A man was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident in New York City earlier this month while attempting to cross the street in Queens. The victim, a 60-year-old man—was walking across Northern Boulevard near the intersection of 147th Street when a car crashed into him. EMTs arrived after 911 was called and rushed the victim to New York-Presbyterian Hospital where the individual was listed in critical condition.
The motorist driving the car stayed at the scene and reportedly cooperated with the NYPD.
While the accident occurred before sunrise—just after five in the morning of August 8th—it’s unclear whether visibility (or the lack thereof) could have played a part in the collision. Regardless, the way New York law is written, drivers have a duty of care to watch for and avoid colliding with other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. If they fail in that duty of care, they can be held legally liable for any injuries and/or expenses incurred as a result of the accident in New York.
Insurance companies may sometimes offer a quick settlement in the wake of a car-pedestrian collision. However, the amounts offered isn’t nearly enough to adequately compensate the victim. In such cases, a civil lawsuit is often the only way the injured party can recover the compensation the victim deserves. The lawsuit will seek compensation for the injuries sustained in the crash (taking into account the long-term effects of the injuries including rehabilitation), any unpaid medical expenses, lost wages and time away from work from the date of accident leading into the future.
Under New York law, victims have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries. However, waiting that long can seriously harm the chances of a positive outcome for victims because memories fade and evidence gets lost. If you’ve been injured while walking in the city, act now.
Speak with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in New York today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation.