Traveling on foot anywhere comes with the potential for danger. However, these dangers quickly multiply when you are near moving vehicles. This can include sidewalks, crosswalks, or even parking lots and garages.
All motorists have a duty to protect pedestrians by operating their automobiles with appropriate caution and obeying relevant traffic laws. Unfortunately, drivers do not always uphold this standard, and those on foot endure life-changing accidents and injuries. A Clarence pedestrian accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation following a collision involving a motor vehicle. At Richmond Vona, LLC, our driven personal injury attorneys are prepared to take every needed step to gather evidence, measure your losses, and demand fair payments. Reach out today to learn more.
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Contributory Negligence in Pedestrian Accidents
The potential for collisions between cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians is higher than most would like to imagine. Of course, people using crosswalks to move in the street are vulnerable to drivers who may ignore the laws that require them to yield to pedestrians. However, people on foot may also suffer harm if a vehicle moves up onto a sidewalk or is traveling too quickly in a parking lot or garage.
While drivers must always act appropriately to minimize the chances of being in a collision, this does not mean that a driver is always at fault. New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1411 can limit a driver’s liability for an incident if an injured party is found to share a portion of the blame for an incident under a theory known as comparative negligence. Drivers and their insurance companies may allege that a pedestrian contributed to their injuries by wearing dark clothing at night or darting out into the street.
A Clarence pedestrian accident attorney can work to build a powerful case against a negligent driver and fight back against any allegation of shared blame. We can also help injured parties further understand the concept of comparative negligence and how it might affect their recovery of compensation.
Crashes Impact Pedestrians in a Variety of Ways
Pedestrians have no protection from the forces that can result from collisions with motor vehicles. As a result, the injuries that may follow these incidents have the potential to change a person’s life forever. Catastrophic injuries such as paralysis, crush injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries are common, as is the potential for wrongful death.
At the minimum, individuals may seek treatment in an emergency room and require a follow-up with their doctor. A lengthy hospital stay following surgery and extensive rehabilitation may be necessary for others. Regardless, an at-fault driver and their insurance company must pay for all needed medical care. They must also provide compensation to make up for the full extent of a person’s reduction in quality of life. This can include pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or an inability to spend time with loved ones.
Many individuals also seek reimbursement for lost wages due to being unable to work. A Clarence attorney from our firm strives to understand how an accident has impacted an injured pedestrian and uses this insight to demand appropriate compensation to cover the extent of an individual’s losses.
Contact a Clarence Pedestrian Accident Attorney Immediately
Every person who suffers harm because of the actions of another has the right to hold responsible parties liable for the damage they have caused. Naturally, this applies to pedestrians who endure harm because of the poor choices of drivers.
A Clarence pedestrian accident lawyer wants to help you pursue your case. We take care of all the legal work, including obtaining evidence, locating medical records and bills, and demanding payments so that you can focus on getting back on your feet. CallRichmond Vona, LLC, today to begin reviewing the details of your case in a free consultation.
With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our co-founding attorneys, John E. Richmond and Keith R. Vona, have helped injury victims and their family members recover more than $150 million in financial relief.
John E. Richmond
Co-Founding Member
As one of New York’s top personal injury attorneys, John E. Richmond understands that clients come first. With over a decade of experience representing plaintiffs, he knows how to hold negligent corporations and big insurance companies liable.
In his nearly 15 years in practice, Keith has been consistently recognized for his client service and record of results. He has been selected for inclusion in the New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list four times (2013 to 2016), an honor reserved for the top up-and-coming attorneys.
