Queens pedestrian accident lawyer 2025: Expert Help

Why You Need a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer After Being Injured

A Queens pedestrian accident lawyer can help you secure compensation after being injured by a negligent driver. Following an accident, you need immediate legal representation to:

• Protect your rights against insurance companies trying to minimize your claim.
• Gather crucial evidence like surveillance footage and witness statements.
• Calculate all damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Steer New York’s laws, like the statute of limitations and comparative negligence rules.
• Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement or take your case to trial.

Walking in Queens should be safe, but pedestrian accidents are tragically common. The borough sees over 250 pedestrians killed or severely injured annually, often due to driver negligence like distraction, speeding, or failing to yield. When a car hits a pedestrian, the injuries can be catastrophic, leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and broken bones.

The consequences extend beyond physical harm. Victims face emotional trauma and financial strain from medical bills and lost income. Insurance adjusters may pressure you into accepting a low settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. This is why having a lawyer is critical.

For over 30 years, our team at Segal & Lax has represented pedestrian accident victims in Queens, securing millions for those injured by negligent drivers. As your Queens pedestrian accident lawyer, we handle every aspect of your case—from investigation to negotiation—so you can focus on healing.

Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Queens: Causes and Consequences

Queens is home to over 2.4 million people, and its busy streets create serious dangers for pedestrians. The borough ranks second in New York City for pedestrian fatalities per capita, with over 250 people killed or severely injured each year. Each statistic represents a life changed instantly by a driver’s negligence.

Victims face devastating physical injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. The emotional trauma—fear, anxiety, and nightmares—can persist long after physical wounds have healed. The pandemic exacerbated these dangers, as empty streets led to more speeding. You can read more in our article on Pedestrian Fatalities During the Pandemic.

Common Causes of Accidents in Queens

Dangerous driver actions cause 75% of pedestrian fatalities in Queens. These are not accidents; they are the result of poor choices.

• Driver Inattention: Distractions like texting, using a GPS, or talking on the phone are a leading cause. Learn more on our page about Driver Distractions.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and ability to stop, turning a close call into a tragedy.
• Failure to Yield: Many drivers ignore New York law requiring them to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, often while running red lights or making aggressive turns.
• Impaired Driving: Drunk Driving Accidents are especially dangerous for pedestrians, as impaired drivers have slower reactions and poor judgment.
• Poor Road Conditions: Faded crosswalks, inadequate lighting, and potholes can contribute to accidents.
• Congested Intersections: High-traffic areas like Queens Boulevard, the Long Island Expressway, and parts of Flushing and Maspeth are known hotspots for pedestrian accidents.

Types of Injuries and the Importance of Medical Care

Without the protection of a vehicle, pedestrians absorb the full force of an impact. Scientific research on head and neck injuries confirms these are the most commonly injured areas. Common injuries include:

• Brain Injury: Ranging from concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries that cause permanent cognitive damage.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Can result in partial or complete paralysis, leading to a lifetime of disability.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Often affecting the legs, arms, pelvis, and ribs.
• Internal and Soft Tissue Damage: Including life-threatening internal bleeding and painful torn ligaments.

It is crucial to go to the hospital immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding or whiplash. Delaying medical care not only risks your health but also gives insurance companies a reason to argue your injuries are not from the accident. A Queens pedestrian accident lawyer knows that prompt medical documentation is vital to protect both your health and your legal rights.

Your First Steps After a Pedestrian Accident

What you do in the moments after being hit by a car can significantly impact your health and your ability to get fair compensation. While it’s hard to think clearly when you’re hurt and in shock, following these steps can protect your rights.

• Prioritize Safety: If you can, move out of the road to avoid further injury. If you are seriously hurt, stay put and wait for help.

• Call 911: You need police and paramedics at the scene. A police report is crucial evidence, and medical personnel can identify injuries you may not feel yet.

• Gather Information: Get the driver’s name, contact number, license plate, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Their statements are invaluable if the driver’s story changes.

• Document the Scene: Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicle, the surrounding area, traffic signals, and your injuries. These images preserve important evidence.

• Watch What You Say: Do not apologize or admit fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used against you by insurance companies. Stick to the facts when speaking with police.

• See a Doctor Immediately: This is one of the most critical steps. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Immediate medical care creates a documented link between the accident and your injuries, which is essential for your claim.

• Contact a Lawyer First: Before speaking to any insurance company, contact a Queens Personal Injury Lawyer. The driver’s insurer is not on your side; their goal is to minimize your claim. Let us handle those conversations for you.

The sooner you call a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer, the sooner we can take this burden off your shoulders and start building your case.

How a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Builds Your Case

While you focus on healing, a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer handles the complex legal work. We provide comprehensive guidance, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, and are always prepared to go to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. With over 75 years of combined experience, we provide the serious, personalized representation every client deserves. Learn more on our Why Hire Us page.

Proving Fault and Gathering Crucial Evidence

Proving the driver was at fault is the foundation of your claim. Insurance companies often try to shift blame, so a thorough, independent investigation is essential. We carefully examine the accident by obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses while their memories are fresh, and securing surveillance footage from nearby cameras before it’s erased. For complex cases, we may work with accident reconstruction professionals to establish exactly how the crash occurred. Your medical records are also key evidence, and we consult with medical experts to understand your prognosis and future needs. We also investigate whether other parties, like the city for dangerous road conditions, share liability to maximize your compensation.

Navigating Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are businesses focused on profit, not your well-being. Their adjusters are trained to pay as little as possible. They may contact you quickly, seeking a recorded statement to use against you or offering a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. That’s why we handle all communications with the insurance company from day one. You won’t have to speak to them. We protect you from their tactics, challenge unfair claim denials, and negotiate aggressively for the compensation you are owed. As a precaution, avoid posting about your accident on social media, as insurers monitor accounts for anything they can use to devalue your claim. For more tips, read our guide on the Top 10 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Personal Injury Case.

Calculating and Fighting for Full Compensation

As your Queens pedestrian accident lawyer, our job is to calculate all your damages and fight for every dollar you deserve. Compensation is divided into two categories.

Economic damages cover your financial losses, including:

• Past and future medical bills (hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy)
• Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity

Non-economic damages compensate for the personal toll, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring and disfigurement

In cases of Catastrophic Injury like a Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury, compensation must reflect a lifetime of need. If an accident is fatal, surviving family members can file a Wrongful Death claim for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

Navigating New York’s Pedestrian Accident Laws

New York’s legal system has unique rules that directly impact your pedestrian accident claim. Understanding concepts like no-fault insurance, filing deadlines, and how fault is determined is critical for securing fair compensation. A Queens pedestrian accident lawyer can guide you through these complexities. For a broader overview, see our guide on Facing a Personal Injury Case in New York City.

The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim

New York law sets strict deadlines, called statutes of limitations, for filing a lawsuit. If you miss this window, you lose your right to seek compensation.

• For most pedestrian accidents, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• For a fatal accident, a Wrongful Death action must be filed within two years of the date of death.
• If a government entity is involved (e.g., an MTA bus), you must file a formal “notice of claim” within just 90 days of the accident.

Because evidence can disappear and memories fade, it is crucial to contact a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure all deadlines are met.

Understanding New York’s Comparative Negligence

Many clients ask, “Can I get compensation if I was partially at fault?” In New York, the answer is yes. The state follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means you can recover damages even if you share some blame for the accident.

Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines you were 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000. Insurance companies will try to assign you as much fault as possible to reduce their payout. Our job is to build a strong case that minimizes your assigned fault and highlights the driver’s negligence, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.

What to Do in a Hit-and-Run or Uninsured Driver Accident

Being injured by a driver who flees the scene or has no insurance is incredibly frustrating, but you still have options for compensation. New York requires all auto insurance policies to include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This protects you in hit-and-run situations or when the at-fault driver is uninsured.

Even if you don’t own a car, you may be covered by the UM/SUM (Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage on a household member’s policy. This allows you to file a claim with your own or a family member’s insurance company. However, even your own insurer may try to minimize the payout. A lawyer can handle these negotiations for you. In Hit and Run Accidents, we also conduct our own investigation to try and identify the responsible driver.

Frequently Asked Questions for a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

After a pedestrian accident, you will have many questions. Here are clear, concise answers to some of the most common concerns we hear as a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer.

What types of compensation can I claim after a pedestrian accident?

You can claim two types of damages. Economic damages cover financial losses like medical bills (past and future) and lost income. Non-economic damages compensate you for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life, including scarring or disfigurement.

Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. New York’s “pure comparative negligence” rule allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your total compensation award will simply be reduced by your percentage of blame. For example, if you are found 10% at fault, your award is reduced by 10%. Our goal is to minimize any fault assigned to you.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for my case?

We handle pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees for our legal services. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. This “no win, no fee” promise allows you to get quality legal help without any financial risk while you focus on your recovery.

Get the Legal Support You Deserve

The aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Queens is overwhelming. You’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income, all while insurance companies try to protect their profits, not you. You do not have to face this alone.

At Segal & Lax, our team has spent decades fighting for New Yorkers who were injured by a negligent driver. An experienced Queens pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm will lift the legal burden from your shoulders. We handle everything—from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and fighting for you in court.

We operate on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This allows you to access dedicated legal representation without financial risk. Your focus should be on healing; let us worry about the rest.

If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident in Queens, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and legal deadlines are strict. Contact us for a free consultation about your Pedestrian Accidents case today. Let’s discuss what happened and start building your path to justice and recovery.