Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New York
A pedestrian accident attorney helps people injured by negligent drivers in crosswalks, intersections, or on sidewalks throughout NYC recover full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we've secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for pedestrian victims across New York City and all five boroughs on a contingency fee basis, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
When a driver strikes you while you're walking, the physical injuries can be devastating, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or worse. The financial pressure mounts quickly with emergency room bills, surgery costs, and lost paychecks while you recover. Insurance companies often try to blame pedestrians or offer settlements that don't come close to covering your actual losses. With 39+ years of proven trial experience, we fight back against these tactics and hold negligent drivers accountable. If you or someone you love was injured as a pedestrian, call us at 212-725-8500 for a free consultation.
When Do You Need a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in New York City?
You need a pedestrian accident attorney if a driver struck you while you were lawfully crossing the street, walking on a sidewalk, or in any pedestrian area throughout NYC. Common situations include drivers who fail to yield at crosswalks, vehicles making illegal turns at intersections, distracted drivers texting or talking on phones, hit-and-run accidents where the driver flees the scene, delivery trucks or buses striking pedestrians, and drivers running red lights or stop signs.
Pedestrian accidents happen frequently across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, especially in high-traffic areas like Midtown, the Financial District, Long Island City, Fordham, and St. George. Seniors, children, delivery workers, and nighttime pedestrians face particular risks. If you suffered injuries from a negligent driver, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands New York's complex traffic laws and insurance requirements.
What to Expect When Working with Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Our legal process gives you the support and aggressive representation you need while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
We meet with you at no cost to review your accident, assess your injuries, and explain your legal rights under New York law. You'll get honest answers about your case's strengths and what compensation you may recover.
Thorough Investigation of Your Accident
We visit accident scenes (often the very next day), gather police reports and witness statements, obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to prove the driver's negligence.
Handling All Insurance Communications
We deal directly with insurance adjusters so they can't pressure you into recorded statements or lowball settlement offers. We know their tactics and protect you from them while negotiating aggressively for maximum compensation.
Building Your Case for Maximum Recovery
Our team documents all your injuries with medical records and expert testimony, calculates your full damages including future medical needs and lost earning capacity, and prepares every case for trial, even if it settles, so insurance companies know we're ready to fight.
Trial-Ready Representation
With 39+ years of courtroom experience and proven multimillion-dollar verdicts, we're prepared to take your case before a jury if that's what it takes to get you fair compensation. Insurance companies settle more cases, and for higher amounts, when they know your lawyer will go to trial.
Benefits of Hiring Michael Gunzburg, P.C. for Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Maximum Compensation for All Your Damages
We've recovered millions for pedestrian victims, including a $3 million settlement for a Manhattan pedestrian struck in a crosswalk and a $2.85 million settlement for a Bronx pedestrian hit by a bus. Your compensation can cover past and future medical bills, lost wages and diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. We fight for every dollar you deserve.
Protection from Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters use sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts, offering quick lowball settlements before you understand your injuries' full extent, requesting recorded statements they twist against you, and delaying claims to wear you down financially. We shield you from these manipulations and negotiate from a position of strength backed by 39+ years of trial experience.
Experienced Representation for Severe Injuries
Pedestrian accidents often cause catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, multiple broken bones requiring surgery, internal organ damage, and permanent disfigurement. We've handled the most complex injury cases and work with top medical experts to prove the full extent of your injuries and future needs.
Help with Hit-and-Run Cases
If the driver fled the scene and can't be identified, we help you file claims through New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) to recover compensation even when the at-fault driver is unknown. We handle all the complex paperwork and fight for your benefits under this special program.
Justice and Accountability
Beyond financial recovery, we hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions. When drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks, make illegal turns, or drive distracted, they must face consequences. Our courtroom victories send a message that pedestrian safety matters and careless driving won't be tolerated.
Common Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases in NYC
What should I do immediately after being hit by a car as a pedestrian?
Call 911 immediately so police document the accident and EMS can evaluate your injuries, even if you feel okay, because adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Get the driver's name, insurance information, and license plate number if possible. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage with your phone. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Seek medical attention right away, as delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your legal case. Then contact a pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights before insurance companies start calling.
How much is my pedestrian accident case worth?
Your case value depends on the severity of your injuries, the amount of your medical bills (both past and future), your lost wages and future earning capacity if you can't return to work, the degree of permanent disability or disfigurement, and the impact on your quality of life and daily activities. In New York City, we've secured $3 million for a pedestrian struck in a Manhattan crosswalk, $2.85 million for a Bronx pedestrian hit by a bus, and $2.5 million for a pedestrian struck at 7th Avenue and West 13th Street. Every case is different, but with 39+ years of experience, we know how to maximize the value of your claim by proving all your damages with strong evidence and expert testimony.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New York?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York State courts. However, if a New York City bus, taxi, or other municipal vehicle hit you, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident, that's just three months, before you can sue the city. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation forever, which is why you should contact a pedestrian accident attorney immediately after your injury. The sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case becomes.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
You can still recover compensation through New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), a special program that compensates victims when the at-fault driver can't be identified or located. You must report the hit-and-run to police within 24 hours and file your MVAIC claim within 90 days of the accident. These cases require specific procedures and documentation that we handle for our clients. We've successfully recovered compensation for numerous hit-and-run pedestrian victims throughout NYC.
Will I have to go to court for my pedestrian accident case?
Most pedestrian accident cases settle through negotiation before trial, but we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. This trial-ready approach strengthens our negotiating position and leads to better settlement offers. Insurance companies pay more when they know your attorney has 39+ years of courtroom experience and a proven track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts. If we do go to trial, we'll prepare you thoroughly and guide you through every step of the process. Our clients' jury verdicts include a $1.9 million verdict for a Bronx pedestrian struck by a bus.
What if I was jaywalking or not in a crosswalk when I was hit?
You can still recover compensation even if you weren't in a crosswalk, though it may affect the amount you receive. New York follows "comparative negligence" rules, which means if you were partially at fault (for example, 20% responsible for jaywalking), your compensation is reduced by that percentage. However, drivers still have a duty to watch for pedestrians and avoid hitting them. In many cases, even jaywalking pedestrians can prove the driver was primarily at fault for speeding, distracted driving, or failing to maintain a proper lookout. We evaluate every aspect of your accident to build the strongest possible case.
How much does a pedestrian accident attorney cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so we only get paid when you get paid. This arrangement allows injured pedestrians to access top legal representation without worrying about hourly fees or retainers. There's no financial risk to hiring us, and your free consultation costs nothing. Call us at 212-725-8500 to discuss your case today.
What compensation can I receive for my pedestrian accident injuries?
You can recover compensation for all past and future medical expenses (emergency room, surgery, rehabilitation, prescriptions), lost wages from missed work and future lost earning capacity if you can't return to your job, pain and suffering from your physical injuries, emotional distress including anxiety, PTSD, and depression, permanent disability or disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from activities you once loved. New York law allows you to seek full compensation for both economic damages (bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (pain and quality of life impacts). We calculate every element of your damages to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
What if the driver's insurance company already contacted me?
Don't give them a recorded statement or sign anything without speaking to a pedestrian accident attorney first. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and they use tactics to minimize what they pay you. They may offer a quick settlement that sounds good but doesn't cover your future medical needs or lost wages. Once you accept and sign, you can't get more money later when you discover the full extent of your injuries. Contact us at 212-725-8500 before you talk to any insurance company, and we'll handle all communications to protect your rights.
How long does a pedestrian accident case take to resolve?
Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may settle in several months, while complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or inadequate insurance offers can take one to three years to resolve fully. The timeline depends on how long your medical treatment lasts (we don't settle until you reach maximum medical improvement), whether the insurance company makes a fair offer or we need to file a lawsuit, and if the case goes to trial or settles during litigation. We move your case forward as efficiently as possible while never sacrificing the compensation you deserve for the sake of a quick settlement.
Can I still file a claim if the driver who hit me doesn't have insurance?
Yes, you have several options. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy, you can file a claim under that coverage even though you were a pedestrian. New York also requires all drivers to carry $25,000 minimum in bodily injury liability, but many uninsured drivers ignore this law. If the driver is truly uninsured and you don't have UM coverage, you may be able to recover through MVAIC or by pursuing the driver's personal assets. We explore every avenue to get you compensated.
What injuries commonly result from pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrian accidents cause some of the most severe injuries we see because pedestrians have no protection when a multi-ton vehicle strikes them. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries from hitting the pavement or windshield, spinal cord injuries that can cause paralysis, multiple broken bones (legs, arms, pelvis, ribs), internal organ damage and internal bleeding, severe road rash and soft tissue injuries, and permanent scarring and disfigurement. Many pedestrian victims require multiple surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and face permanent disabilities that prevent them from working or enjoying life as they did before. We work with medical experts to document every injury and its impact on your future.
Areas We Serve
Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents pedestrian accident victims throughout New York City and all five boroughs. We serve clients injured in Manhattan (including the Financial District, Midtown, Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, and Harlem), Brooklyn (including Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Flatbush, and DUMBO), Queens (including Long Island City, Astoria, Flushing, Jamaica, and Forest Hills), the Bronx (including Fordham, Riverdale, Pelham Bay, and Concourse), and Staten Island (including St. George, New Dorp, and Tottenville).
Pedestrian accidents happen on busy city streets, at intersections with heavy traffic, in crosswalks where drivers fail to yield, and on sidewalks throughout NYC's neighborhoods. No matter where your accident occurred, we provide local representation with deep knowledge of New York traffic laws and insurance requirements. Our office is ready to meet with you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with a New York City Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If a negligent driver struck you while you were walking in NYC, you need an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who will fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery. Don't let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than you deserve, and don't miss New York's strict filing deadlines that could cost you your right to compensation.
At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., we've spent 39+ years winning multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for injured pedestrians throughout New York City. We work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case. Every day you wait is a day insurance companies use to build their defense against you. Call us now at 212-725-8500 for your free consultation, or contact us online. We're available 24/7 because we know injuries don't keep business hours. Get the experienced representation you need to protect your rights and secure your future.
Other Personal Injury services we offer:
If you've been injured in any type of accident in New York City, Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles a full range of personal injury cases:
- Car Accident Lawyer
- Bicycle Accident Lawyer
- Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
- Bus Accident Lawyer
- Truck Accident Lawyer
- Wrongful Death Lawyer