Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Hempstead, NY
When vehicles strike pedestrians, the injuries can be catastrophic. There is no protection between a human body and a moving vehicle. Victims suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and internal organ trauma. Many pedestrian accidents are fatal. Those who survive face lengthy recoveries and permanent disabilities.
Drivers and their insurance companies respond with blame. They argue pedestrians were not in crosswalks. They claim victims were distracted by phones. They assert pedestrians appeared suddenly and could not be avoided. Their objective is minimizing payment while injured victims face overwhelming medical expenses.
Our Hempstead, NY pedestrian accident lawyer holds negligent drivers accountable. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers, we have recovered a $250,000 jury verdict for a pedestrian who suffered a fractured arm and back, an $875,000 settlement in a difficult liability case, jury verdicts of $815,000 and $760,000, and a $500,000 auto accident settlement. We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars from drivers and insurers who attempted to deny legitimate claims.
Why Choose Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers for Pedestrian Accident Cases in Hempstead, NY?
We Fight for Pedestrian Rights
Insurance companies approach pedestrian claims with skepticism. They assume pedestrians contributed to accidents through inattention, jaywalking, or other behavior. They minimize injury severity despite the obvious vulnerability of pedestrians struck by vehicles.
We counter these tactics with evidence. We obtain surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction analysis. We document traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and driver behavior. We establish driver negligence and overcome insurance company defenses.
Our results demonstrate our capabilities:
• $250,000 jury verdict for pedestrian with fractured arm and back
• $875,000 settlement in a high-risk liability case
• $815,000 jury verdict
• $760,000 jury verdict
• $550,000 rear-end accident settlement
• $500,000 auto accident settlement
Laura Rosenberg: Recognized Legal Advocate
Laura Rosenberg has practiced law in New York and New Jersey since 2001. Super Lawyers has recognized her annually from 2019 through 2026, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of attorneys.
She holds memberships in the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Her experience includes handling complex pedestrian accident claims involving severe injuries and disputed liability.
Ivan Rodriguez: 25 Years of Trial Experience
Ivan Rodriguez has practiced personal injury law in New York for 25 years. He handles pedestrian accidents, car accidents, Uber accidents, and all motor vehicle injury claims. He has tried cases in both State and Federal Courts, securing verdicts when insurance companies refused reasonable settlement offers.
His litigation record provides leverage in negotiations. Insurance adjusters recognize attorneys who will proceed to trial when necessary. That recognition influences claim valuations throughout the process.
Contingency Fee Representation
Clients pay nothing upfront. Our personal injury lawyer in Hempstead, NY advances all costs and collects fees only upon successful recovery. Pedestrian accident cases frequently require accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and extensive investigation. We handle these requirements without imposing financial burden during recovery.
Client Testimonials
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I was crossing the street in a crosswalk when a car ran the red light and hit me. The driver's insurance company tried to say I walked into traffic without looking. Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers got surveillance video from a nearby store that showed exactly what happened. They proved the driver was at fault and got me compensation for my injuries and lost wages." – Hosna Noorzi
Additional reviews are available on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Pedestrian Accident Cases We Handle in Hempstead
Pedestrian accidents occur throughout Hempstead under various circumstances. We represent victims injured by negligent drivers in all scenarios.
- Crosswalk accidents. Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks cause devastating injuries. Right-turning vehicles pose particular danger to pedestrians with the walk signal.
- Intersection accidents. Drivers running red lights, rolling through stop signs, or making illegal turns strike pedestrians lawfully crossing streets.
- Parking lot accidents. Drivers in shopping center lots, including Roosevelt Field Mall, back out of spaces or navigate aisles without watching for pedestrians.
- Sidewalk accidents. Drivers who lose control, mount curbs, or drive on sidewalks strike pedestrians in spaces where they should be completely safe.
- Hit and run accidents. When drivers flee after striking pedestrians, we pursue claims through uninsured motorist coverage and work with law enforcement to identify responsible parties.
- Distracted driver accidents. Drivers texting, using phones, or otherwise distracted fail to see pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
- Drunk driving accidents. Impaired drivers cause devastating pedestrian injuries. Victims may pursue both insurance claims and civil actions against intoxicated drivers.
- Rideshare vehicle accidents. Lyft and Uber drivers focused on app navigation or passenger pickup may fail to observe pedestrians.
- Commercial vehicle accidents. Delivery trucks and commercial vehicles operating in pedestrian-heavy areas cause serious injuries due to vehicle size and blind spots.
- School zone accidents. Drivers who speed or fail to stop for crossing guards endanger children walking to and from school throughout Hempstead.
New York Legal Requirements for Pedestrian Accident Cases
Understanding New York's legal framework regarding pedestrian rights helps protect claim integrity.
Driver Duties to Pedestrians
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must:
• Yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks
• Exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians
• Give warning by sounding horn when necessary
• Exercise proper precaution upon observing children or confused persons
Drivers who violate these duties and strike pedestrians bear responsibility for resulting injuries.
Pedestrian Right of Way
Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks and at intersections with traffic signals showing the walk signal. Even when pedestrians cross outside crosswalks, drivers must exercise due care to avoid collisions.
No-Fault Insurance
New York's no-fault insurance system applies to pedestrian accidents. Injured pedestrians may access Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits through the striking vehicle's insurance or their own auto insurance if they have coverage. PIP covers medical expenses and lost wages up to $50,000 regardless of fault.
Serious Injury Threshold
To pursue a claim for pain and suffering against a negligent driver, injuries must meet the "serious injury" threshold defined by New York Insurance Law. Given the severity of most pedestrian accidents, this threshold is frequently met.
Statute of Limitations
New York's statute of limitations provides three years from the accident date to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit. No-fault benefits must be claimed within 30 days of the accident. Claims against government entities require filing a notice of claim within 90 days under New York General Municipal Law.
Comparative Negligence
New York applies pure comparative fault principles. Insurance companies routinely argue pedestrians contributed to accidents by jaywalking, being distracted, or failing to look before crossing. Even if you bear partial responsibility, recovery remains available, reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault.
What Damages Are Recoverable in New York Pedestrian Accident Cases?
Pedestrian accidents cause severe injuries due to the lack of protection between victims and vehicles. Available compensation reflects injury severity and lasting effects.
Economic Damages
Economic damages address quantifiable financial losses:
• Emergency medical treatment and trauma surgery
• Intensive care unit stays
• Multiple surgical procedures
• Long-term rehabilitation programs
• Future medical expenses for permanent conditions
• Lost wages during extended recovery
• Permanent disability and loss of earning capacity
• Home modifications for mobility limitations
• In-home care and assistance
• Assistive devices and mobility aids
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents thousands of pedestrian fatalities annually. The CDC injury statistics confirm pedestrian accidents cause disproportionately severe injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
New York permits compensation for pain and suffering, encompassing:
• Physical pain from injuries and medical interventions
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological trauma
• Diminished quality of life and daily activities
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of independence and mobility
• Loss of consortium affecting spousal relationships
Pedestrian accidents commonly cause brain injuries when victims strike pavement or vehicle hoods. Back injuries and neck injuries result from impact forces. Soft tissue injuries accompany fractures and internal trauma.
Contact Rosenberg & Rodriguez Personal Injury Lawyers
Pedestrians injured in accidents in Hempstead or throughout Nassau County should contact our firm for case evaluation.
We provide free consultations to accident victims. We will review case facts, explain applicable legal options, and address questions. There is no obligation and no pressure.
Our contingency fee structure means clients pay nothing unless we recover compensation. We advance all costs and collect fees only upon successful resolution.
With over 100 combined years of experience, our attorneys understand how to establish driver negligence and pursue maximum compensation for injured pedestrians. We advocate aggressively for fair outcomes.
Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
