Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Serving Suffolk & Nassau Counties

Long Islanders enjoy walking and jogging, whether it’s for exercise or as a means of transport. Many New Yorkers walk because of the heavy motor vehicle traffic in the city. Unfortunately, however, accidents can happen in this context. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in New York, schedule a free consultation with the experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at The Matera Law Firm today.

Pedestrians face a wide range of hazards and threats in Long Island. People are injured while walking every day in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Oftentimes, pedestrians suffer more severe injuries than motorists do. While walking, pedestrians are vulnerable to all of the dangers of the city’s streets. Pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Sadly, these injuries are sometimes fatal. Recent research from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association sheds light on the risks to New York’s pedestrians.

Annually, over one hundred pedestrian accidents result in fatal injuries in New York. If you have been hurt while walking or jogging because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Contacting skilled Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers will give you the best chance of pursuing financial recovery. At The Matera Law Firm, our attorneys have over 25 years of combined experience. We know how to effectively secure a financial recovery for our clients. You should not face the financial burdens from your accident on your own. This is especially true if you were injured because of another person’s carelessness or negligence. Let our skilled attorneys help to recover the compensation that you are owed.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in New York 

Because so many New Yorkers choose to walk as their primary mode of transport, the New York City Department of Transportation has researched pedestrian accidents. This research was intended to provide information for use in shaping effective public policy. But the data gathered by the NYC DOT can also highlight many of the possible threats that pedestrians face.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, contact Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers as soon as possible. According to the NYC Department of Transportation:

• Pedestrians face a tenfold chance of fatal injuries when compared to motorists
• One-fourth of pedestrian accidents result from failure to yield
• Around half of all traffic, fatalities are suffered by pedestrians
• Inattentive driving causes over a third of pedestrian accidents
• Most New York motorists are unaware of the city’s speed limits

These statistics show how dangerous walking in New York can be. Victims of pedestrian accidents deserve financial recovery from the costs of their injuries. In Suffolk County, Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers can help you to secure compensation for your injuries.

What Are Some Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios?

Every pedestrian accident involves a unique set of circumstances. But some scenarios result in more accidents than others. Most pedestrian accidents and injuries are caused by negligent drivers. The following are some examples of the ways that negligent driving can result in pedestrian injuries:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Dangerous or reckless driving (such as speeding or performing negligent maneuvers)
• Failure to yield appropriately
• Texting while driving
• Talking or using a cellphone while driving
• Driving while fatigued or drowsy

By far, most pedestrian accidents are caused by the drivers of passenger vehicles. But other scenarios can also present hazards to pedestrians. Other contexts that can result in pedestrian accidents include:

• Faulty traffic lights or signage
• Malfunctioning vehicle components or parts
• Multi-car collisions that cause a chain of events leading to injuries

No matter what the circumstances are that lead to a pedestrian accident, victims deserve financial recovery. If you have been injured in Long Island, contact an accomplished attorney. The Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers at the Matera Law Firm can build a powerful case for you. We have a track record of winning personal injury cases for our clients. Let us pursue the maximum compensation possible in your case.

What Are Common Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents?

Injuries in pedestrian accidents range from minor to catastrophic and life-threatening. Sometimes, these injuries can be fatal. New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means that drivers are required to hold at least $50,000 of PIP (personal injury protection) insurance. A motorist’s PIP insurance covers any pedestrian involved in a collision with that motorist.

This is true regardless of which party is liable for the accident. While PIP coverage can be helpful to injured pedestrians, it is not always enough. For severe and catastrophic injuries, victims should secure the services of accomplished Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers. Some common types of severe pedestrian injuries include:

Fractures and Broken Bones

When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, the likelihood of broken bones is high. Typically, fractures from this type of accident are not clean breaks. It is common for victims to need multiple surgeries for a full recovery. Even in cases where corrective surgery is possible, the victim may suffer long-term effects. Some pedestrian accidents result in lifelong difficulties for the victim.

Head and Neck Injuries

In some instances, a pedestrian accident will result in the victim’s head colliding with the pavement. While significant head trauma can cause external bleeding and bruising, internal damage is also likely. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are one possible outcome of a pedestrian accident or collision. This is one of the most dangerous types of personal injuries. Some of the symptoms of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Emotional outbursts
• Loss of impulse regulation
• Behavioral control problems
• Loss of memory
• Cognitive deficiencies or “brain fog”
• Difficulty talking or understanding speech
• Loss of sensory abilities (such as taste, smell, and hearing)
• Loss of sight and blurred vision

The effects of a traumatic brain injury can result in a decreased quality of life for the victim. In some cases, TBI can be fatal. The Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers at the Matera Law Firm have plenty of experience in fighting for TBI victims. Do not wait. If you have been injured, contact a skilled attorney.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Back injuries can range from inconvenient to dangerous. When damage to the spine occurs, the victim may face a wide variety of symptoms. It is common for pedestrian accidents to cause damage to the victim’s back or spinal cord. When the frame of a moving car collides with an unprotected pedestrian, significant bodily damage is likely. In the case of spinal cord injuries, victims often suffer lasting damage. For instance, paralysis is one of the more severe symptoms of a back injury. Tetraplegia is the most extreme form of spinal cord paralysis.

This condition happens when the accident causes spinal damage near the brainstem. As a result, the victim suffers lifelong full-body paralysis. This devastating condition completely changes the course of victims’ lives. The victims of pedestrian accidents deserve compensation for the costs and losses associated with their injuries. If you have been hurt in this way, contact the Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers at the Matera Law Firm. We are prepared to fight for you.

Our Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Help

When someone else’s negligence results in an injury to you or a loved one, you deserve financial recovery. At The Matera Law Firm, we have a long history of winning cases for the victims of pedestrian accidents. We serve clients in Nassau and Suffolk counties. For personal injury cases, we charge no fees unless we win. We are that confident in the skills of our Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers. Call the Matera Law Firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss the facts of your personal injury case.