Pedestrian Accident
Attorneys in Queens

Pedestrian accidents are, sadly, very common. In 2017, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes. That’s amounts to about one pedestrian killed in a traffic crash every 88 minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The majority of deadly pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas, at non-intersection areas of the road, and at night, according to the CDC. In the majority of these accidents, the pedestrians were running, walking, or jogging when they were fatally struck by a motorist.

While pedestrians cannot prevent negligent and reckless drivers from using their cars, pedestrians can take a few simple safety measures to lower their likelihood of being involved in an accident.

When walking or jogging at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing to increase your visibility. Only cross at designated crosswalks or intersections and avoid wearing headphones or earbuds, which can distract you and prevent you from hearing a potential speeding car coming your way.

Pedestrian accidents can happen anytime and anywhere a driver is making risky and thoughtless choices on the road. However, the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in urban areas like Queens include:

• Drunk and impaired driving, including alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs
• Failing to stop or yield at an intersection or stop sign
• Speeding on residential roads and roads near schools
• Distractions like texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, drinking, or fiddling with the car’s navigation system

Pedestrian accidents can also occur in parking lots and roads where drivers may need to pull in and reverse out of spots. If a driver isn’t careful and checking their mirrors, blind spots, and rear camera, they could potentially strike a pedestrian while trying to park.

Pedestrian accidents can be some of the most traumatic and serious types of car accidents, because the person who is hit by the car has no protection from the full impact of the collision, unlike car accidents between two motorists.

A car does not have to be going fast to do serious damage to a pedestrian. In fact, the average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian who is struck by a motor vehicle is 10% at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25% at 23 mph, 50% at 31 mph, and 75% at 39 mph, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Some of the most common injuries that occur due to pedestrian accidents include:

• Traumatic head injuries
• Neck, vertebrae, and spinal cord injury
• Lacerations and bruises
• Concussions
• Broken bones, dislocations, and fractures
• Soft tissue and internal injuries

Pedestrian accidents can often be fatal. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the average likelihood of death for a pedestrian struck by a car reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25% at 32 mph, 50% at 42 mph. These risk factors vary depending on the age of the pedestrian.

If you were the victim of a pedestrian accident, your first course of action is to call 911 immediately and seek prompt medical attention for your injuries.

If you’re able to, collect the contact and insurance information of the motorist who struck you, as well as witness testimonies from anyone who saw the accident occur. Take photos of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any other details that could be important to note.

All of this information will come in handy when you call 1.800.HURT.511 to get in touch with a pedestrian accident attorney. With this evidence, your attorney will have an easier time proving fault and negligence on the part of the motorist who hit you.

Hurt511 works in few simple steps:

1. Fill out this form or call 1.800.HURT.511.
2. Take 30 seconds to answer a few questions to see what your case is worth.
3. Connect with attorneys in your area who will fight for you—always on a contingency-fee basis.
4. Receive your settlement.