Pedestrian accidents are particularly common in urban areas with high amounts of foot traffic. Accordingly, many pedestrian accidents occur each year in Harlem. Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries for victims.
Pedestrians who have been injured because of a motorist’s negligent behavior can recover financial compensation for their injuries. However, pedestrian accident lawsuits can be tiring and complex. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help navigate each step of the process.
If you were injured because of a pedestrian accident in Harlem, get help recovering the monetary damages you deserve. Contact our experienced Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.
Common Injuries Caused by Pedestrian Accidents in Harlem
There are many types of injuries suffered by victims of pedestrian accidents in Harlem. Such injuries can range from minor to fatal. Certain injuries occur more frequently than others. The following are common examples of injuries suffered by pedestrian accident victims in Harlem:
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to muscles and ligaments and can occur almost anywhere in the body. When soft tissue is strained or sprained, painful injuries can happen. Such injuries are often painful and can force victims to miss work. Our Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers can help victims recover damages related to their soft tissue injuries.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury caused by pedestrian accidents. The force of impact from a vehicle striking a pedestrian can cause multiple breaks and compound fractures. In those cases, surgical treatment may be required. Victims of pedestrian accidents often suffer broken collar bones, broken hip bones, and broken wrists.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Also, spinal cord injuries are a common type of injury caused by pedestrian accidents. Spinal cord injuries can produce debilitating effects such as immobility and complete paralysis. Such injuries can severely affect a victims’ enjoyment of life. Our Harlem car accident lawyers can help recover for the vast array of damages associated with spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most devastating types of injuries caused by pedestrian accidents. Traumatic brain injuries are typically caused by a blow to the head. Such injuries can produce both physical and cognitive symptoms. Those who suffer traumatic brain injuries often have trouble enjoying the same activities that they did before their injury. Furthermore, such injuries often require intensive, long-lasting treatment. Our experienced Harlem car accident lawyers can help refer the right physicians for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries.
Amputations
Pedestrian accident victims are prone to suffering injuries to their extremities. When such harm occurs, amputation may be required. Amputations can produce life-long effects on victims’ lives. Those who suffer amputations because of car accidents will incur a wide range of economic and non-economic damages.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries refer to internal bleeding or damage to internal organs. Such injuries are often suffered by pedestrians after being hit by a vehicle. However, some internal injuries may not become painful until days or weeks after an accident. If you suspect you may have sustained internal injuries because of a pedestrian accident, you should seek a medical assessment immediately.
Emotional Trauma
Pedestrian accidents can produce more than just physical injuries. Accidents involving pedestrians are often traumatic experiences. Some pedestrians may have difficulty dealing with the emotional distress caused by an accident. Our Harlem car accident lawyers can help victims recover damages for emotional trauma suffered because of a pedestrian accident.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After Pedestrian Accidents in Harlem
Dealing with insurance companies is one of the most frustrating aspects of pursuing a pedestrian accident claim. Defendants’ insurers can use various tactics to decrease the value of your claim. For instance, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame for an accident or reach a low settlement agreement. Our Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers can help establish fault and negotiate for fair compensation, so you may receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Establishing Fault
Harlem courts will award damages in pedestrian accident lawsuits using the doctrine of pure comparative fault. This means that damages will be awarded based on a percentage of fault. If a defendant was considered to be 50% at fault for your accident, they will be ordered to pay for 50% of damages caused by the accident. In that case, you would be left to pay for the other 50% of damages out of pocket.
Therefore, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to avoid paying for certain damages caused by a pedestrian accident. Plaintiffs must produce evidence to establish fault on behalf of a negligent driver. The following are common examples of evidence used to prove fault in pedestrian accident cases:
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Officer’s accident reports
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
- Photographs from the accident scene
- Expert witness testimony
- Personal recollections
Our Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers can help gather the evidence required to establish fault in your case.
Negotiating for Compensation
Insurance adjusters often make low settlement offers in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Furthermore, insurers will hire defense attorneys who may employ several tactics to entice low settlement agreements. Our experienced Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers can lean on years of experience when negotiating with defendants’ insurers, so you may be compensated for the true value of your case.
Common Locations of Pedestrian Accidents in Harlem
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere but occur in some locations more frequently than others. The following are common locations of pedestrian accidents in Harlem:
Intersections
Pedestrian accidents often occur at intersections. Some careless motorists fail to notice a pedestrian crossing in front of their car before proceeding through an intersection. In such cases, our Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers can help recover compensation.
Parking Lots
Parking lots are also a common location of pedestrian accidents. Parking lots are places where many pedestrians travel to and from their cars. Often times, cars do not notice pedestrians walking behind them as the driver is backing out of their parking spot.
If You Were Injured Because of Pedestrian Accident in Harlem, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a pedestrian accident in Harlem, seek assistance from our experienced Harlem pedestrian accident lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free case review.