What Happens If You Get Hit by a Car While Walking?
Our Bronx attorneys can protect your rights after a pedestrian accident
In the city that never sleeps, the streets are always alive – with bustling pedestrians, honking taxis, and the constant hum of activity. With New York City’s daily hustle and bustle comes an unfortunate reality: pedestrian accidents are all too common.
In the first half of 2024 alone, 61 pedestrians lost their lives on NYC streets. This marked a 27% increase from the same period in the previous year. If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, it’s important to understand how serious your injuries are, their long-term impacts, and the steps you should take afterward.
Hit by a car while walking – injuries and long-term impact
Pedestrian accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. These injuries typically include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
When a pedestrian is struck by a car, the impact often delivers a devastating blow to the head, whether from hitting the ground, the vehicle itself, or other objects. This can lead to TBIs, which range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma.
Beyond the immediate symptoms of headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, TBIs can result in profound and lasting consequences. Injured pedestrians often face cognitive challenges, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making.
Emotional effects, such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression, can disrupt daily life and relationships. In severe cases, TBIs may cause permanent disabilities that require long-term medical care and rehabilitation.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating outcomes of pedestrian accidents. The force of a vehicle’s impact can compress, fracture, or sever the spinal cord. This can potentially lead to partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries can strip you of your mobility and independence.
They often require extensive medical care, assistive devices, and ongoing support. Even less severe spinal cord injuries (e.g., herniated discs or nerve damage) can bring chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a significant decline in quality of life. Recovery often involves prolonged rehabilitation, physical therapy, and, in some cases, multiple surgeries.
Fractures and broken bones
Fractures are among the most common pedestrian accident injuries. They typically affect the legs, arms, ribs, or pelvis. But these aren’t just simple breaks that heal with time. They can disrupt your life. Many injured pedestrians face chronic issues such as reduced mobility, debilitating arthritis, and relentless pain that lingers long after the cast comes off.
If you’re dealing with fractures after being hit by a car, know that the path to recovery may be long. Recovery often requires multiple surgeries, rigorous physical therapy, and weeks or months away from work, which can add financial strain to physical hardship. The ripple effects can be overwhelming and turn everyday tasks into monumental challenges.
Internal injuries
The sheer force of a vehicle collision can wreak havoc inside the body and cause dangerous internal injuries. The liver, spleen, or kidneys are especially vulnerable to damage, and the silent nature of these injuries often means they go unnoticed until symptoms worsen. If left untreated, internal injuries can quickly lead to severe complications such as internal bleeding, organ failure, or even death.
Even with timely intervention, the long-term impact can include chronic organ dysfunction, persistent pain, and the need for lifelong medical care.
Psychological trauma
The aftermath of being hit by a car while walking often extends far beyond physical injuries. You may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) marked by flashbacks, nightmares, and a heightened sense of fear.
These mental health struggles are not always immediately apparent, but they can profoundly affect your ability to work, connect with loved ones, or even step back onto the sidewalk without hesitation. Addressing these challenges often requires therapy or counseling to regain a sense of normalcy and emotional balance.
When should I see a doctor after a pedestrian accident?
After being hit by a car while walking, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Shock and adrenaline can mask pain, which can cause you to overlook serious injuries.
Additionally, insurance companies might use delayed treatment as leverage against your pedestrian accident claim. They might argue that your injuries aren’t severe or weren’t caused by the pedestrian accident. Prompt medical attention addresses your injuries early on and creates a clear link to your pedestrian accident. To strengthen your case, save all medical bills, receipts, prescriptions, appointment logs, and other documentation that proves your injury is legitimate and you’re taking the right steps toward recovery.
What is the average payout for a pedestrian hit by a car in NYC?
Determining the average settlement for pedestrian accidents in NYC can be challenging, as there is no set dollar amount initially. Pedestrian accident settlements vary based on injury severity, medical expenses, and lost wages. However, settlements can range from $15,000 to $75,000 for minor injuries and up to $500,000 or more for severe or permanent injuries.
The damages you can collect in a pedestrian accident lawsuit include:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
It’s important to consult with a Bronx pedestrian accident lawyer who can accurately assess your damages. Your attorney will consider both current and future expenses and may advise waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. Reaching MMI ensures that your medical condition is fully evaluated, so the insurance companies can’t undervalue your pedestrian accident claim.
Take the first step towards recovery
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, you deserve justice and fair compensation. However, dealing with your claim and the driver’s insurance company can be frustrating. That’s why you need a legal advocate in your corner who knows New York’s laws and how to build strong cases.
The Bronx pedestrian injury lawyers at Giampa Law can handle every aspect of your case while you focus on getting better. That includes negotiating with insurance companies for a maximum settlement. If they refuse to settle, we’re ready to go to trial. In one case, our law firm won a $1.5 million verdict for an injured pedestrian who suffered serious and ongoing injuries after being hit while crossing the street.
We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your pedestrian accident, evaluate potential claims, and outline the best course of action tailored to your situation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you get back on your feet.
“Giampa Law was incredible throughout the process of my case. They helped me win a settlement that has significantly impacted my life. Thank you, Zach!”
– T.B.
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