Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer representing injured victim

Nassau County & Suffolk County Pedestrian Injury Attorneys

Compassionate Representation for Families in Suffolk County and Nassau County Since 1934

When a pedestrian is struck by a motor vehicle, the injuries are often catastrophic. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection against the force of impact. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and wrongful death are tragically common outcomes. If you or a loved one has been injured, speaking with an experienced Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer immediately is critical to protecting your legal rights.

For more than 90 years, Siben & Siben has represented injured victims throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. As a family-owned law firm serving Long Island since 1934, we understand both the legal complexities and the human consequences of serious pedestrian accidents.

We offer 24/7 free consultations so you can speak directly with a knowledgeable Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer about your case.

Why Pedestrian Accidents Are So Severe

Pedestrian collisions frequently occur:

  • At crosswalks

  • At intersections

  • In school zones

  • Along Sunrise Highway

  • On Jericho Turnpike

  • Near LIE service roads

  • In residential neighborhoods

Even at moderate speeds, the human body cannot withstand the force of impact. Victims often suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

  • Spinal cord injuries

  • Pelvic fractures

  • Internal bleeding

  • Permanent disability

A skilled Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer understands how to document both immediate trauma and long-term impairment.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents on Long Island

Many Nassau County and Suffolk County pedestrian accidents are caused by:

  • Distracted driving (texting while driving)

  • Failure to yield at crosswalks

  • Speeding

  • Drunk driving

  • Left-turn collisions

  • Poor visibility at night

  • Backover accidents in parking lots

New York law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. When drivers fail to do so, they can be held legally responsible.

An experienced Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer investigates cell phone records, surveillance footage, crash reports, and witness statements to establish fault.

Municipal Liability and Dangerous Roadway Design

Not every pedestrian accident is caused solely by driver negligence. In some Nassau County and Suffolk County cases, roadway design or municipal negligence contributes to the collision. Poorly timed traffic signals, faded crosswalk markings, obstructed signage, malfunctioning pedestrian signals, inadequate lighting, and dangerous roadway configurations can all increase the risk of serious injury.

When a municipality’s negligence plays a role, different legal rules apply. Claims against towns, villages, or counties often require a Notice of Claim within a much shorter time period than the standard three-year statute of limitations. These procedural deadlines are strict. Failure to comply can bar recovery entirely.

An experienced Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer evaluates whether roadway conditions contributed to the crash and determines whether municipal liability should be investigated. These cases require immediate action and careful procedural compliance.

Accident Reconstruction and Evidence Preservation

Modern pedestrian accident cases often rely heavily on technical evidence. Surveillance cameras, dashcams, traffic light sequencing data, vehicle black box information, and cell phone usage records can all influence liability determination.

A knowledgeable Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer may work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze:

  • Vehicle speed at impact

  • Skid marks and stopping distance

  • Line-of-sight visibility

  • Pedestrian position relative to crosswalk

  • Signal timing and traffic control devices

Insurance companies frequently argue “sudden dart-out” to avoid responsibility. Objective reconstruction evidence can refute those claims.

The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the greater the likelihood that electronic data is preserved before deletion.

Traumatic Brain Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Even when a pedestrian does not lose consciousness, traumatic brain injuries are common. Concussions, diffuse axonal injuries, and post-traumatic cognitive impairments may not fully manifest for days or weeks.

Symptoms can include:

  • Memory loss

  • Headaches

  • Dizziness

  • Mood changes

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Sensory disturbances

Insurance carriers often attempt to minimize these injuries, particularly when CT scans appear normal. However, many TBIs do not appear on initial imaging.

A skilled Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer works with neurologists and neuropsychologists to document cognitive impairment and long-term impact. Brain injuries can dramatically affect earning capacity and quality of life, particularly in younger victims.

Economic Loss and Future Earning Capacity

Pedestrian accident victims frequently miss significant time from work. In severe cases, they may never return to their prior occupation.

Calculating damages involves more than simply adding up medical bills. A thorough evaluation may include:

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of future earning potential

  • Fringe benefits

  • Pension loss

  • Career trajectory disruption

An experienced Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer may consult vocational experts and economists to project lifetime financial losses before settlement negotiations begin.

School Zone and Child Pedestrian Accidents

Long Island communities include numerous school zones and residential neighborhoods where children frequently walk or bike. Drivers have a heightened duty of care in these areas.

When a child is struck by a vehicle, injuries are often catastrophic due to size disparity. Pediatric trauma cases require special medical and legal consideration. Growth-related complications, developmental impact, and future educational disruption must be assessed.

Parents seeking justice often turn to a trusted Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to ensure their child’s long-term needs are fully addressed.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters

Insurance carriers begin building their defense immediately after a crash. Adjusters are trained to obtain statements that may later be used to minimize compensation.

Retaining a Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer early ensures:

  • Evidence preservation

  • Witness interviews

  • Medical documentation strategy

  • Protection from premature settlement offers

  • Compliance with municipal notice deadlines

Early action strengthens negotiating position and trial readiness.

Comparative Negligence in New York

New York follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that even if a pedestrian is partially at fault — for example, crossing outside a marked crosswalk — they may still recover compensation, reduced by their percentage of fault.

Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto injured pedestrians. A knowledgeable Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer anticipates this tactic and builds evidence to counter it.

Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Care

Pedestrian accidents often result in life-altering injuries requiring:

  • Multiple surgeries

  • Long-term rehabilitation

  • Home modifications

  • Wheelchair accessibility

  • Ongoing neurological treatment

Future medical costs can be substantial. A seasoned Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer works with life-care planners and medical experts to calculate long-term damages before settlement negotiations begin.

Wrongful Death Pedestrian Cases

When a pedestrian accident results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under New York law.

These claims may seek compensation for:

  • Funeral expenses

  • Medical bills prior to death

  • Loss of financial support

  • Loss of parental guidance

  • Conscious pain and suffering

Families navigating this process benefit from speaking with a compassionate Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer who understands both the legal and emotional weight of such cases.

Insurance Company Defense Strategies

Insurance carriers defending pedestrian accident claims often:

  • Argue jaywalking

  • Claim sudden dart-out

  • Dispute visibility

  • Minimize brain injury symptoms

  • Downplay long-term disability

A trial-ready Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer prepares every case as if it may be presented to a Nassau County or Suffolk County jury. That preparation strengthens negotiation leverage.

Nassau vs Suffolk County Litigation Considerations

While New York law governs both counties, courtroom dynamics vary between Mineola, Hempstead, Central Islip, and Riverhead.

Jury demographics, scheduling, and defense tactics differ. Working with a Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer who regularly appears in both Nassau and Suffolk courts provides strategic advantages.

Compensation Available in a Pedestrian Accident Claim

Victims may recover compensation for:

  • Emergency medical care

  • Surgery

  • Rehabilitation

  • Lost wages

  • Loss of earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent disability

  • Future medical costs

An experienced Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer evaluates both economic and non-economic damages before advising on settlement.

What To Do After Being Struck by a Vehicle

  1. Seek immediate medical care.

  2. Ensure a police report is filed.

  3. Obtain driver information.

  4. Preserve clothing and physical evidence.

  5. Photograph the scene if possible.

  6. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.

Early consultation with a Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can prevent critical mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents on Long Island

What if I was not in a crosswalk?

Even if you were outside a marked crosswalk, you may still recover compensation under New York’s comparative negligence system. A Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can evaluate whether the driver failed to exercise due care under the circumstances.

What if the driver fled the scene?

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are unfortunately common. Victims may pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. A knowledgeable Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help identify all available sources of recovery.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is three years. However, if a municipality is involved, shorter notice requirements may apply. Consulting a Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer early protects your claim.

What if the accident involved a child?

Children struck by vehicles often suffer severe injuries. Special legal considerations apply to minor claims. A compassionate Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer ensures that a child’s long-term needs are fully addressed.

Will my case go to trial?

Many cases settle. However, when liability is disputed or injuries are catastrophic, trial preparation may be necessary. We prepare every case as if it may go before a jury in Nassau County or Suffolk County.

Serving All of Long Island

We represent pedestrian accident victims throughout:

  • Bay Shore

  • Patchogue

  • Islip

  • Huntington

  • Smithtown

  • Babylon

  • Brookhaven

  • Riverhead

  • Mineola

  • Garden City

  • Levittown

  • Massapequa

Residents across Nassau and Suffolk Counties trust an established Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Siben & Siben for experienced representation.

Contact Siben & Siben – Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Nassau County or Suffolk County, do not wait to protect your rights. Early investigation preserves evidence and strengthens your case.

Speak directly with an experienced Long Island Pedestrian Accident Lawyer today.

Siben & Siben LLP
90 East Main Street
Bay Shore, New York 11706
Phone: 631-665-3400
Website: www.sibensiben.com

Family-Owned Since 1934
24/7 Free Personal Injury Consultations