Valley Stream Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
An activity as simple and common as walking to a destination could result in an individual being unexpectedly harmed or killed in a pedestrian accident. If another party was at fault, a pedestrian accident victim may be entitled to financial compensation.
If you or someone you know has suffered harm in a pedestrian accident, a qualified legal professional could protect your rights. An experienced Valley Stream pedestrian accident lawyer could negotiate a settlement or represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Valley Stream
Car drivers and other motorists have a legal obligation to yield to pedestrians and avoid hitting them. Unfortunately, some do not take steps to avoid these kinds of accidents. The majority of failure-to-yield pedestrian accidents occur at intersections with crossing signals.
Many motorists drive while distracted, like while using their smartphones. This lack of attention can cause traffic accidents. In other cases, drivers disregard traffic signals and rules while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For instance, a drunk driver might speed and be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Drivers must be especially cautious when making left-hand turns because their vehicle’s build partly blocks their visibility. Consequently, the driver may not see a pedestrian walking in front of them. A local attorney could help hold a negligent motorist liable for a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrian Negligence
Motorists are not always entirely at-fault for a pedestrian accident. In some cases, a pedestrian’s negligence can contribute to the crash. For instance, a pedestrian may have overlooked crosswalk signals due to phone usage and walked into oncoming traffic. A pedestrian found to be partially at fault for the accident may still recover compensation for their injuries.
Valley Stream follows a comparative negligence rule. Accordingly, a court will reduce a plaintiff’s recovery in proportion to their fault. For instance, a plaintiff determined to be 15 percent responsible for the accident will have their damages reduced by 15 percent.
An injured party could be 99% at fault for the pedestrian accident and still recover 1% of the calculated damages. These damages could include lost earnings, medical bills, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney in the area could help ensure that an injured pedestrian receives the maximum compensation possible after an accident.
Avoiding Mistakes After an Accident
The moments after a pedestrian accident can be stressful, but are crucial to preparing a case.
After ensuring their safety, a pedestrian must avoid making costly mistakes during these moments. Some mistakes a pedestrian should avoid include:
- Making any admission of fault at the scene of the crash
- Failing to file an accident report with law enforcement
- Not seeking medical attention
- Assuming that the insurance company will behave fairly
- Working on their case alone without professional guidance from a pedestrian accident lawyer in Valley Stream
Let a Valley Stream Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help Today
A pedestrian accident victim may feel overwhelmed by their injuries and an uncertain future. Unfortunately, insurance companies may undervalue or discredit claims. An injured individual could benefit from having a legal advocate defend their case, especially one experienced in pedestrian accident claims and working with insurance companies.
A skilled Valley Stream pedestrian accident lawyer could exhaust all avenues to recovery and accurately calculate your case’s worth. Additionally, an attorney could explain legal intricacies and prevent a technicality from costing you compensation. Call today to schedule a consultation and start planning the best course of action to achieve the justice you deserve.