At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we understand the profound and lasting impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life. For over 40 years, our firm has been a steadfast advocate for the injured, securing justice and winning fair compensation for countless individuals in Rockland County and throughout New York State. As experienced New City pedestrian accident lawyers, we bring a unique blend of compassionate support and aggressive legal representation to every case we undertake.
We recognize that recovering from a pedestrian accident involves more than just physical healing; it encompasses navigating complex legal processes, dealing with often unsympathetic insurance adjusters, and coping with the emotional and financial burdens that often follow. Our dedicated team is committed to guiding you through every step of this challenging journey, providing honest answers and unwavering support. Our most important job is to win you the maximum amount of money possible. We won't rest until we've achieved the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Pedestrian accidents in New City, like in many other crowded and busy communities, are frequently the result of preventable factors. Understanding these common causes is critical for preventing future accidents and building a strong legal case when negligence has led to injury.
Driver negligence remains the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Distracted driving, fueled by the pervasive use of cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or simply inattention, significantly impairs a driver's ability to react to unexpected events. This inattention can have devastating consequences for pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in such situations.
Speeding dramatically reduces a driver's reaction time, making it nearly impossible to avoid a collision, especially in poorly lit areas or during inclement weather. The consequences of speeding are often catastrophic for pedestrians, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
Failure to follow the law and yield the right-of-way at crosswalks or intersections, a blatant disregard for pedestrian safety, frequently results in serious injuries. Drivers are legally obligated to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and failure to do so constitutes negligence.
Inadequate road design and poorly maintained infrastructure play a significant role in pedestrian accidents. Poor lighting, narrow sidewalks forcing pedestrians into traffic, and poorly marked or non-existent crosswalks create hazardous conditions, especially at night or during periods of reduced visibility. The absence of pedestrian signals, inadequate traffic slowing measures (such as speed bumps or reduced speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas), and a lack of pedestrian refuge islands contribute to increased risk. These design flaws often represent a failure on the part of local municipalities to prioritize pedestrian safety.
Reduced visibility due to darkness, fog, heavy rain, snow, or other weather conditions dramatically increases the risk of pedestrian accidents. Drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians, especially those wearing dark clothing or not using reflective gear. Pedestrians, too, may have difficulty perceiving oncoming traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions. This risk is further amplified by poorly lit streets and intersections, highlighting a critical need for improved street lighting and enhanced pedestrian safety measures.
The force of impact in a pedestrian accident can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-altering and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
TBIs are a common and frequently devastating consequence of pedestrian accidents. The impact can result in concussions, contusions, or more severe forms of brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive deficits, physical impairments, and emotional challenges. The severity of a TBI can range from mild to severe, with severe cases often requiring extensive rehabilitation and lifelong support.
Spinal cord injuries, often resulting in paralysis or partial paralysis, are another catastrophic outcome of pedestrian accidents. The severity of these injuries depends on the location and extent of the damage to the spinal cord. These injuries can profoundly impact a person's ability to perform daily tasks, requiring extensive medical care, adaptive equipment, and ongoing support.
Broken bones and fractures are extremely common in pedestrian accidents, ranging from minor fractures that heal relatively quickly to severe, multiple bone breaks requiring extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and potentially long-term physical limitations. The impact of a vehicle can cause fractures in various parts of the body, including legs, arms, pelvis, ribs, and the skull.
Even without broken bones, pedestrians frequently sustain soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, and whiplash. These injuries, while often not immediately life-threatening, can cause significant pain, limit mobility, and require extensive physical therapy, potentially leading to long-term chronic pain and disability.
Fellows Hymowitz Rice has a proven track record of success in pedestrian accident cases. Schedule your free consultation today.
Determining liability in a pedestrian accident often involves a thorough investigation to identify all potentially responsible parties. Actually, liability can even extend beyond the driver of the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle is most frequently held liable for a pedestrian accident. Evidence of negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, disregarding traffic signals, or failure to yield the right-of-way, is crucial in establishing liability. Our team will meticulously gather evidence to prove the driver's negligence and hold them accountable for their actions.
Property owners may share liability if hazardous conditions on their property contributed to the accident. These could include inadequate lighting, obstructed views, poorly maintained sidewalks, or debris that obstructed pedestrian walkways. We will investigate to determine if property owners failed to maintain a safe environment for pedestrians.
Government entities responsible for road design and maintenance can also be held liable if deficiencies in road design or inadequate maintenance contributed to the accident. This could include poorly designed crosswalks, inadequate lighting, or failure to address known hazards. We will examine all aspects of the road design and maintenance to determine if negligence on the part of the government contributed to the accident.
Building a compelling and successful pedestrian accident case requires a meticulous and comprehensive approach. Our team at Fellows Hymowitz Rice leverages decades of experience and the necessary resources to ensure your case is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Taking swift and decisive action immediately following a pedestrian accident is crucial to preserving your legal rights and ensuring a successful outcome for your case.
Seek immediate medical attention, regardless of how minor your injuries may initially seem. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not manifest immediately. A thorough medical examination will document your injuries, establish a timeline for treatment, and provide crucial evidence for your legal case.
Contact the police and file an official accident report. The police report provides a documented account of the accident, including witness statements and descriptions of the scene. This report serves as critical evidence in establishing liability and supporting your claim.
If it is safe, take photographs and/or videos of the accident scene. Document the location of the accident, the extent of any visible injuries, the damage to any vehicles involved, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details. This visual evidence is invaluable in reconstructing the accident and supporting your claim.
Obtain contact information from any witnesses who observed the accident. Witness statements can provide crucial corroboration of the events leading up to and following the accident. Record their names, addresses, phone numbers, and a brief summary of what they witnessed.
When you've been injured in a pedestrian accident, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. At Fellows Hymowitz Rice, we offer a unique combination of experience, knowledge, and personal dedication that sets us apart:
Our firm boasts over 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, including numerous pedestrian accident claims. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to build strong, successful claims.
We have a proven track record of winning large settlements for our clients. Our success speaks for itself. We're not afraid to take on challenging cases and fight for what's right.
We understand that every accident and every client is unique. We provide personalized attention, ensuring your needs and concerns are addressed with care and understanding.
We are aggressive advocates for our clients. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum compensation you deserve. We're not afraid to take on insurance companies and fight for justice.
You only pay us if we win your case. This removes the financial burden and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Rob Fellows is more than just a lawyer; he's a seasoned advocate and a respected leader in the legal community. With over 40 years of experience, he's earned a reputation for meticulous preparation, unwavering advocacy, and a genuine commitment to his clients.
Steve Hymowitz is a champion for the underdog, specializing in medical malpractice and construction accident cases. He’s known for his warmth and unwavering dedication, relentlessly pursuing justice for those who feel powerless against insurance companies.
Matthew brings an unparalleled level of energy and drive to every case, earning a reputation for achieving exceptional results. He goes beyond financial wins, building deep connections with clients and becoming a trusted advisor during their most difficult times.
Joanne Horowitz is a skilled legal strategist and a strong advocate for those facing injuries due to negligence, construction accidents, and medical malpractice.
Margaret is a seasoned negotiator, expert in civil dispute resolution, with extensive experience handling homicide cases.
Don't let an injury define your future. Get the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Fellows Hymowitz Rice proudly serves clients throughout New York State, bringing our skills and dedication to communities across the region. We are mainly focused on providing legal representation to those injured in Rockland County, including New City and surrounding areas.
Our extensive knowledge of local courts and procedures ensures that we can handle your case successfully. Our commitment extends beyond Rockland County to encompass a broad network, ensuring we can assist clients statewide. We are ready to help you regardless of your location within New York.
Facing the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. The experienced attorneys at Fellows Hymowitz Rice are here to provide compassionate support and aggressive legal representation. We understand the challenges you face and are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
