Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Bronx
Pedestrians have as much right to the roads as drivers do. Moreover, drivers are always supposed to yield to pedestrians, whether the pedestrian has the right of way or not. Cities and towns across the United States are always trying to make their roadways safer for pedestrians, but even with crosswalks, sidewalks, do-not-cross signs, and plenty of other safety measures, pedestrian accidents still happen.
Generally speaking, pedestrian accidents can be particularly serious, in large part because pedestrians are totally defenseless when they get struck by vehicles. Since a pedestrian is defenseless when they’re struck, the chances are much higher that they’ll sustain major injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident that was caused by another’s negligence or recklessness, one of the first things you should do is get in touch with a pedestrian accident lawyer, as they’ll help you pursue just compensation for injuries you sustained from the accident.
Call the Sanders Law Firm at 1-800-HURT-511 when you need help from an experienced and skilled pedestrian accident lawyer in the Bronx. For years, we have been helping victims of pedestrian accidents and their families, and we’ll fight for you so you’re properly compensated for your injuries.
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?
Wherever pedestrians can be found, the specter of an accident happening looms. According to a 2017 report published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only about a third of pedestrian accidents occurred at an intersection. There are other spots where pedestrian accidents can occur frequently, including:
- – Intersections
- – Shoulders
- – Parking lanes
- – Sidewalks
- – Medians
- – Bicycle lanes
- – Paths & trails
- – Driveways
Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen Most Often in the Bronx?
In the Bronx specifically, East 170th Street and Grand Concourse is an infamous intersection, and Grand Concourse is widely known as the “Boulevard of Death”. The street is particularly wide and it’s a favorite for speeding and reckless drivers.
The intersection of East 170th Street and Grand Concourse is particularly bad because pedestrians are frequently crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Moreover, since there’s a lot of retail activity in the area, there are a lot of pedestrians.
A study conducted in 2010 identified the East 170th Street and Grand Concourse intersection to be the worst intersection in the Bronx. And between 2009 in 2013, there were eight pedestrian crashes at this intersection; seven resulted in serious injuries and one resulted in a pedestrian losing their life. The Department of Transportation has improved the intersection in some ways, but it’s still widely known as a dangerous area.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
A pedestrian accident can be the result of a variety of causes, but the common causes are:
- Unmarked crosswalks
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Bad weather and poor visibility
- Speeding
- Improper lane use
A pedestrian may also get more injured if they are not paying attention when they’re struck by a vehicle, or if they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they’re struck. Even if a pedestrian shares blame in an accident, they may still be able to be compensated for their injuries.
What Are Hit-And-Run Accidents?
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety once found that nearly 20% of all pedestrian deaths over the last 10 years were linked to hit-and run-crashes. In a hit-and-run crash, a driver strikes a person, object, or another vehicle, and then flees the scene without leaving necessary contact or insurance information.
A variety of things can compel a driver to flee a scene in this way. Perhaps they were driving without valid insurance or with an expired license, or maybe they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the crash happened. It could also be that they panicked, fearing repercussions the crash might bring about.
A driver who commits a hit-and-run crash could face several penalties for their actions. And if the hit-and-run crash resulted in the death of another person, it’s likely the driver will be charged with a felony, and if convicted could face imprisonment and fines.
What Injuries Are Common in Sidewalk Accident Lawyer Bronx?
Most pedestrians aren’t anticipating being involved in an accident when using the roadways, and that’s mainly because there’s a general trust that drivers will operate safely when around pedestrians. Still, there are negligent and reckless drivers on the roads each day, and the way these drivers operate puts nearby pedestrians at high risk.
If you’re hit by a car or truck because its driver was acting negligently or recklessly, you may sustain one or more of the following injuries:
- – Concussion
- – Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- – Broken bones
- – Lacerations & cuts
- – Internal organ damage
- – Internal bleeding
- – Paralysis
- – Loss of limbs
- – Neck & back damage
- – Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
A pedestrian may also be killed by a crash, either immediately or after succumbing to crash-related injuries. In this instance, the victim’s family would be able to recover damages on their behalf.
Should Pedestrians Only Be On the Lookout for Dangerous Drivers?
Even though most pedestrian accidents involve drivers, a pedestrian can also get hurt if they make contact with debris, whether it’s in the road or on the sidewalk. A pedestrian may also get injured if they step into a pothole. Moreover, there are a range of pedestrian accidents that are specifically related to construction sites, and uneven pavement can also cause a pedestrian accident.
If you’re a Bronx resident and you were injured while using the sidewalk, it’s a good idea to contact a sidewalk accident lawyer in the Bronx. There are construction sites, sidewalks, and pedestrians everywhere in the Bronx, and a local pedestrian accident lawyer will be familiar with nearby hazards. Moreover, they’ll know how local cases similar to yours were resolved.
Is Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Worth It?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, seeking professional legal assistance is definitely a good move. You may not possess the physical and mental capacity to pursue a claim right after the accident, but that won’t be an issue if you hire a lawyer. They will do all the tough work and develop a compelling case on your behalf so you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us at 1-800-HURT-511 to speak with our pedestrian and sidewalk accident lawyers in the Bronx. The initial consultation is free.