Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
Walking in Brooklyn shouldn’t be dangerous. But every day, pedestrians are struck by distracted drivers, speeding motorists, and reckless cyclists. At crosswalks. On sidewalks. In parking lots. Even standing at bus stops.
When a vehicle hits someone on foot, the injuries are catastrophic. There’s no metal frame or airbag to absorb the impact. Pedestrians suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal bleeding. Some never walk again. Some don’t survive.
Our Brooklyn, NY pedestrian accident lawyer is here to help. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers, we secured a $250,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian who suffered a fractured arm and back after being struck by a vehicle. We’ve recovered an $875,000 settlement in a difficult liability case, a $225,000 settlement for a woman who tripped on a raised sidewalk, and jury verdicts exceeding $800,000. We’ve helped our clients recover millions of dollars from drivers and insurance companies that tried to avoid responsibility.
Why Choose Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Brooklyn, NY?
We Fight Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance adjusters know pedestrian cases often result in large verdicts. They work hard to minimize what they pay. They’ll dig through surveillance footage looking for anything to blame you. They’ll argue you were jaywalking, distracted by your phone, or wearing dark clothing at night.
We know how to defeat these arguments. Our $250,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian with a fractured arm and back proves we can win at trial. We’ve also secured:
• $875,000 settlement in a high-risk liability case
• $815,000 jury verdict
• $760,000 jury verdict
• $550,000 rear-end accident settlement
• $225,000 settlement for a woman who tripped on a raised sidewalk
• $220,000 settlement for a man struck by falling ceiling debris
If you need a personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, NY, our results demonstrate what we accomplish for accident victims.
Decades of Trial Experience
Ivan Rodriguez has practiced personal injury law in New York for 25 years. He has tried pedestrian accident cases in both State and Federal Courts and won verdicts when insurance companies refused fair settlements. That courtroom experience gives him leverage in every negotiation.
Laura Rosenberg has been licensed in New York and New Jersey since 2001. Super Lawyers has recognized her every year from 2019 through 2026, an honor given to fewer than 5% of attorneys. She is a member of the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association.
We Handle Everything
After a pedestrian accident, you need to focus on recovery. We handle the legal battle. We communicate with insurance companies. We gather police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements. We calculate the full value of your claim and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Contingency Fee Representation
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs and only collect a fee if we win your case. This puts experienced attorneys in your corner without adding financial pressure during your recovery.
What Our Clients Say
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“After my accident I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do. Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers took my case and handled everything professionally. They kept me informed, fought for me, and got me a fair settlement. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs a personal injury lawyer.” – Hosna Noorzi
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Brooklyn, NY
Pedestrians face dangers throughout Brooklyn. We handle all types of pedestrian collision claims.
- Crosswalk accidents. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks violate New York law. These crashes often occur when motorists are turning and fail to check for people crossing.
- Intersection collisions. Even when pedestrians have the walk signal, distracted or impatient drivers run red lights and cause devastating injuries.
- Sidewalk accidents. Vehicles jumping curbs, backing out of driveways, or losing control strike pedestrians where they should be safest.
- Parking lot crashes. Drivers backing up without looking or speeding through lots strike shoppers and workers regularly.
- Bus stop accidents. Pedestrians waiting for transit are struck by passing vehicles or by buses themselves.
- Hit and run crashes. When drivers flee after striking pedestrians, we work with police, traffic cameras, and witnesses to identify them and pursue claims.
- Truck accidents. Commercial trucks making turns have significant blind spots. Pedestrians struck by large vehicles suffer catastrophic injuries.
- Bicycle accidents. Cyclists and e-bike riders traveling at high speeds can cause serious injuries when they strike pedestrians on sidewalks or in crosswalks.
- Uber accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers distracted by their apps or stopping suddenly for pickups create hazards for pedestrians throughout Brooklyn.
Each case requires investigation into how the accident happened and who bears responsibility.
Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Infographic
New York Legal Requirements for Pedestrian Accident Cases
New York has specific rules that protect people walking on public streets and affect injury claims.
Pedestrians Have Right of Way
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing in marked crosswalks or at intersections with walk signals. Drivers must yield to pedestrians and exercise due care to avoid striking anyone on the roadway.
Even when pedestrians cross outside crosswalks, drivers must still take reasonable steps to avoid hitting them. The law does not give drivers permission to strike jaywalkers.
Vision Zero Initiative
New York City’s Vision Zero program aims to eliminate traffic deaths. The initiative has led to reduced speed limits throughout Brooklyn, enhanced crosswalk markings, leading pedestrian intervals at traffic signals, and increased enforcement against dangerous driving. When drivers violate Vision Zero-related rules, their negligence strengthens your injury claim.
No-Fault Insurance
New York’s no-fault system provides important protection for pedestrians. If you’re struck by a vehicle, the driver’s no-fault insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of who was at fault.
To sue the driver for additional damages, you must meet the “serious injury” threshold under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of a body organ or member, and injuries preventing normal activities for 90 days within 180 days of the accident.
Most pedestrian accident victims easily meet this threshold because being struck by a vehicle causes severe injuries.
Statute of Limitations
New York’s statute of limitations gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. For claims against government entities, such as city buses or accidents caused by defective street design, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days.
Comparative Fault
New York follows pure comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages even if you share some fault for the accident. Your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Insurance companies aggressively argue that pedestrians caused their own injuries. An experienced attorney counters these arguments with traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Case?
Pedestrian accidents cause severe injuries because the human body has no protection against a moving vehicle. Compensation in these cases is often substantial.
Economic Damages
These cover your measurable financial losses:
• Emergency room visits, trauma surgery, and ICU stays
• Long-term hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Future medical treatment for permanent injuries
• Lost wages while you recover
• Reduced earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work
• Home modifications if you require a wheelchair or mobility aids
• In-home care and assistance with daily activities
• Transportation to medical appointments
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of pedestrians die in traffic crashes annually, and many more suffer life-altering injuries. The CDC injury data confirms that pedestrian accidents cause significant trauma requiring extensive medical care.
Non-Economic Damages
New York allows compensation for pain and suffering, including:
• Physical pain from injuries and medical procedures
• Emotional trauma, anxiety, and fear of walking near traffic
• Loss of enjoyment of life and activities
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of consortium affecting your relationship with your spouse
Pedestrian accidents frequently cause brain injuries when victims strike their heads on the pavement or the vehicle. Back injuries and neck injuries result from the force of impact. Soft tissue injuries may not appear on initial imaging but cause chronic pain.
Punitive Damages
When a driver’s conduct is particularly egregious, such as drunk driving, texting while driving, or fleeing the scene, New York courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Brooklyn, our firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations to accident victims. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer your questions. No obligation. No pressure.
Our contingency fee arrangement means you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs and only collect a fee when you recover compensation.
With over 100 combined years of experience, our attorneys understand how to build strong pedestrian accident cases and counter insurance company tactics.
Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Brooklyn
In 2024, over 3,100 pedestrians were injured and 26 were killed on Brooklyn streets, according to NYC DOT data. Pedestrians accounted for more than a third of all traffic deaths in the borough that year. Nationally, the NHTSA pedestrian safety program reported over 7,500 pedestrian fatalities in a recent year, with three-quarters occurring in urban areas and over half happening between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Brooklyn ended 2025 with fewer traffic deaths overall following expanded Vision Zero redesigns, but pedestrian injury counts remain among the highest in the state. The CDC injury data identifies pedestrian deaths as a leading cause of unintentional injury mortality for people ages 5 through 14 and over 65.
Common Types of Injuries in a Pedestrian Accident Case
When a vehicle strikes a person on foot, the injuries are almost always severe. There is no seatbelt, no airbag, no crumple zone. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers, we have represented pedestrian accident victims in Brooklyn, NY with every injury on this list. Our firm secured a $250,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian who suffered a fractured arm and back injuries after being struck by a car.
Traumatic brain injuries. A pedestrian’s head often strikes the hood of the vehicle, the windshield, or the pavement. Even a low-speed impact can cause a concussion or post-concussion syndrome that produces headaches, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes lasting months or longer. More severe impacts cause bleeding in the brain, permanent cognitive impairment, and disability.
Fractures and broken bones. Broken legs, hips, arms, wrists, and ribs are among the most common pedestrian accident injuries. The lower extremities take the initial impact when a car strikes a pedestrian. Many fractures require surgery with hardware like plates, screws, or rods, followed by months of physical therapy.
Spinal cord injuries. The violent force of a vehicle impact can herniate discs, fracture vertebrae, or damage the spinal cord itself. Back injuries range from chronic pain conditions requiring ongoing treatment to partial or complete paralysis. Even injuries classified as “moderate” can prevent a person from returning to physical work.
Internal organ damage. Blunt force trauma to the torso can cause internal bleeding, a ruptured spleen, liver lacerations, or kidney damage. These injuries aren’t always obvious at the scene. Some pedestrians walk away from the impact and collapse hours later. Emergency room evaluation after any pedestrian crash is critical.
Knee and leg injuries. Because the bumper height of most passenger vehicles aligns with a pedestrian’s knees, ligament tears, dislocations, and complex fractures of the tibia, fibula, and femur are extremely common. Many of these injuries require multiple surgeries and leave permanent limitations.
Neck and whiplash injuries. The sudden acceleration of being struck and thrown causes neck injuries that damage muscles, ligaments, and cervical vertebrae. Some pedestrians develop chronic conditions requiring epidural injections or surgery.
Soft tissue injuries. Torn ligaments, strained muscles, and deep bruising may not appear on X-rays, but they cause real pain and real limitations. Soft tissue damage from pedestrian crashes can take months to resolve and often requires extensive physical therapy.
Disfigurement and scarring. Facial lacerations, road rash, and burns from contact with hot engine components cause permanent scarring. Disfigurement qualifies as a “serious injury” under New York’s no-fault threshold, which allows full recovery of pain and suffering damages.
Psychological injuries. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after being struck by a vehicle. Many pedestrian accident victims develop a lasting fear of crossing streets. These emotional injuries are compensable under New York law.
Fatal injuries. When a pedestrian is killed by a negligent driver, the surviving family can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
The severity of your injuries determines the value of your claim. Thorough documentation from the emergency room through every follow-up appointment is what separates a strong case from a weak one.
Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer FAQs
How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost at Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers?
Nothing upfront. We charge a contingency fee, which means no recovery, no fee. We advance all case costs and collect attorney fees only if we recover compensation for you.
What should I do right after being hit by a car in Brooklyn?
Call 911. Get medical attention immediately. Photograph the scene, the vehicle, and your injuries. Collect driver and witness contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Then contact a Brooklyn pedestrian accident attorney.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New York?
Three years from the date of the accident. If a city bus, MTA vehicle, or government entity caused the crash, you must file a notice of claim within 90 days. Do not wait.
Can I recover compensation if I was jaywalking when I was hit?
Yes. New York’s comparative negligence rules reduce your recovery by your percentage of fault but do not eliminate it. If you were 30% at fault and damages total $200,000, you receive $140,000. Insurance adjusters inflate pedestrian faults to reduce payouts. We fight back with evidence.
What if the driver who hit me left the scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian crashes are common in Brooklyn. You may file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage or through a family member’s policy. We also work with police reports and surveillance to identify the driver.
Do I need car insurance to file a pedestrian accident claim?
No. Pedestrians struck by vehicles in New York access no-fault benefits through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. If the driver was uninsured, other coverage options exist. We identify every available insurance policy.
What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident in Brooklyn?
Medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Cases involving permanent injuries, multiple surgeries, or long-term disability result in significantly higher recoveries.
What if a broken sidewalk caused my pedestrian injury?
The adjacent property owner may bear responsibility under NYC Administrative Code Section 7-210. Claims against the city or property owners require strict compliance with deadlines. Our firm has recovered $225,000 for a woman who tripped and fractured her wrist on a raised city sidewalk.
How long does a Brooklyn pedestrian accident case take?
Timelines vary. Some cases settle within months. Others involving disputed liability or complex injuries take a year or longer. We prepare every case for trial, which often pressures insurers to settle fairly.
Does my pedestrian accident claim cover future medical expenses?
Yes. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, future surgeries, physical therapy, or assistive devices, those projected costs are part of your claim. We work with medical professionals to document future care.
Local Information for Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Cases
Most Dangerous Locations for Pedestrians in Brooklyn
Pedestrian injuries in Brooklyn concentrate along specific corridors where wide roads, high traffic volume, and heavy foot traffic converge.
- Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. This intersection near Barclays Center consistently ranks among the most dangerous in the borough. Multiple pedestrian fatalities have been recorded here in recent years.
- Fourth Avenue corridor (Park Slope to Downtown Brooklyn). Wide lanes and fast-moving traffic make this stretch hazardous for pedestrians despite recent safety improvements.
- Utica Avenue and Eastern Parkway. High pedestrian volume from transit connections and commercial activity creates constant conflict with vehicle traffic.
- Kings Highway and Ocean Parkway. Long crossing distances and heavy commercial traffic produce frequent pedestrian crashes in this area.
- Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue. A busy intersection in the heart of Flatbush where pedestrians cross multiple lanes amid turning vehicles and buses.
- Broadway and Flushing Avenue. Truck traffic from nearby industrial areas combined with residential foot traffic generates dangerous conditions along the Williamsburg and Bushwick border.
What Are Important Local Resources for Brooklyn Pedestrian Accidents
If you’ve been struck by a vehicle while walking in Brooklyn, these local resources may help.
- NYC 311 — Report broken traffic signals, missing crosswalk markings, or dangerous intersections: 311
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County — Level I Trauma Center in Brooklyn: (718) 245-3131
- Maimonides Medical Center — Brooklyn emergency and trauma care: (718) 283-6000
- NYPD 77th Precinct — Crown Heights, Prospect Heights: (718) 735-0611
- NYPD 71st Precinct — Flatbush, East Flatbush: (718) 735-0511
- Kings County Supreme Court — For filing pedestrian injury lawsuits in Brooklyn
Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers does not endorse any of the organizations listed above. These resources are provided for informational purposes only.
About the Attorneys
Ivan Rodriguez has practiced personal injury law in New York for 25 years and has tried pedestrian accident cases in both State and Federal Courts. He secured a $250,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian who was struck by a car and suffered a fractured arm and back injuries. Our firm has a Brooklyn office at 1411 President Street, 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11235.
What Our Clients Say
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“The office staff responded to all my concerns with the sensitivity and patience. They did amazing job handling my case, with respect, compassion and professionalism. I am so happy to have Laura Rosenberg as my attorney. This office truly cares about their clients.” — Michael Faynblut
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle while walking in Brooklyn, NY, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys do not charge legal fees unless we win your case and consultations are always free and confidential. Contact us today to speak with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Brooklyn at Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers.
