Pedestrian Accidents
Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Legal Advocacy for Pedestrians Injured in Brooklyn.
Walking across the street or down the sidewalk should not lead to a serious injury or fatality. However, this is the reality for many pedestrians who are struck by vehicles. They are often hospitalized for weeks and may not be able to return to their previous jobs. Tragically, some of these accidents result in fatalities.
If you or a loved one were hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle while walking, you could make a legal claim for compensation. Get in touch with the Brooklyn firm Gabriel Law. We can evaluate your case and help you better understand your legal rights.
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On This Page
Your Guide to Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Claims
- The Gabriel Law Difference
- Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common in Brooklyn
- Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
- Proving the Elements of a Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Case
- Potential Damages in Your Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
- Is There a Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Near Me?
- Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Frequently Asked Questions
The Gabriel Law Difference
As you contemplate which law firm is best to handle your case, you should know what sets Gabriel Law apart from our competitors. Our firm has been trusted by countless personal injury victims to deliver the justice they deserve after being in an accident. We treat victims the way we’d want to be treated if we were in their shoes.
That means when you hire us as your Brooklyn pedestrian accident firm, you have a trusted legal advocate working with you throughout every stage of the case. We seek the best possible outcome for you:
- Full investigation of the relevant facts surrounding your accident
- Early identification of the parties who could be held liable for your injuries
- Relaying a demand amount that we seek on your behalf through either settlement or trial
- Negotiating on your behalf with insurance companies so you can focus on healing
- Consulting expert witnesses who can support claims within your lawsuit
- Going to trial if a fair out-of-court settlement cannot be reached
- Leveraging our considerable New York personal injury law experience to your advantage
We offer prospective clients a free initial evaluation so you can learn more about your options. Also, our firm represents pedestrian accident victims on contingency. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we recover compensation through a settlement or trial. If we don’t win anything for you, then you owe us nothing.
Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Common in Brooklyn
Despite efforts to make Brooklyn and other parts of New York more pedestrian-friendly, accidents are still quite common. For example, in 2024, the borough recorded 3,206 pedestrian injuries and 36 pedestrian fatalities. There are various reasons these accidents occur, such as:
Lack of visibility
Every driver should be aware of the possibility that a pedestrian might cross in front of their vehicle. But several factors can impact visibility, such as the time of day, lack of adequate street lighting, and high traffic volume.
Failure to yield
New York has right-of-way rules for pedestrians, yet many drivers ignore or don’t know them. Failure to yield is one of the most common causes of pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
Driving under the influence
Although it’s against the law to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it’s a common factor in many pedestrian accident cases. An impaired driver is not likely to stop for someone crossing the street or may even jump the curb and hit someone.
Distracted driving
Likewise, not paying attention while driving is dangerous for anyone caught in a vehicle’s path. As crowded as Brooklyn is, it only takes a relatively minor distraction to cause a major collision with a pedestrian.
Speeding
The faster someone is driving, the less likely they are to slow down and stop for a pedestrian crossing the street. Speeding puts everyone at risk, especially individuals who have no protection from the impact of a vehicle.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
If you were struck by a car, you should not delay and seek medical attention right away. You might not realize you’ve been badly hurt because some of the most serious injuries may not show up immediately. Some common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Bone fractures
- Amputation
- Soft tissue damage
- Lacerations
Psychological and Emotional Consequences of Pedestrian Accidents
While many pedestrian accident victims rightfully focus on their immediate physical well-being, they shouldn’t neglect the non-physical consequences they could suffer. Accident victims can experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological and emotional issues.
For this reason, be sure to see a mental health professional if you are having trouble sleeping, notice changes in your mood, experience social withdrawal, or have other unusual changes. You may be able to include the expenses related to treatment in your claim for monetary damages.
Proving the Elements of a Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Case
Hiring an attorney is crucial to make a compelling case for monetary compensation. This means proving the elements of a Brooklyn personal injury lawsuit:
- Duty of care: This refers to the legal obligation that individuals have to avoid conduct that causes foreseeable harm to someone else. All drivers, for example, have a duty to obey traffic laws and safely operate their vehicles.
- Breach: The person or business failed to meet the duty of care. This could mean speeding, texting while driving, or otherwise acting carelessly.
- Causation: The careless conduct must be connected to the injury. In simple terms, you must show that the accident happened because of what the other party did or failed to do.
- Damages: The injured party must have suffered real harm. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced earning ability or other losses.
Potential Damages in Your Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit
Since every pedestrian accident is different, the type and amount of damages you can ask for will depend largely on the specific facts of your case. As a general rule, however, most victims can seek these damages:
- Medical expenses: Medical bills are one of the most significant consequences of being in an accident. Also, the victim can ask for damages that cover their reasonably estimated future medical bills.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: You can also include a request for the income you missed while recovering from your injuries. Similarly, if you are unable to work at the same job or the same productivity level because of your accident, you can potentially claim future missed income and benefits.
- Non-economic damages: The term “non-economic” means that these damages are more subjective. Some examples of commonly requested non-economic damages are pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
If the victim dies, the estate’s personal representative (who is often a surviving family member) can file a wrongful death claim. These lawsuits seek different types of damages, such as funeral and burial expenses. Our firm handles wrongful death actions.
Locations
Is There a Pedestrian Accident Law Firm Near Me?
Gabriel Law has an office located at 2653 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223, along one of the major north-south thoroughfares in the borough. We are proud to serve the following neighborhoods:
- Sheepshead Bay
- Brighton Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Gravesend
- Bensonhurst
- Dyker Heights
- Mapleton
- Midwood
- Marine Park
- Mill Basin
- Bay Ridge
Our office is close to the intersection of Coney Island Avenue and Avenue X, about two miles north of Coney Island and attractions such as Luna Park and the New York Aquarium. With access to Avenue U and Kings Highway, Gabriel Law is convenient to most of southern Brooklyn.
Long Island — Main Office
2 Lincoln Ave., Suite 400, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
In Rockville Centre, Nassau County — serving all of Long Island.
Manhattan
340 W 57th St #2L
New York, NY 10019
Brooklyn
2653 Coney Island Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Queens
39-10 Main St #200
Queens, NY 11354
The Bronx
1136 Castle Hill Ave
Bronx, NY 10462
Can’t make it in? Phone and video consultations are available. When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.
Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Frequently Asked Questions
First, call 911 and report the incident to emergency services. An ambulance and a police officer will come to your location to provide further assistance. Next, try to document as much as you can about the car that hit you. Many pedestrian accidents are hit-and-run accidents, so it’s important to make note of as many details as you can in case the driver flees.
You should also begin documenting the accident. If you are able to do so, take pictures and record videos of the scene, including your injuries. If there were any eyewitnesses, get their names and contact information. Find out if anyone recorded the incident on video.
After you get medical attention for your injuries, contact an attorney. Your lawyer can walk you through the steps of filing an accident claim and seeking compensation.
Contact Us
Contact Our Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Everyone deserves to walk the streets of New York without fear of a life-changing incident. If you were struck by a vehicle, it’s important to consult a law firm that understands what is at stake. Call Gabriel Law today. We have the experience it takes to advocate for the compensation you need to recover. Connect with us now to schedule your free initial case consultation.