Sidewalk Accident Lawyers
Nearly 12% of all people killed each year in traffic accidents are pedestrians, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The amount of these pedestrians that are injured is 3%. This apparent imbalance conceals a deadly fact: most pedestrians who are involved in a traffic accident are killed. More die than are simply injured.
The most alarming part of the data from the NHTSA indicates that the vast majority of pedestrians involved in a traffic accident were practicing proper safety measures by using sidewalks and sidewalks.
Our Promise
Personal injury litigation requires skill, knowledge and patience. To bring you the very best representation we promise to:
- Provide free initial consultation for injury cases
- Get the maximum money compensation we can for your medical costs, lost wages and damages
- Guide you through the legal maze, always at your side, 24/7
Consult with Our Lawyers Online, For Free!
If you or anyone you know has been injured or killed in a sidewalk accident within the Greater Hudson Valley or the Bronx, you may be eligible to receive compensation to cover any and all related damages. Other right-of-way injuries may also qualify for compensation.
Six Steps to Receive Compensation
with Sobo & Sobo
Tell Us Your Story
Accidents can be complicated and loaded with pitfalls because both healthcare and the law are tricky. Your initial, person-to-person consultation with a Sobo lawyer will clear some things up, right away. It’s free and you have no obligation after sitting down with us. We’ll help.
In this first chat and soon thereafter, we’ll:
- Explain your rights
- Find follow-up medical care and testing
- Arrange emergency financing if available
- Discuss your special circumstances
- Walk you through the legal process, step by step
- Plan and prepare to pursue your case
Money Damages
The victims of accidents are entitled to compensation for their losses. The amount of money paid to victims varies based on the severity of damages, injury and other losses suffered.
Your Sobo & Sobo lawyer will explain:
- Medical Expenses: Getting them Paid
- Lost Wages: What You are Owed
- Property Damage: Fixing or Replacing Your Vehicle
- Pain & Suffering: Discomfort, Anxiety and More
Legal Fees
We represent clients on a contingent basis. That means we do not collect any money until your case is won and money damages are paid. We receive a portion of those damage payments only after they are finalized. So, you are never “out of pocket” any money to us.
Why Choose Sobo & Sobo?
The Sobo & Sobo law firm specializes in injury litigation. We’ve represented many accident victims just like you.
- We’ve been serving clients for over 50 years.
- We have offices throughout the Hudson Valley, plus in the Bronx and Manhattan.
- Our staff includes hundreds of legal professionals ready to help.
Choose the law firm that focuses on helping the injured get justice. We will use our skill, knowledge and genuine concern to win for you.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
How to Avoid Sidewalk Accidents
The NHTSA recommends pedestrians follow these 10 simple steps to avoid injuries from traffic accidents:
- Walk as predictably as possible. Follow the rules of the road and obey traffic signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic—and as far from traffic as possible.
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at sidewalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a sidewalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers and try to get their acknowledgment of your presence to make sure you are seen.
- Try to be as visible as possible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your judgment and reaction times.
Safety Tips for Drivers:
How to Avoid Sidewalk Accidents
Generally speaking, pedestrians typically have the right of way. However, there are some instances in which pedestrians can be found liable for a traffic accident involving a motor vehicle.
Instances where pedestrians might be considered at fault include:
- Jaywalking
- Disregarding “do not walk” traffic signals
- Entering a sidewalk while intoxicated
- Walking across bridges, highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited
However, it is far more common for the driver to be held liable for a sidewalk accident. Typically, the driver’s insurance company will offer an amount they believe to be fair and reasonable compensation to the injured pedestrian. However, this initial offer will most likely be a very low amount, compared to the compensation an injured party can receive through a personal injury case.
Whether you’re the driver or the pedestrian involved in a sidewalk accident, if you believe the opposite side is responsible for causing the crash, you should immediately contact a personal injury lawyer to represent you. They can help collect the evidence, testimonies and other documents necessary to build a successful case, and maximize your settlement to help pay off all related damages and medical expenses.
Who is at Fault in a Sidewalk Accident?
Both types of stop-sign accidents are deadly and can result in serious short and long-term consequences for all drivers, passengers and pedestrians involved. Filing a stop-sign accident lawsuit can help you recover lost wages and working hours you may have missed due to your injuries, along with any related medical expenses, or other damages.
However, there are certain steps you can take as soon as possible after your accident to maximize your chances of building a successful case, before you file a lawsuit:
- Do NOT let another driver’s insurance company take a recorded statement regarding the accident. This is typically asked by insurance companies so that statements made before consulting with an attorney can be used as evidence that may discredit any recounting of the accident later
- Collect a copy of the police report
- Try to get a recording or hand-written account from any witness of the accident willing to give you a statement
- Most intersections are equipped with security cameras to catch people who illegally disregard traffic signals. This can be valuable evidence for your case. A personal injury lawyer will be able to help you collect this evidence.
- Keep a detailed record of all medical records relating to your injury, as well as a list of lost working hours and wages that are directly related to any injury.
It is recommended that you enlist the help of a personal injury attorney with years of experience representing those involved in stop-sign accidents. The right lawyer can help you collect all the evidence, paperwork and testimonials you’ll need to build your case, and maximize your settlement.
Sidewalk Lawsuits:
What to Do Before You File
Sidewalk accidents can be deadly, and/or result in serious short and long-term consequences for all drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Filing a lawsuit against the driver responsible for the accident can help you recover lost wages missed due to your injuries, along with any related medical expenses, and other damages.
There are certain steps you can take as soon as possible after your accident to maximize your chances of building a successful case, before you file a lawsuit:
- Do NOT let another driver’s insurance company take a recorded statement regarding the accident. This is typically asked by insurance companies so that statements made before consulting with an attorney can be used as evidence that may discredit any recounting of the accident later
- Collect a copy of the police report
- Try to get a recording or hand-written account from any witness of the accident willing to give you a statement
- Most intersections are equipped with security cameras to catch people who illegally disregard traffic signals. This can be valuable evidence for your case. A personal injury lawyer will be able to help you collect this evidence.
- Keep a detailed record of all medical records relating to your injury, as well as a list of lost working hours and wages that are directly related to any injury.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you or someone you know has been in an accident and are seeking compensation for any resulting pain and suffering, call 855-GOT-SOBO for a free consultation with an expert car accident attorney today.
The accident attorneys at Sobo & Sobo have over 50 years of experience helping clients across New York’s Hudson Valley and the Bronx win the compensation they deserve for their losses and improving their quality of life.
When you file a claim with Sobo & Sobo, you don’t pay unless we win the case. When we do win, our attorneys are paid through a percentage of your settlement, meaning you never have to pay out of pocket.
