Mount Vernon, NY Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
Hit by a car in Mount Vernon? Our attorneys can fight for justice and full compensation
Walking through the streets of Mount Vernon should never put your life at risk. But too often, careless drivers turn a simple stroll into a nightmare. If you or a loved one was hit while crossing the street or walking along a roadway, the pedestrian accident lawyers at Giampa Law are here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
We represent pedestrian accident victims across Mount Vernon and the surrounding communities. Our attorneys know how devastating these incidents can be, and we work tirelessly to hold negligent drivers accountable. Contact us today to set up a free, confidential case evaluation with our lawyers.
FAQs About Mount Vernon Pedestrian Accidents
- Where do pedestrian accidents happen in Mount Vernon?
- What causes most pedestrian accidents?
- What injuries result from pedestrian accidents?
- Can I still file a claim if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?
- What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
- What should I do after being hit by a vehicle in Mount Vernon?
- What if the driver fled the scene?
- How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in New York?
- Can I sue if I was hit in a parking lot or driveway?
- How much is my pedestrian accident settlement?
- Do I have to go to court for a pedestrian accident case?
Where do pedestrian accidents happen in Mount Vernon?
Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, but certain areas in Mount Vernon are especially dangerous due to high foot traffic, poor visibility, and negligent driver behavior. Some of the most hazardous zones include:
- East Prospect Avenue near the Mount Vernon East train station, where heavy pedestrian activity and frequent drop-offs create constant risk
- South Columbus Avenue near busy intersections, where turning vehicles and speeding drivers often fail to yield to people in crosswalks
- Gramatan Avenue during evening commutes, when low lighting and traffic congestion increase the chances of a serious collision
- Lincoln Avenue near schools and parks, where children, families, and seniors frequently cross the street, often with limited traffic controls
These areas are prone to accidents due to a combination of driver inattention, failure to yield, and infrastructure challenges. Giampa Law investigates the exact location and circumstances of each crash by examining road design, signage, traffic patterns, and surveillance footage. We work to determine exactly how your pedestrian accident occurred and who is responsible, so we can build a powerful case that holds negligent drivers accountable and helps our clients recover full compensation.
What causes most pedestrian accidents?
The vast majority of pedestrian accidents are caused by driver negligence and careless or reckless behavior behind the wheel that puts lives at risk. Pedestrians have no protection in a crash, so even a moment of inattention by a driver can lead to devastating consequences. Some of the most common forms of driver negligence that lead to pedestrian accidents include:
- Failing to yield at crosswalks, particularly when turning or rushing through intersections
- Distracted driving, such as texting, adjusting GPS, talking on the phone, or eating while behind the wheel
- Speeding through intersections or residential areas, giving drivers less time to react to people crossing the street
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which impairs reaction time, judgment, and the ability to see pedestrians
- Making illegal or abrupt turns, especially without properly checking for people in the crosswalk
- Running red lights or stop signs, often during high-traffic times or when drivers are trying to beat the light
In some cases, defective traffic signals, poor lighting, or bad road design may also contribute to a crash. The Mount Vernon pedestrian accident lawyers at Giampa Law can investigate all possible causes, including driver behavior, road conditions, and municipal responsibility. Our goal is to build the strongest case and pursue every source of compensation.
What injuries result from pedestrian accidents?
Pedestrians have no physical protection when they’re struck by a vehicle, which means the injuries are often severe, life-changing, and sometimes fatal. Unlike drivers or passengers who have airbags, seatbelts, and a vehicle frame to absorb impact, pedestrians take the full force of the collision with their bodies, which results in some of the most traumatic injuries we see.
Common injuries in pedestrian accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures, especially in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. These often require surgical repair and extended recovery times.
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, brain bleeds, and long-term cognitive impairment, which can affect memory, speech, and emotional regulation.
- Spinal cord injuries, which may lead to partial or full paralysis and often require lifelong medical support.
- Internal organ damage, such as punctured lungs, ruptured spleens, or internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
- Facial and dental trauma, including broken jaws, lost teeth, or severe facial fractures that may require reconstructive surgery.
- Lacerations, contusions, and road rash, which may cause infection, scarring, or nerve damage.
These injuries often involve extended hospital stays, multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and psychological care. The legal team at Giampa Law makes sure your claim accounts for all current and future medical needs, so you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Can I still file a claim if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?
You may still be eligible to file a personal injury claim even if you were crossing the street outside a marked crosswalk. While designated crosswalks provide stronger legal protections for pedestrians, drivers still have a legal duty to stay alert and avoid hitting people, no matter where they’re walking.
Under New York’s comparative negligence law, liability can be shared between both parties. This means you can still recover compensation if the driver was primarily at fault, even if you were partially responsible for the pedestrian accident.
For example, if the court finds you 20% at fault for crossing mid-block and the driver 80% at fault for speeding or texting, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to try to shift blame onto the pedestrian, especially in cases involving unmarked crossings.
That’s why you should get the experienced Mount Vernon pedestrian accident attorneys at Giampa Law on your side. We gather the evidence, witness statements, and expert opinions needed to demonstrate the driver’s negligence and maximize your potential recovery.
What compensation can I recover after a pedestrian accident?
Pedestrian accidents often result in devastating injuries and long-term consequences. If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue full compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering. The amount you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, your recovery needs, and the impact the accident has had on your life. Damages may include:
- Emergency medical treatment, such as ambulance services, hospital stays, and surgeries
- Ongoing and future medical costs, including follow-up appointments, prescriptions, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages, if your injuries forced you to miss work
- Diminished earning potential, if you’re no longer able to do the same type of work or work at all
- Pain and suffering, for the physical pain and emotional impact of your injuries
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident
- Physical therapy and long-term care, which may be necessary for severe injuries like spinal damage or head trauma
Giampa Law can assess your unique circumstances, work with experts to calculate your total losses, and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
What should I do after being hit by a vehicle in Mount Vernon?
Being struck by a car while walking is a terrifying experience, and the steps you take immediately afterward can have a big impact on your recovery, both physically and financially. If you're able to move safely after the crash, here’s what you should do:
- Seek immediate medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s critical to get checked by a medical professional. Many serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not present symptoms right away. A medical evaluation not only protects your health, but it also creates a record that ties your injuries to the crash.
- Call the police. Always make sure an official report is filed. Police will document the scene, speak to witnesses, and may issue citations that could help establish liability. Even if the driver seems cooperative, never skip this step.
- Take photos. If you’re physically able, try to photograph the scene of the crash, including your injuries, any visible damage to the vehicle, traffic signs, and road conditions. These images can serve as powerful evidence later.
- Get witness information. Pedestrian accident claims often come down to conflicting accounts. If anyone saw the incident, ask for their name and contact information. Independent witnesses can make a major difference in proving what happened.
- Don’t speak to the driver’s insurance company. It’s common for insurers to call you shortly after the crash, asking for a recorded statement or offering a quick settlement. Don’t engage. These early conversations are designed to minimize their liability, not help you. Instead, let your attorney handle all communication.
- Contact Giampa Law. Once we’re on your side, we take over the legal burden. We’ll preserve evidence, speak to witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and start building a strong case. You focus on healing, and we’ll handle everything else.
What if the driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are especially traumatic. You’ve been injured, possibly seriously, and the person responsible has vanished. It’s natural to feel helpless, but you may still have options for recovery.
If the driver isn’t identified, you may be able to pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, if you carry it. This is often included in your auto insurance policy, even if you weren’t driving at the time of the crash. It’s designed for exactly these situations: when the at-fault party cannot be identified or has no insurance.
Our Mount Vernon legal team can conduct a thorough investigation to try and identify the driver. That might include checking security camera footage from nearby homes or businesses, interviewing witnesses, and working with law enforcement. If we can't identify the driver, we’ll explore every possible insurance avenue to make sure you aren’t left shouldering the financial burden alone.
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in New York?
New York law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in most pedestrian accident cases. However, if a government vehicle or public agency was involved, you have far less time. In those cases, you may need to file a Notice of Claim within just 90 days of the crash. This is a strict deadline, and missing it could prevent you from pursuing any compensation at all.
The safest option is to contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Our Mount Vernon pedestrian accident lawyers move quickly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and meet all applicable deadlines so you don’t lose your chance to recover.
Can I sue if I was hit in a parking lot or driveway?
Pedestrian accident cases aren’t limited to public roads or marked crosswalks. If you were struck by a vehicle in a parking lot, driveway, private complex, or other non-roadway area, you may still have a valid legal claim.
Drivers have a duty to operate safely no matter where they are and property owners have a responsibility to ensure their premises are reasonably safe. If a negligent driver hit you while backing out, pulling into a space, or speeding through a lot, you may be entitled to compensation.
We’ll investigate the specifics, determine who was at fault, and pursue claims against all responsible parties, including commercial property owners or businesses if their negligence contributed to the crash.
How much is my pedestrian accident settlement?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The value of your pedestrian accident claim depends on a range of factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of medical care, both now and projected into the future
- The amount of income you’ve lost due to time off work
- Whether your injuries affect your long-term ability to earn a living
- The extent of your pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Any permanent disability or disfigurement
- The insurance coverage available from the at-fault party or your own policies
Our law firm works closely with economists, doctors, and life-care planners to calculate the full value of your case. We don’t accept lowball offers from insurance companies. If your life has been permanently altered, your settlement should reflect that, and we fight to make sure it does.
Do I have to go to court for a pedestrian accident case?
Most pedestrian accident cases settle out of court, especially when there’s strong evidence and skilled legal representation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation or tries to blame you for the crash, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Our Mount Vernon pedestrian accident attorneys approach every case as if it will go to court. That level of preparation often leads to better settlement offers because insurers know we’re not afraid to fight. If trial becomes necessary, you’ll have an experienced, aggressive team by your side every step of the way.
Injured in a pedestrian accident in Mount Vernon? Giampa Law is here to help.
If you were hit by a car while walking in Mount Vernon, you’re likely dealing with painful injuries, unexpected bills, and more questions than answers. The Mount Vernon pedestrian accident attorneys at Giampa Law can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. We’re committed to fighting for the rights of injured pedestrians across Westchester County. We know how to take on negligent drivers and insurance companies that try to shift blame or minimize your claim.
Even if you weren’t able to get the driver’s info at the scene or needed emergency medical care right away, we can still help you build a strong case. We’ll investigate the crash, gather evidence, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
We offer free consultations, and you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Whether you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, we’ll come to you. Put your trust in experienced Mount Vernon pedestrian accident attorneys who won’t back down. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.