Elma is a picturesque location for many people who want to enjoy Western New York by walking through the scenic parks or exploring the bustling downtown shops and stores. Unfortunately, careless drivers may disrupt these plans by colliding with pedestrians, causing them to suffer broken bones, concussions, or any number of injuries. When you are a pedestrian who experiences an accident because of a negligent driver, the law may entitle you to file a claim against the person responsible.
An experienced Elma pedestrian accident lawyer from our firm is ready to advocate on your behalf and hold at-fault parties legally and financially responsible for your injuries. Our team has a deep understanding of New York’s accident laws and has helped many injured people pursue justice and compensation. A skilled personal injury attorney from Richmond Vona, LLC can help. Give us a call today to begin reviewing the details of your accident.
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When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way in New York?
New York law contains guidelines for when pedestrians have the right of way. For example, pedestrians already crossing the street when the “Do Not Walk” light appears should continue to walk across the road rather than turn around. A vehicle emerging from or entering a parking garage, alleyway, private road, or driveway must yield the right of way to any pedestrian approaching on any sidewalk or road shoulder.
Additionally, pedestrians have the right of way in nearly all circumstances when they are utilizing a sidewalk, crossing the street when signage says it is safe to do so, and walking within marked crosswalks. An Elma attorney can help individuals who are hit while traveling on foot by investigating the cause of their collision to establish who had the right of way. They can take the lead in interviewing witnesses and collecting helpful evidence, such as security camera footage.
Compensation After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrians often suffer significant injuries when hit by a vehicle, such as a passenger car, motorcycle, bicycle, or truck. New York law enables victims to pursue a damages award against the person or company responsible for their injuries, even if the court determines they share partial responsibility for the accident. That said, the court may reduce the injured party’s damages award by the percentage of fault they bear for the accident or their injuries.
Injured pedestrians can recover compensation for the accident’s financial, physical, and psychological impact. For example, they may receive a monetary award to address the pain and suffering they experienced, their loss or reduction of income, and the hospital bills they incurred. A knowledgeable Elma attorney can listen to understand how an incident has impacted the pedestrian’s life to create a settlement demand that accurately represents their needs.
Call an Elma Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Help
Getting hit by a motor vehicle when you are walking can be a terrifying event that results in numerous losses. Fortunately, you have options for getting your life back on track and pursuing the compensation and justice you need to regain a sense of normalcy. While you can try to handle this by yourself, it is in your best interest to call on an experienced attorney for help.
An Elma pedestrian accident lawyer at your firm can help you. We are here for you and can help you take the steps necessary to rebuild your life. Call Richmond Vona, LLC today to learn more during 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.
