Walking in NYC can be riskier than you’d expect. Apart from the about 15,000 pedestrians who suffer injuries from motor vehicles in New York every year, pedestrians can trip on uneven pavement, suffer injuries from heavy falling objects near construction sites, or slip on icy sidewalks.
If you sustain an injury while walking down the street, you should talk to a New York sidewalk accident lawyer. A sidewalk accident lawyer in the Bronx can help determine who’s responsible for your accident, file your claim on time, and protect your rights when negotiating with insurance companies.
Why Work With a Sidewalk Accident Attorney?
Even if you follow all road safety rules as a pedestrian, accidents can happen. Poor sidewalk maintenance, washed-out crosswalk markings, and other hazards may put you at risk of a serious injury. According to the CDC, over 100,000 pedestrians visited the ER in 2020 for crash-related injuries alone.
When sustaining a serious injury, you may be unsure who’s supposed to compensate you or how to proceed with filing a claim. A New York City pavement accident lawyer can make your life a lot easier. Let’s list five reasons for working with an attorney after your accident.
1. A Lawyer Can Let You Know Who’s Responsible
With sidewalk accidents, it may be unclear who’s liable. For example, who’s at fault if you slip on an icy sidewalk, fall onto a roadway, and then a motorist hits you? A Manhattan sidewalk collision attorney can help you figure out liability in such a case. In some instances, you may be able to sue more than one party.
Knowing who’s responsible for your accident is also important for filing timeframes. For example, if you’re taking action against the City of New York, you only have 90 days to file a notice of claim. Working with a lawyer will ensure your claim meets the appropriate deadlines.
2. A Lawyer Knows How Claims Work
Handling a complex claim can be daunting when you’re not a legal professional. You may have no idea whether you even have a case, what similar cases usually settle for, or what evidence you’d need to prove your losses. Moreover, what happens if the other side claims you caused the accident yourself?
An experienced New York sidewalk accident lawyer will help you through all the steps of your claim. They’ll examine all your available evidence and present it in a compelling way. They’ll calculate your losses, including current and prospective costs, and include non-economic damages (a.k.a. pain and suffering).
Your attorney will also let you know how to proceed if the at-fault side doesn’t have enough insurance coverage. If the other side refuses to settle, your lawyer will take your case to court and, if necessary, advocate for your rights at trial.
3. Working With a Lawyer Saves You Hassle During a Difficult Time
If you suffered serious injuries in a sidewalk accident, you may face a challenging recovery and a period of being unable to work. This is a time when you need to focus on your health and not worry about dealing with insurance and the legal system.
An NYC pedestrian pathway accident lawyer can provide invaluable help during a difficult time. A trusted lawyer will provide regular updates on your claim so you’ll know how it’s progressing and when you may expect it to settle.
When shopping around for a lawyer, check a law firm’s record and read former clients’ reviews. Look up your prospective lawyer’s outcomes in cases similar to yours to help you decide whether this lawyer is a good fit for you.
4. A Lawyer Can Protect You From Underhanded Tactics by Insurers
As a rule, insurance companies will do everything to pay you as little as possible. In sidewalk accident cases, insurers may shift the blame onto you, argue that your injuries are less serious than you say, or look for a technical loophole to deny your claim.
An insurance adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement and trick you into saying things that could harm your case. They may go through your social media looking for statements and photos that contradict the seriousness of your injuries or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
An NYC pedestrian walkway injury attorney will know what your case is worth and can defend you from unethical tactics by insurance adjusters. Your lawyer can also advise you on using social media carefully (or avoiding it altogether) during your claim process.
5. Your Settlement Will Almost Always Be Higher If You Work With a Lawyer
A report from the Insurance Research Council shows that claimants who work with lawyers collect much higher settlements. On average, these settlements are 3.5 times bigger compared to claimants who choose to self-represent. This report deals specifically with auto injuries, but the same principle works for insurance claims in general.
Since personal injury law firms typically work on a contingency basis, a lawyer will only take on your case if they believe you have a solid claim and a high chance of winning. Your attorney will use all their skill and experience to negotiate the highest possible settlement for you since their payout depends on yours. You’ll almost always walk away with more money in your pocket if you work with a lawyer, even after you deduct their legal fees from your settlement.
Call Ross & Hill for a Consultation With an NYC Sidewalk Accident Lawyer
Did you suffer an injury while walking in NYC? Call us at Ross & Hill. Our experienced lawyers will tell you important things you need to know about sidewalk accident injuries and explain your options for claiming compensation.
With almost 40 years of relentless advocacy for accident victims’ rights, Ross & Hill is a trusted law firm that can guide you through all the steps of your sidewalk accident claim. Call 718-855-2324 or contact us online to book a free consultation with a New York sidewalk accident lawyer. You only pay when we win.
FAQ
What should I do after a sidewalk accident in NYC?
First, move out of harm’s way and call 911 if necessary. If you can, stay on the scene long enough to document any key details (like the hazard that led to your injury) and collect witnesses’ names and contact information. See a doctor for a checkup and seek sidewalk injury legal representation in NY.
How likely is my case to go to trial?
Most sidewalk accident cases end in a settlement and don’t proceed to trial. However, since you never know how your case will play out, it’s important to choose an attorney who has solid courtroom skills and is ready to take your case to trial if necessary.
How long do I have to file a sidewalk accident claim?
This depends on whether your accident happened on private property or in a public area. Regular premises liability cases have a three-year deadline in NY, but if you’re filing a claim against the city, you’ll need to submit a notice of claim within 90 days and proceed to file the claim within a year and 90 days of the accident.
How much does it cost to hire a New York City sidewalk injury attorney?
Trustworthy New York sidewalk accident lawyers, including Ross & Hill, typically handle fees on a contingency basis, so you only pay your lawyer when collecting your settlement. Reach out to learn more about our fee structure.
