Hempstead Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking the streets of Hempstead, New York, shouldn’t put your life at risk. Yet every year, pedestrians suffer catastrophic injuries when drivers fail to watch where they’re going. The human body stands no chance against thousands of pounds of metal and glass—and the resulting injuries often leave victims facing months of recovery, mounting medical bills, and permanent changes to their lives.

Our experienced Hempstead pedestrian accident lawyers have seen firsthand how a split-second of driver negligence can devastate entire families. Insurance companies know pedestrians suffer serious injuries, but they still fight to pay as little as possible.

That’s where we come in. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys in Hempstead don’t just file paperwork—we build compelling cases that force insurers to recognize the true cost of your injuries.

You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone while you’re trying to heal. Our team answers calls 24/7 because we know accidents don’t follow business hours. We handle cases in English, Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, and Korean, ensuring everyone in our community has access to fierce legal advocacy.

With Chrissy Grigoropoulos leading your case, you get an attorney who’s built her career standing up to insurance companies and winning.

Struck by a vehicle in Hempstead? Call (718) 249-7447 now for immediate legal guidance—we answer 24/7.

What Our Hempstead Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Do For You

Our skilled attorneys immediately step in to protect your rights while you focus on recovery. We handle every aspect of your legal case so insurance companies can’t take advantage of your vulnerable situation.

Our legal team at Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers works fast to preserve critical evidence before it disappears. Traffic camera footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence at the scene changes. We send preservation letters to secure surveillance footage and gather witness statements within hours of your accident.

• Investigation: We photograph the accident scene, obtain police reports, and interview witnesses before memories fade.
• Insurance handling: We file all paperwork with insurance companies and handle their phone calls so you don’t have to.
• Medical documentation: We work with your doctors to ensure your injuries are properly documented for your claim.
• Settlement negotiation: We know how to counter lowball offers and demand fair compensation for your injuries.

Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly after an accident, often while you’re still in the hospital. They sound helpful, but their goal is to get you to say something that damages your case or accept a settlement that’s far less than you deserve.

What To Do After Being Hit By a Car in Hempstead

The first hour after a pedestrian accident is critical for both your health and your legal case. Even if you feel shocked or confused, these steps can protect your rights.

Call 911 and get medical attention immediately

Call 911 to get police and paramedics to the scene. The Hempstead Police Department or Nassau County Police will create an official accident report that documents what happened. Get this report number before leaving the scene.

Seek medical care even if you think you’re not seriously hurt. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding don’t show symptoms right away. Go to Mount Sinai South Nassau or NYU Langone for a complete evaluation.

Document everything at the scene

If you’re physically able, use your phone to take pictures of the vehicle that hit you, including the license plate. Photograph any skid marks, traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and your visible injuries. These photos can be crucial evidence later.

Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident happen. Ask for their full name and phone number. Witnesses often leave quickly, and finding them later can be nearly impossible.

Avoid talking to insurance companies

The driver’s insurance company will try to contact you within 24 hours. Don’t give them a recorded statement or sign any documents. Their adjusters are trained to ask questions that can hurt your case. Tell them you’re represented by our experienced Hempstead pedestrian accident lawyers and refer them to us.

Who is Liable For a Pedestrian Accident in New York?

The driver who hit you is usually responsible for your injuries, but other parties might share liability depending on how the accident happened. Our investigation determines everyone who contributed to your injuries.

Negligent drivers cause most car accidents involving pedestrians through distracted driving, speeding, or failing to yield the right-of-way. If the driver was texting, under the influence, or violated traffic laws, they’re clearly at fault. Even if you weren’t in a crosswalk, drivers still have a duty to avoid hitting pedestrians when possible.

Employers can be held responsible if their employee caused the accident while working. This includes delivery drivers, taxi drivers, and anyone operating a company vehicle. We can pursue claims against both the driver and their employer for maximum compensation.

Government entities might be liable if dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident. Broken traffic signals, missing crosswalk markings, or poor road design can make pedestrian accidents more likely. We know how to identify these hazards and hold municipalities accountable.

Property owners sometimes bear responsibility when their unsafe parking lots or sidewalks force pedestrians into dangerous situations. If you were injured because a business failed to maintain safe walkways, we can pursue a premises liability claim.

Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Jaywalking or Partly at Fault?

You can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you’re not completely barred from recovery.

Here’s how it works in practice. If you were jaywalking and a jury finds you 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your total damages. Even if you were 90% at fault, you could still get 10% of your damages. The key is proving the driver was also negligent.

Drivers have a legal duty to keep a proper lookout and avoid pedestrians whenever possible. Even if you were crossing outside a crosswalk, a driver who was speeding, texting, or not paying attention still bears responsibility for the collision.

Insurance companies will try to shift all blame onto you to avoid paying your claim. They’ll argue you “darted into traffic” or weren’t paying attention. We know how to counter these tactics and protect your right to fair compensation.

How Does No-fault Insurance Work For Injured Pedestrians in New York?

No-fault insurance works differently in New York, also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), providing immediate coverage for your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. As a pedestrian, you’re covered by the no-fault policy of the vehicle that struck you.

To apply for no-fault benefits, complete Form NF-2 and submit it to the insurance company of the vehicle that struck you. This coverage pays up to $50,000 for medical expenses, 80% of your lost wages up to $2,000 per month, and reasonable transportation costs to medical appointments.

No-fault is designed to get you quick access to medical care without waiting for fault to be determined. However, it doesn’t cover pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. To recover full compensation, you need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.

Your injuries must meet New York’s serious injury threshold to sue for pain and suffering. This includes fractures, permanent disfigurement, significant limitation of body function, or injuries that prevent you from performing substantially all daily activities for at least 90 days.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Pedestrian Accident?

Beyond no-fault benefits, you can pursue full compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life.

Medical expenses include all costs related to your treatment, both past and future. This covers emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and any ongoing care you’ll need. If your medical bills exceed the $50,000 no-fault limit, the at-fault driver’s insurance must pay the difference.

Lost income compensation covers wages you’ve already missed and future earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job. We calculate not just your base salary but also overtime, bonuses, and benefits you’ve lost. If your injuries prevent you from working in your chosen field, we pursue compensation for reduced earning potential.

• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or activities you previously enjoyed.
• Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or changes to your physical appearance.
• Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one, compensation for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

How Long Do You Have To File a Pedestrian Accident Claim In New York?

New York’s statute of limitations gives you a limited time to file your lawsuit. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to compensation forever, no matter how strong your case.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit is subject to legal deadlines, so contact an attorney promptly to learn the specific time limits that apply to your case.

The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is only two years from the date of death. Family members must act quickly to preserve their right to seek justice for their loved one.

Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines. You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days if a city vehicle, county bus, or other government vehicle caused your accident. This formal notice is required before you can file a lawsuit.

How Long Will My Pedestrian Accident Case Take To Settle?

Simple cases with clear liability and relatively minor injuries often settle sooner than more complex claims. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple defendants can take two years or longer, especially if we need to go to trial.

Several factors affect your case timeline. The extent of your injuries matters because we can’t fully value your claim until you reach maximum medical improvement. Cases involving brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or other catastrophic injuries take longer because the full impact isn’t immediately clear.

Insurance company cooperation also affects timing. Some insurers negotiate in good faith and make reasonable offers quickly. Others drag out the process hoping you’ll accept less money. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to get fair compensation.

The strength of evidence in your favor can speed up settlement negotiations. Clear video footage showing the driver’s negligence or strong witness testimony makes insurers more willing to settle quickly rather than risk a jury verdict.

What Causes Pedestrian Accidents in Hempstead?

Most pedestrian accidents in Hempstead result from driver negligence, not pedestrian error. Our busy commercial areas and residential streets create numerous hazards for people on foot.

Distracted driving is the leading cause of pedestrian accidents. Drivers who text, talk on phones, or program GPS devices fail to see pedestrians crossing the street. Even a few seconds of inattention can be deadly when a pedestrian is involved.

Failure to yield at intersections causes many serious accidents. Drivers making left turns often focus on oncoming traffic and fail to check for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Right-turning drivers sometimes accelerate through turns without looking for people crossing.

• Speeding: Higher speeds give drivers less time to react and make accidents more severe.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment.
• Poor visibility: Accidents increase at dawn, dusk, and nighttime when pedestrians are harder to see.

Dangerous Areas: Hempstead Turnpike, Peninsula Boulevard, Main Street

High-traffic corridors like Hempstead Turnpike and Main Street see frequent pedestrian accidents due to heavy vehicle traffic mixed with shopping areas and bus stops. Peninsula Boulevard’s multiple lanes and busy intersections create particular hazards for people crossing on foot.

School zones around local elementary and middle schools are also accident hotspots, especially during drop-off and pickup times when drivers are rushing and children are present.

How Do We Prove Your Case And Maximize Recovery?

Building a winning pedestrian accident case requires immediate action to preserve evidence before it disappears. Our experienced Hempstead personal injury lawyers begin investigating within hours of being contacted to secure crucial proof of the driver’s negligence.

Video evidence often provides the strongest proof of what happened. We immediately send preservation letters to nearby businesses, traffic authorities, and the driver’s insurance company to prevent surveillance footage from being deleted. Many cameras only store footage for 30 days or less.

We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the physical evidence at the scene. Skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns tell the story of how the accident occurred. These experts can determine vehicle speeds and demonstrate the driver’s negligence.

Medical documentation is crucial for proving the extent of your injuries. We work closely with your treating physicians to ensure your medical records clearly show how the accident caused your injuries and what treatment you’ll need going forward.

Witness testimony can make or break your case. We interview witnesses while their memories are fresh and obtain written statements. Independent witnesses who saw the accident are particularly valuable because they have no stake in the outcome.

What Are Your Options After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?

Losing a family member in a pedestrian accident is devastating, especially when it could have been prevented. While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial security and hold the responsible party accountable.

The personal representative of your loved one’s estate can file a wrongful death claim within two years of the death. This lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral and burial expenses, medical bills incurred before death, and the financial support your family has lost.

Wrongful death damages also include compensation for the loss of your loved one’s guidance, companionship, and care. While these non-economic damages are harder to calculate, they recognize the profound impact of losing someone you love.

We handle wrongful death cases with the compassion and sensitivity your family deserves during this difficult time. Our goal is to secure the financial resources your family needs while pursuing justice for your loved one.

Why Choose Grigor Law For Your Hempstead Pedestrian Case?

Chrissy Grigoropoulos brings unique experience to pedestrian accident cases through her background as a former prosecutor and her reputation as a fierce courtroom advocate. She knows how to build compelling cases and isn’t afraid to take on powerful insurance companies.

Our firm is deeply rooted in the Hempstead community, with our office conveniently located on Main Street. We understand the local roads, traffic patterns, and common accident locations that affect our neighbors’ daily lives.

We offer truly accessible legal representation through our multilingual staff who speak Spanish, Greek, French-Creole, and Korean. No one should face language barriers when seeking justice after a serious accident.

• 24/7 availability: Legal emergencies don’t keep business hours, and neither do we.
• Free consultations: We never charge for initial consultations or case evaluations.
• No fees unless we win: You pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case.
• Proven track record: We’ve helped hundreds of clients recover fair compensation for their injuries.

Speak with a Hempstead Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your rights. Every day you wait makes it harder to build a strong case and recover the compensation you deserve.

Our consultations are always free and completely confidential. We’ll review the facts of your accident, explain your legal options, and answer all your questions without any pressure or obligation.

You can reach us by phone 24/7, complete our online contact form, or visit our Hempstead office on Main Street. We’re here to provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.

Pedestrian accident FAQs

How do I apply for no-fault benefits as a pedestrian in New York?

You may need to complete Form NF-2 and submit it to the at-fault vehicle’s insurance company; check with your attorney or insurer for any applicable deadlines. The form requires information about your injuries, medical treatment, and lost wages.

What happens if the driver who hit me left the scene or has no insurance?

You may be able to receive compensation through your own auto insurance policy if you have one, or through New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) which covers uninsured claims.

Can I still recover money if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?

Yes, New York’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages even if you were jaywalking, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault in causing the accident.

What is a Notice of Claim and when do I need to file one?

A Notice of Claim is a formal document you must file within 90 days if a government vehicle caused your accident, such as a city bus, police car, or municipal truck.

What types of evidence are most important in pedestrian accident cases?

Video footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses, statements from independent witnesses, and your immediate medical records showing the connection between the accident and your injuries.

Should I give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company?

No, you should never provide a recorded statement or sign medical authorization forms for the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with your attorney.