another person or entity is responsible for the harm you have suffered, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. An experienced attorney will investigate the accident, collect all the related police, insurance, and medical reports, and bring together the strongest case possible in support of your claim.

In New York, as elsewhere, you have a limited amount of time within which you can make a legal claim for compensation. A New York personal injury attorney can also help you avoid any potential pitfalls that might block or limit your recovery.

For a free consultation with an attorney ready to help you protect your interests, please call The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose toll free today at (877) 313-7673, or email us at info@nroselaw.com.