You may go through life unaware of your surroundings. Perhaps anger causes you to become distracted from reality. Your emotions drive you.
But you live in a very big city like New York. The city that never sleeps. And you are disconnected from reality, walking around without seeing your surroundings? That could be dangerous.
Or suddenly, you are attentive, you are fully present. But a reckless driver isn't and doesn't see you as you cross the sidewalk and run you over with his car. Whose fault is it, then? That could be determined from a legal perspective.
Assess the degree of culpability and legal liability. However, one must also measure things from a moral perspective; one must take into account respect for others and respect for the city in which we live. We should not, as drivers, go through the world bitter or disconnected from the beauty of life.
That is why we consider legal advice as just one aspect of our holistic approach at The Ward Law Group. We always look at the human side of every case in our offices. The human being first, and then the rest.
As the poet Antonio Machado used to say, "There is no path; you make the path as you walk.” If the path is made by walking, then your safety must be guaranteed as you walk around Queens.
Big cities should not be hostile to pedestrians. There should always be a balance. No four-wheeled machine should run over pedestrians. That's why signs, sidewalks, and highways exist; everything has its place.
We are sure that at some point while walking around the Big Apple, you have felt that your life was in danger because of others' attitudes. How did you feel when that happened? Did you feel vulnerable and helpless?
Don't be afraid to experience those feelings. It is completely human to feel that things are out of our hands and that some aspects are simply out of our control. We wish we could control everything, but oddly enough, life's uncertainty is part of life's magic.
It is time for you to walk in peace. Putting aside the fear that some stranger behind the wheel without the slightest care may harm some of your loved ones. We want you to leave home every morning knowing you will return safely and sound. In that way, develop an attitude of constant gratitude.
Prevention is important, but we need to take action if it's too late. There is nothing to change what has happened. Now, we must think of the best possible solution from a legal and human point of view.
We will take care of getting the best possible compensation. Every penny for your recovery. We want to recover compensation for our clients and help them emotionally. Both are important to us.
We want you to be the same as you were before the accident. We want you to regain your confidence in life. We want you to be able to go out walking in your city without thinking that someone could hurt you. To trust that the creator takes care of you and all beings.
Let's explore the most relevant aspects of pedestrian accidents with the pedestrian accident attorneys at The Ward Law Group. Together with our specialized lawyers, we have compiled the most characteristic aspects of these cases. In this way, you will have a broader view of things. We will also feel that we are sharing valuable knowledge, which will help your recovery, as knowledge is often the first step to healing.
Pedestrian Accident Laws in Queens
Crosswalks are made to allow pedestrians to cross streets safely and with the least amount of risk to themselves. Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing within a designated crosswalk in Queens, just like the rest of New York State.
This complies with New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) 1151, which outlines the requirement for drivers to stop pedestrians in crosswalks.
In Queens, drivers must drive cautiously and safely in areas with many pedestrians. They must also drive carefully to avoid hitting pedestrians and give them the right-of-way when they are crossing the road.
Drivers must follow speed limits, maintain a safe distance, and avoid distractions that put pedestrians at risk. New York VTL 1146 highlights the importance of driving cautiously when pedestrians are close by.
In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian accident, seeking legal representation to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation is crucial. A skilled Queens pedestrian accident lawyer, such as those at The Ward Law, can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the legal process.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Queens
- Driving While Distracted: A Serious Threat
Driving using a smartphone, a navigation system, or another electronic device. Being careless enough to miss people using the sidewalks or crossing streets breaks the law against using handheld devices while driving. Distracting driving is a danger in any city.
- Speeding: A Dangerous Choice
Drivers who exceed the speed limit are less able to respond to unforeseen circumstances. A high-speed impact causes collisions to be more severe.
Pedestrians are at greater risk at intersections and crosswalks.
- Failure to Yield: A Critical Mistake
Drivers failing to stop for pedestrians at intersections or in designated crosswalks When drivers fail to yield, crosswalks and intersections become dangerous, and fundamental rules of road safety are broken.
- Pedestrian Intoxication: A Danger to Walkers and Drivers Alike
Intoxicated pedestrians endanger their own and other drivers' safety. The use of alcohol or drugs can affect a person's ability to move normally, causing them to stumble into traffic or overlook traffic signs.
Queen's pedestrian accident lawyers understand the complexities of situations involving drunk pedestrians and work hard to offer fair representation for all parties.
- Unsafe Road Conditions: Paving the Way for Accidents
Negligent roadway and sidewalk preservation can create dangerous circumstances for pedestrians. Trips falls, cracks, potholes, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting can worsen other accidents.
In some circumstances, poor signage or a lack of crosswalks can conceal pedestrian paths, increasing the risk of an accident. If dangerous roads cause pedestrian accidents, Queen's pedestrian accident lawyers can help victims take legal action against responsible parties.
Understanding Pedestrian Accident Liability
Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident in Queens, like the rest of New York State, entails examining the conduct of all parties involved, including the pedestrian and the driver. Anyone involved in such an incident must know how liability is established and the implications for potential compensation.
Shared Responsibility: New York's Comparative Negligence Doctrine
Because of the comparative negligence system in place in New York, multiple parties may be held accountable for a single accident. This doctrine recognizes that drivers and pedestrians are responsible for taking reasonable precautions to avoid accidents.
The degree of fault is assigned as a percentage to reflect how each party's actions contributed to the accident.
Impact on Seeking Compensation: How Liability Affects Recovery
A hurt pedestrian may pursue compensation under New York's comparative negligence law even if they contributed to the collision. However, based on the extent of shared responsibility, the amount of compensation is adjusted.
For instance, if the driver is found to have contributed 80% of the fault and the pedestrian 20%, the pedestrian's potential compensation will be reduced by 20%. To accurately estimate potential compensation, it is crucial to comprehend the role of liability in a pedestrian accident.
Evidence and Legal Support: Building a Strong Case
Establishing liability requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Gathering evidence such as witness statements, medical records, police reports, surveillance footage, and expert opinions can play a pivotal role in determining fault.
Engaging the services of experienced Queens pedestrian accident lawyers, like those at The Ward Law, can greatly enhance the process. Their expertise in navigating New York's comparative negligence laws ensures that your case is presented effectively and your rights are protected.
Understanding liability and its impact on compensation helps pedestrians and drivers make informed choices and take legal action. Experienced lawyers can help ensure fair results after a pedestrian accident.
How to Choose the Right Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right professional for your case may not be easy. The market is full of lawyers who seek to sell themselves as the great standard bearers for the most vulnerable communities. Still, from what we have seen over the years, many professionals only use that slogan to make money. Deep down, they are indifferent to the human aspect that resides in each client.
That is why all our professionals at The Ward Law Group are trained to serve others. That is the main engine that drives all our activities. To serve God, to serve our community, our fellow man, and our co-workers understand.
That is why we give all our clients personalized treatment with the due attention, patience, and time required. Every time a client comes to tell us about his case, active listening is the main element that governs our interactions. We have learned to listen to our clients and understand their needs. This helps us make decisions that benefit everyone involved.
We want to give you the following recommendations for you to consider when choosing the professional who will handle your case:
Seek a Track Record of Excellence and Empathy
Choose a legal representative who has successfully handled Queens pedestrian accident claims. Their exhibited empathy for clients, on the other hand, is equally crucial. A lawyer who cares about your well-being and recovery is committed to your recovery beyond legal proceedings.
Personalized Attention and Communication
Communication is critical in every legal issue. A service-oriented attorney will provide personalized assistance, listening to your story, concerns, and needs because the importance of your mental health needs to be understood. An attorney who possesses the ability to have empathy will keep you informed at every level of the legal procedure.
A Team Approach to Holistic Recovery
Choose a law firm that collaborates with a network of investigators, medical experts, and legal professionals. This approach guarantees that every aspect of your case is fully addressed, demonstrating a commitment to your physical and emotional rehabilitation.
Focus on Integrity and Dignity
In pedestrian accident cases, it's not just about pursuing financial compensation; it's about upholding the dignity and integrity of the injured person. Look for a lawyer who values your well-being above all else and approaches your case with integrity, professionalism, and respect.
A Passion for Advocacy and Justice
An attorney genuinely committed to upholding the law and improving people's lives will devote more time and effort to your case. Their motivation extends beyond monetary gains and is rooted in a dedication to improving the lives of their customers.
Contact a Queens Pedestrian Accident Attorney
And remember those inspiring words: Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. (Job 11:17-19)
Contact The Ward Law Group now for a free case evaluation at 855-DOLOR-55!
We will be with you from the very first moment until we can accompany you in the photo that frames the happy ending.