Protecting the Rights of Injured Pedestrians in White Plains

Walking is a basic human activity that should always be safe. Yet every day there are careless and distracted drivers that seriously hurt and sometimes kill innocent pedestrians.

If you or a loved one was hit by a car while walking as a pedestrian in White Plains, you may be able to sue and get compensation for the injuries.

Michael J. McConnell is a White Plains pedestrian accident attorney who is dedicated to protecting the rights of seriously injured pedestrians after an accident. He will work hard to get justice. He will fight for your rights. And the goal is always to get you the money that you need – and deserve.

For a free case evaluation, contact the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today.

What Is a Pedestrian Accident?

A pedestrian accident is when a person who is walking is hit by a car, truck, bus, or even a bicycle. These accidents often happen at:

  • Crosswalks
  • Intersections
  • Parking lots
  • Sidewalks
  • School zones

Drivers are supposed to watch for people walking. But when they are not careful, people get seriously hurt and sometimes killed.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in White Plains

Many crashes happen because a driver was negligent by:  

  • Speeding
  • Texting and driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Running red lights
  • Refusing to stop at stop signs
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
  • Drunk driving
  • Reckless driving

Regardless of the exact cause, it is important to know that if a driver doesn’t follow the law and you get hurt, they can be held responsible through a personal injury lawsuit.

Serious Injuries from Pedestrian Accidents

In a blink of an eye, someone’s life can be forever changed by being hit by a car. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because unlike drivers they don’t have protection such as seat belts, airbags, and the metal exterior of a car to protect them. This is why pedestrian accidents are often so severe and can include things like:

1. Brain Injuries

Head injuries can be very serious. A person may lose memory, have trouble speaking, or not be able to work or go to school anymore. A concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have terrible consequences that can last a lifetime.

2. Broken Bones

A crash can fracture bones in the legs, arms, ribs, or face. Some fractures need surgery and can take a very long time to heal. Some might never fully heal.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the back or spine can lead to pain, weakness, or even paralysis. Some injured pedestrians will tragically never be able to walk again.

4. Internal Bleeding

This is a very serious condition that can be really dangerous. It also might not be seen right away. It is considered a “hidden injury” and if it gets missed, there can be serious complications including death if not treated fast enough.

5. Wrongful Death

Some crashes involving a pedestrian are so bad that the person dies. In these cases, a dedicated personal injury attorney can help families seek justice for the forever heartbreak they have suffered. Michael J. McConnell is a compassionate personal injury lawyer in Westchester County who truly understands how hard it is after a pedestrian accident. He is always here to give injured victims a voice and hold negligent drivers accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

What Can You Get in a Pedestrian Accident Lawsuit?

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in White Plains, you may be able to get money to help you recover.

You may be able to get paid compensation for things such as:

1. Medical Bills

2. Lost Wages

3. Pain and Suffering

4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life How much you can get for a pedestrian accident will depend on the particular facts of your case, but a Westchester pedestrian accident attorney can help you understand which categories of compensation apply to your situation and provide guidance on how much your case might be worth.

How a White Plains Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Build a Strong Case

A thorough attorney will work hard to prove what happened. They will put together strong evidence that shows the extent of the harm you suffered. And they will try to get you the most money possible based on the facts of your case and the controlling law.

Building a strong case requires a proactive approach that begins on day one when the lawyer takes the case. There are immediate things that can be done to preserve key evidence and set the case up for success. Once a thorough investigation is complete, the attorney can then move forward with litigation, negotiating a settlement, or taking the case to trial if necessary. While most personal injury cases in New York will be settled, it is important to prepare every case as if it is going to go to trial. Showing the insurance company that you mean business and are willing to fight it out in court can make a huge difference in getting a fair settlement offer. And if the insurance company refuses to make an acceptable offer? Then you can make them pay by taking the case to trial and letting a jury decide how much compensation you are owed.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

You can still sue and get money for a pedestrian accident in White Plains even if you were partially at fault. This is called comparative negligence. It basically means that the amount of money you get will be reduced by the percentage that you were at fault. So even if you feel like you may have been slightly negligent or partially at fault for the accident, you still might be able to recover money if the driver who hit you was also negligent to some degree. It is just that there may be some reduction based on how responsible you were versus how responsible the driver was for the accident.

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation if You Were Seriously Injured in a Pedestrian Accident in White Plains

If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian accident in White Plains or nearby, you are encouraged to get a free consultation with a lawyer as soon as possible. Time is important as evidence can disappear and there are deadlines that must be met to bring a case.

We offer free consultations. That means it costs nothing to talk to attorney Michael J. McConnell about your case. And if he takes your case, he doesn’t get paid unless he wins money for you. This means there are zero upfront costs to hire a personal injury lawyer for your White Plains pedestrian accident. Call today and let Michael J. McConnell fight for you.