Man about to cross a New York crosswalk

Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Were you hit by a car while walking the streets of New York City? Our law office can help with all aspects of your pedestrian accident case.

Driver negligence causes thousands of pedestrian accidents that lead to serious injuries to people who are simply walking across the street.

Learn how the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC in Manhattan and White Plains, NY, can win you financial compensation.

Don't Wait to Seek Representation Contact Our Law Office Today

Were you injured in a pedestrian accident? Our New York City injury lawyers can handle all areas of your case and work to recover your damages. Contact our personal injury attorneys today to request your free consultation

Quality Representation, Outstanding Results "We won big!"

"I was blessed to have chosen Michael Joseph as my personal injury attorney. He did an outstanding job and fought hard, to get me the most money I deserved for my case. We won big!" By Google reviewer LAWRENCE NEF, 2022

I've Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident What Should I Do Now? 

People frequently call our New York City and White Plains, NY, offices and tell our pedestrian injury attorneys, "I was a pedestrian hit by a car in NYC today. What do I do?" The answer can be confusing because one moment you are crossing the street, and the next you are hit by a car and on your way to the hospital with no information. If you are able to, follow these steps:

Our injury lawyers are here to handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing.
Our injury lawyers are here to handle all aspects of your case so you can focus on healing.

Call the Police

Call the police and your personal insurance company immediately.

Document the Accident

Document the accident and your injuries the best you can, especially if the driver fled the scene. If the driver remains, make sure you get their insurance information and license plate number.

Identify Driver's Insurance

Once the police arrive, identify the driver's insurance company who hit you. That insurance company is required by New York law to provide certain benefits, such as your medical expenses and any lost wages while you are disabled.

Do Not Incriminate Yourself

Do not say anything that might make it seem like the pedestrian accident was your fault.

Contact Our Attorneys

Contact the NYC pedestrian accident lawyers at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC by calling our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 359-2870.

Standing up for Injured Pedestrians

In this video, pedestrian accident lawyer Michael H. Joseph discusses how his office handles these devastating cases. We use all of our resources to help our clients collect what they are owed. Reach out today to book a free case review.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Contact Us for a Free Consultation

The New York City pedestrian injury attorneys at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC have been protecting New York City and White Plains, NY, area pedestrians who have been hit by cars and other motor vehicles for over two decades. If the driver of the vehicle was negligent, they can and should be held accountable for their actions, whether you suffered minor or serious injuries.

Mr. Joseph and his team can review the facts of your pedestrian accident case and help you file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New York City or Westchester. Our experienced New York pedestrian accident lawyers have helped many pedestrian accident clients receive significant financial verdicts and settlements that helped them pay for medical bills and other expenses. Requesting a free consultation using our online form or by calling us is the first step. Let us focus on your case so you can focus on healing from your pedestrian accident.

Front of Manhattan office

Read What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say

1

chris wilmott

2022

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I was treated professionally and extremely happy with the ability Michael had on getting me the money I was owed.    He is smart and efficient!    I would use him again in a heartbeat.

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1

Mark Scheflen

2022

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Michael H. Joseph was there for me all the way through a complex and difficult case.  He explained everything in great detail.  I am very pleased!

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$3,850,000 What We Secured for a New York Pedestrian Accident Victim

Our law office secured a $3,850,000 settlement in Queens for a pedestrian hit by a car. The victim suffered head injuries when the car blew through a red light.
Contact our law firm now if you've suffered head or brain injuries due to a pedestrian accident.

Common Questions Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Receive 

Scales in courtroom

Do I Have to Prove the Driver's Guilt?

No. Our Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyers will tell you that a pedestrian hit by a car or truck does not have to prove the driver was at fault to get no-fault benefits, which are payments of your medical expenses and lost earnings. 

Man contemplating documents

Can I Sue the Driver That Hit Me?

Yes. Our Manhattan personal injury lawyers know that pedestrians have the right of way. We understand both New York state and New York City’s rules for pedestrians in a crosswalk. If a pedestrian is hit in a crosswalk by a turning vehicle, that vehicle violated New York's Vehicle and Traffic law. So, yes, you can sue if you suffered an injury. Our NYC pedestrian accident attorneys know the law and will fight to hold careless drivers accountable for their actions.

Lawyer meeting client

Can You Help Me File a Lawsuit if I Couldn't Get the Driver's Information?

Absolutely. Our pedestrian accident lawyers know exactly how to find the driver's information and determine the insurance company that is responsible for paying for your medical bills. Our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers can get these benefits set up the same day we meet with you.

Lawyer meeting client

Where Can I Find the Insurance Information?

This information can be found on the accident report, which is available at the police department or precinct that responded to the accident. Or, you can get a copy of the accident report online at the New York Department of Motor Vehicle's website after about a week. You can find out the driver's insurance company by looking at the police report. The standard New York police motor vehicle accident reports have a DMV insurance code box, which will identify the insurance company for the driver who hit you. Our attorneys will gather this information if we take on your case.

Meet Our Pedestrian Injury Lawyers

Michael Joseph

Michael Joseph

Mr. Joseph is a trial lawyer who has successfully represented hundreds of clients at trial, on appeal, at arbitrations, mediations, and administrative hearings since 2000. He is a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and has been featured in the Daily News, the Huffington Post, and the New York Law Journal.

Clifford S. Nelson, Esq.

Clifford Nelson

Mr. Nelson is passionate about seeking justice for clients whose lives have been adversely affected by the negligence of others. He represents clients from all over New York, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Nassau County. Mr. Nelson has been practicing since 1991.

Choose the New York Law Firm That Will Fight For You Contact Our Law Office Today

If you were a pedestrian seriously injured by a neglectful driver, you could be dealing with expensive bills for medical services, physical therapy, and mental health services for the rest of your life. Plus, you may be unable to work and provide for your family due to your injuries. Do not let a tight-fisted insurance company talk you into settling for reduced compensation. Contact us instead.

No matter whether you were hit by a car, truck, or bus, our attorneys have the experience to win your case and get you the fair financial compensation that you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers only represent the injured and never have and never will work for insurance companies. Request your free consultation today online or by phone while the accident facts are fresh in your mind and in the mind of any witnesses.

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Call Us When You Have Nowhere Else To Turn

"Michael took my case when no one else would. He worked very, very, hard to get the job done. He was very prompt and professional and I have nothing but the highest regards for him and his staff. Excellent lawyer." Larry Stein
Avvo Rating 10.0 for Michael Howard Joseph, Top Attorney
For cases where pedestrians were hit by cars,
no one works harder than our New York City and
White Plains car accident lawyers.

Important New York Vehicle and Traffic Laws THE PEDESTRIAN HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY 

Our personal injury lawyers have won significant pre-trial settlements for our pedestrian accident clients based upon evidence that the driver violated these vehicle and traffic laws:

New York Crosswalk

Section 1151

  • When there are no traffic-control signals, the driver of a car or truck must yield the right of way by slowing down or stopping if need be to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk, except that any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overpass has been provided shall yield the right of way to all vehicles. Also, the same law requires that when any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of another vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

Section 1156

  • This traffic law states that where sidewalks are provided, pedestrians must be allowed to use them safely. This law is particularly important in New York City, where parking lots often require cars to travel over publicly traveled sidewalks. In other words, when a car is exiting a parking lot or driveway and there are pedestrians walking on the sidewalk, the driver has the responsibility to leave the parking lot or driveway in a safe manner.

Section 1111(a)(3)

  • Pedestrians have the right of way to cross a street when they are facing a green light within a crosswalk. If you have a green light, cars must yield to you. If you suffer personal injuries while crossing with the walk signal in your favor, the driver of the vehicle should be held responsible.

Section 1146

  • This law requires every driver of a vehicle, including cars, trucks, and buses, to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. 

Section 1163

  • This prohibits drivers from turning on a roadway unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety. So cars must keep a proper lookout when turning in order to avoid colliding with any pedestrians.

Crosswalk

Traffic Rule 34 RCNY 4-03(a)(1)(i)

  • This requires vehicles with a green light, which are turning right or left, to yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk. So even though a car, truck, or bus has a green light, the pedestrian still has a superior right of way. The vehicle legally must yield. 

Traffic Rule 34 RCNY 4-03(a)(1)(ii)

  • This gives pedestrians facing a green signal the right of way to proceed across the roadway within the crosswalk. So if the pedestrian has begun crossing the street and the light changes, the pedestrian still has the right to continue to cross the street. Cars, trucks, and buses must let the pedestrian finish crossing the street. 

Traffic Rule 34 RCNY 4- 02 and 4-04(d)

  • These rules prohibit drivers from operating their vehicles in a manner that will endanger any person. And that the operator of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian. So the operator of a vehicle must operate their car, truck, or bus in a manner that avoids hitting a pedestrian. 

I've Been Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident by a Car That Fled The Scene What Are My Options?

Typically, an accident is a hit-and-run if the driver flees the scene and cannot be identified. Our NYC pedestrian accident attorneys have handled many hit-and-run pedestrian accident cases. If you were a pedestrian hit by a car that fled the scene, you have rights under New York law that you may not know about. But first, you must:

Report

To recover benefits for a hit and run, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours of the accident. 

Identify

Identify the vehicle if possible. If the vehicle can be identified, the normal rules of no-fault and lawsuits apply.

Even in hit-and-run cases, our NYC lawyers are committed to getting you the recovery you deserve. 

One of the most frequent questions our New York pedestrian accident lawyers are asked is "What can I do if I was hit by a car that fled the scene?" Our NYC pedestrian accident lawyers know that New York law provides protection to pedestrians who are injured in hit and run accidents. If you or someone in your household owns a vehicle, then the insurance company for that vehicle has to provide uninsured motorist (UM) benefits, which includes payment for your medical bills, lost wages and even damages for pain and suffering up to the policy limits of the insurance policy. 

Even if there is not a car in the household, you are not out of luck. New York established a fund, called the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), that provides the same benefits as New York's required basic insurance policy for people that are injured in hit and run accidents where the driver cannot be identified. 

What Compensation Can Cover If You've Been in a Pedestrian Accident 

Injured pedestrians who can prove negligence on the part of the driver may be entitled to the following damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Loss of income
  • Emotional damage

Are Pedestrian Accidents Common? 2021 Was the Deadliest on NYC Streets

In highly populated urban areas, such as New York City, Manhattan, White Plains, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Ossining, Mamaroneck, Mount Vernon, and Nyack, pedestrian accidents that cause serious personal injuries, or worse, are a fact of life. 
"Traffic accidents killed 273 people in New York City last year, making 2021 the deadliest year on the city’s streets in recent history."

Motor Vehicles Aren't the Only Dangers for Pedestrians 

A study from the Consumer Product Safety Commission found there were more than 190,000 emergency room visits from 2017 to 2020 involving electric scooters and e-bikes. 

Many scooter and e-bike riders use sidewalks, walking paths, and other areas designated for pedestrians. These methods of transportation can be dangerous for pedestrians, especially if scooter and e-bike riders have difficulty controlling their vehicles. 

If you've been injured by a scooter or e-bike rider, our New York City and White Plains law offices can represent your case. All pedestrians have a right to be safe in public, especially if they're using spaces that are designated for them. 

people riding e-scooters

Let Us Handle Your Injury Claim

Speeding drivers, failure to obey traffic signals, and faulty road designs are all common causes of New York pedestrian accidents. An injured pedestrian can suffer everything from light scratches to traumatic brain injuries after a pedestrian accident. 

Pursuing an injury claim is one of the most effective ways to help victims reclaim their lives. The attorneys at the Law Office of Michael H. Joseph provide free consultations and free case reviews. It costs you nothing to have our attorneys review and assess your case. Call us today. 

New York City: (212)858-0503

White Plains: (914)574-8330

We're Here to Help New Yorkers

“He was professional from day one. He does exceptional work and is for the clients. His Law Firm is exceptional. They fight for the clients and make sure you are in the know if what’s going on from beginning to end.” Kimberly C.

Two Convenient Locations

For Pedestrians Hit By Cars

Our New York City Law Office is easily accessible and is a block and a half from Penn Station, the 6 train and the Path train. Located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan, our New York City pedestrian accident lawyers have decades of experience in representing pedestrians that are hit by cars in New York City, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. 

NYC

Meet With Our NYC Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

18 West 33rd Street, Suite 400
New York, N.Y. 10001
Tel: 212-858-0503

White Plains, N.Y.

Meet With Our White Plains Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

203 East Post Road 
White Plains, N.Y. 10601
Tel: 914-574-8330 

A Glowing Testimonial for Mr. Joseph

“Michael's mannerisms and professionalism were spot on. He also kept me up to date on where the case was and exactly what was going on at all times. He fought all the way for my son and never settled. He is a wonderful attorney.” Crystal C.
The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC

Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC

The Law Office of Michael H. Joseph, PLLC, has been helping injured victims recover compensation for their injuries for over a decade. Our attorneys are members of several prestigious organizations, including: 

  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice
  • New York County Bar Association
  • Westchester County Bar Association

To request your free initial consultation with our team, call our New York City office at (212) 858-0503 or our White Plains office at (914) 574-8330. You can also request a case review online.

Contact Us Today

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About Us

Our Locations

Personal Injury

Construction Accidents

Auto Accidents

Google map image of our location in 18 W 33rd St Ste 400 New York, NY

New York Office

18 W 33rd St
Ste 400
New York, NY 10001

Open Today 8:30am - 6:00pm

Google map image of our location in 203 E Post Rd  White Plains, NY

White Plains Office

203 E Post Rd
White Plains, NY 10601

Open Today 8:30am - 6:00pm

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