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Our firm has achieved numerous million and multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements. We often take cases that other firms have refused and win.
Long Island Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Long Island is a great place for walking, but doing so is not always safe. Pedestrian accidents are extremely common in Long Island. When they occur, it is typically the pedestrian who suffers the worst injuries. Pedestrians do not have any protection when they are out and about, so they are susceptible to brain injuries, broken bones, and other catastrophic injuries. If you have been hit by a car while out walking, you can file a claim against the driver if their negligence or carelessness caused the crash. Our Long Island pedestrian accident attorneys can help ensure success with your claim.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Long Island have a long history of standing up for injured individuals when they need it most. When you allow us to help with your claim, our knowledgeable attorneys will:
- Accurately evaluate your claim: It is not uncommon for accident victims to underestimate the amount of medical treatment they will need for their claim. This often leads to individuals accepting the first offer from the insurance company, even though it is not enough to fully cover their losses.
- Collect evidence: You need evidence to prove your claim, but while you are recovering from your injuries, it can be difficult to collect it. On your behalf, our attorneys will collect the relevant police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and more to prove the other party was negligent and caused your injuries.
- Negotiate on your behalf: Most people are not equipped to negotiate with insurance companies. Insurers use many tactics and strategies to deny the claims of accident victims. They will take your words out of context, ask you to sign releases you are not obligated to sign, and try to argue the accident was your fault. Our attorneys can refute these claims and effectively negotiate to secure the damages you deserve.
When you choose us to work on your claim, we will take care of every detail so all you have to do is focus on getting better.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are typically hit by negligent drivers, but a number of actions on the driver’s part may result in a crash. The most common forms of negligent and intentional behavior that results in pedestrian accidents includes:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Improper turns
- Poor visibility
Any time a negligent act or intentional wrongdoing results in a pedestrian accident, injured individuals can hold them accountable for paying damages.
Common Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are likely to incur some of the most catastrophic injuries when they are involved in a crash. The most common injuries seen after pedestrian accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: When a pedestrian is hit by a car, they are likely to fall on the ground and hit their head, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries can present a number of symptoms, including loss of balance, loss of consciousness, memory loss, seizures, and nausea.
- Spinal cord injuries: Even when a pedestrian does not fall onto their back during an accident, spinal cord injuries are still possible. A spinal cord injury can present symptoms such as difficulty breathing, loss of bladder and bowel control, numbness, and even paralysis.
- Damage to internal organs: A person may suffer a great deal of trauma to their torso during a pedestrian accident due to the fact that this area is at the same level of the vehicle and is unprotected. This can result in organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines all becoming damaged.
- Disfigurement: Pedestrian accident victims are often left with scars, broken bones, and other injuries that result in permanent disfigurement. This disfigurement not only drastically impacts a person’s life, but can also cause them shame and embarrassment.
- Amputations: Amputations can happen in one of two ways during a pedestrian accident. Accidental amputations occur at the scene while surgical amputations are required when a limb is so badly damaged it cannot be saved.
Sadly, these are just a few of the most common injuries sustained during pedestrian accidents. Regardless of the type of injury you have sustained, it is important to know that you can claim compensation for it.
Damages Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim
No one can determine how much a pedestrian accident claim is worth without first fully reviewing the facts. The damages you receive will depend on the cost of your medical treatment, whether you lost time from work, any mental trauma that the accident caused you, and the effect on your quality of life. When working with our Long Island pedestrian accident attorneys, we will pursue damages for your:
- Past and future medical treatment
- Rehabilitative care expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you have lost a loved one due to a pedestrian accident, our skilled attorneys can advise on other damages you can claim. For example, through a wrongful death claim, you can claim your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses, loss of consortium, and more. Studies have shown that accident victims that use a lawyer when filing their claim are likely to recover three times the amount of damages than if they filed their claim on their own, so it is worthwhile to contact a lawyer today.
Get Legal Help Today
At Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., our Long Island pedestrian accident attorneys have the skill, knowledge, and experience to help with your claim. We will identify the liable party, gather evidence and prepare arguments to prove your claim, and help you secure the maximum damages you need to make a full recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free no obligation case review with one of our attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your claim.