Looking for a lawyer after a pedestrian accident?
New York City streets are getting more dangerous for pedestrians by the day. Pedestrian fatalities jumped 18% in 2024 to 112 compared to the previous year. It’s now been more than a year since we’ve seen fatalities this high. The first half of 2024 has also been the deadliest six-month stretch for pedestrians since the inception of Vision Zero in 2014.
Being injured in a pedestrian accident is bad enough. Finding the right lawyer for your case will help make the difference in the speed and amount of your recovery and compensation. But with a couple hundred personal injury lawyers in New York City, how do you pick the right one?
Truth bomb…
Not all pedestrian accident lawyers are created equal. The quality of lawyer you choose has a direct impact on the outcome of your case, the settlement value, and your overall experience. You could end up losing hundreds of thousands of dollars if you pick the wrong attorney.
Curious how to choose the best lawyer for your case? Keep reading to discover the 7 essential factors that set apart the top pedestrian accident attorneys from the rest.
Inside this guide:
- Why Experience with Pedestrian Cases Matters
- Key Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
- Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Understanding Fee Structures
- How to Evaluate Track Records
Why You Need a Specialized Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Fact most people don’t know…
Pedestrian accident cases are completely different from regular car accident claims. They present unique legal issues, different injury types, and different insurance coverage concerns. A pedestrian accident attorney New York City with specialized experience in these types of cases knows the ins and outs of how to handle them.
Let me explain…
Pedestrians are exposed to more serious injuries since there’s no metal cage or airbags surrounding them like in a vehicle. This typically means more severe injuries, more medical expenses, and higher stakes in the settlement value. Your lawyer needs to understand the types of injuries pedestrians sustain in accidents and how to accurately value your claim.
Unique aspects of pedestrian accident cases:
- No-fault insurance issues
- Severe injuries (permanent disability)
- Crosswalks and right-of-way issues
- Multiple potentially liable parties
- Potential for long-term disability claims
You don’t want just any personal injury lawyer to handle your case. Walkers are not cars. You need an attorney who not only has handled pedestrian accidents before but actually specializes in them.
Look for Proven Results and Trial Experience
The one thing people always get wrong…
They choose lawyers based on advertising, commercials, billboards, or TV ads instead of actual results. All that flashy marketing means nothing if the lawyer is not getting results. Look for actual, proven track records instead of ads.
Ask for recent pedestrian accident settlements or verdicts they’ve won. How much was the largest compensation they’ve recovered for a pedestrian? How many pedestrian cases have they taken to trial? What percentage of those cases are won at trial?
Insider secret…
Insurance companies know which lawyers are fighters and which ones take the first settlement offer. If your attorney has a history of fighting cases to trial and winning, insurance adjusters will offer fair settlements. They don’t want to risk losing big in court.
Ask for specific case examples. A competent pedestrian accident lawyer will be happy to share their track record and explain how they reached those outcomes.
Evaluate Their Resources and Network
Thing you don’t know but should…
Pedestrian accident cases require significant resources to properly investigate and build a strong claim. Your lawyer needs access to accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, economists, and investigators who can support your case.
Do they have the resources and budget to hire top experts? Can they afford to litigate your case all the way to trial if necessary? Are they a solo lawyer taking on thousands of cases at once or a well-funded firm with a team to handle yours?
Typical red flags to avoid…
Pedestrian accident lawyers who work solo (just themselves, no paralegals or assistants) lack the resources to properly investigate cases. You also want to avoid the “big name” firms who put thousands of cases into one-person assembly line productions where you never speak to the lawyer.
Make sure they have:
- Access to accident reconstruction experts
- Relationships with medical specialists
- Ability to front all expenses
- Team to handle your case properly
Good news…
You never pay any money upfront. A lawyer advances all costs and only gets paid if they win. That means they need substantial resources to accept your case.
Communication and Personal Attention Matter
Thing that makes clients irate…
They hire a lawyer then never hear from them again. You deserve regular updates, timely responses to questions, and direct access to your lawyer (not just their paralegal or assistant).
Listen carefully during the initial consultation. Does the lawyer explain things clearly and in layman’s terms you can understand? Do they listen to your questions and concerns? Do they seem interested and engaged in your case?
Tip to avoid:
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Vague answers about their experience
- Ignored during the consultation
- More interested in getting paid than your case
Trust your instincts. If a lawyer gives you bad vibes during the consultation, keep looking. You’ll be working with them for months or years — make sure you like and trust them.
Understanding Fee Structures
Money talk…
Most New York City pedestrian accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay the lawyer nothing upfront, and they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
The standard contingency fee in New York is 33-40% of your recovery. Some lawyers charge different percentages based on when they settle the case:
- 33% if before filing a lawsuit
- 40% if goes all the way to trial
Important details to confirm:
- Exact percentage they charge
- Who pays expenses (costs of the case)
- If expenses deducted before or after fee
- What happens if you lose
Ask for a written fee agreement. A reputable lawyer will provide you a clear, written fee agreement explaining all costs and fees in advance.
Check Their Reputation and Reviews
Shocking but true…
What are other clients saying about this lawyer? Online reviews, testimonials, and professional ratings are valuable sources of information on what it’s actually like to work with them.
Check various sources:
- Google reviews
- Avvo lawyer ratings
- State bar association records
- Better Business Bureau complaints
Look for common themes. One bad review isn’t a dealbreaker, but multiple complaints about the same problems (communication, low settlements, hidden fees) are a big red flag.
Bonus tip…
Verify the lawyer is licensed and in good standing with the New York State Bar. Disciplinary actions or complaints should be publicly listed with the bar.
Final Thoughts on How to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
It doesn’t have to be so difficult to choose a New York City pedestrian accident lawyer. Key factors to focus on are: specific experience with pedestrian accidents, proven track record of results, adequate resources and staff, clear communication, and transparent fees.
Free consultations are your friend. Take advantage of all the free initial consultations you can. Most pedestrian accident lawyers offer free initial meetings where you can ask questions and get a feel for whether they are the right fit.
Last tip…
The lawyer you choose has a direct impact on your recovery, both physically and financially. Don’t rush the decision. Do your research, compare multiple options, and make the right choice. Your future depends on it.
With pedestrian accidents on the rise in New York City, having an experienced advocate on your side isn’t just nice to have — it’s critical to protecting your rights and securing fair compensation for your injuries.
