A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Lynbrook

Protect Your Rights

Comprehensive Guidance for Pedestrian Injuries

If you or a loved one was struck while walking in Lynbrook, you may be facing physical pain, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about insurance and legal options. At Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and his team focus on helping people in Nassau County navigate claims following pedestrian collisions. We work to gather evidence, communicate with insurers, and clarify the steps needed to pursue compensation. From hospital visits to recovering lost income and arranging follow-up care, our goal is to help you understand your rights and possible remedies while you concentrate on healing and recovery.

A pedestrian crash can upend daily life quickly, and early action often makes a significant difference in preserving proof and obtaining fair insurance responses. We help clients collect medical records, document crash scenes, identify witnesses, and secure necessary bills and pay stubs to support a claim. Whether your matter resolves through a negotiated settlement or requires formal court action, we provide steady guidance through each stage of the process. To discuss the unique details of your situation and learn about practical next steps for people injured on sidewalks, crosswalks, or roadways in Lynbrook, call (845) 986-2777 for a prompt consultation.

Why Acting Quickly Preserves Your Claim

Taking prompt steps after a pedestrian accident helps protect vital evidence and strengthens a legal claim. Weather, traffic, and changing witness memories can all reduce the availability and usefulness of scene details, so obtaining photographs, contact information for bystanders, and timely police reports is important. Medical documentation created early after an injury provides a clearer link between the crash and the harm suffered, which insurers and courts rely on. Early outreach to an attorney at Ahearne Law Firm PLLC helps coordinate investigation, preserve paperwork, and begin conversations with insurance carriers so claim resolution can move forward without unnecessary delay.

About Ahearne Law Firm and Our Practice

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients across the Hudson Valley and throughout New York, with a focus on personal injury matters including pedestrian accident claims in Nassau County. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. leads the firm in representing people who have been hurt in roadway incidents, working to secure fair compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The firm combines careful case preparation with active negotiation and, when necessary, courtroom advocacy. Clients rely on clear communication about case status and realistic assessments of options so they can make informed decisions while recovering from their injuries.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims

Pedestrian accident claims typically involve establishing who was at fault, documenting the extent of injuries, and translating those losses into recoverable damages. In New York, factors that affect a claim include police findings, witness testimony, traffic camera footage, and medical records that show a causal connection between the collision and your injuries. Insurance coverage may come from the driver’s policy, your own carrier in certain circumstances, or other responsible parties. Thorough investigation and documentation are essential to building a persuasive demand for compensation and to avoid having critical evidence overlooked or lost over time.

Recovery in a pedestrian claim can include compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and non-economic losses such as pain and reduced quality of life. The amount available and the path to recovery depend on the strength of liability proof and the quality of documentation for damages. Many claims are resolved through negotiation with insurers, but matters with disputed fault, multiple responsible parties, or severe injuries may require formal legal action. We focus on collecting detailed records, coordinating with medical providers, and presenting a clear case that supports fair financial recovery for those harmed while walking in Lynbrook.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Plain-Language Definitions

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal concept used to assign a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. Under New York law, if a pedestrian is found partially responsible for a crash, their recovery may be reduced by their share of fault. For example, if a pedestrian is determined to be 20 percent at fault and damages are set at a certain amount, the final award is reduced accordingly. Understanding how fault can be apportioned is important when evaluating settlement offers, preparing evidence, and considering whether pursuing a claim through negotiation or litigation best serves a client’s interests.

Liability

Liability refers to who is legally responsible for causing the crash or the conditions leading to an injury. In pedestrian accidents, liability often rests with a motorist who failed to yield, ran a light, or otherwise drove carelessly, but it can also involve property owners, municipalities, or vehicle manufacturers when their actions or conditions contribute to the harm. Establishing liability requires gathering evidence such as witness accounts, traffic camera footage, police reports, and expert opinions about roadway conditions. A clear demonstration of liability is central to pursuing compensation through insurance claims or court proceedings.

No-Fault and Liability Coverage

No-fault rules and liability insurance provisions determine how medical bills and other losses are paid after many motor vehicle incidents. In New York, no-fault insurance can cover certain medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash, but liability coverage remains important for losses that exceed no-fault benefits or for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Understanding which policies apply in a pedestrian case helps identify immediate sources of payment for treatment and the potential channels to pursue full compensation from a responsible party’s insurer when damages exceed initial coverage.

Damages

Damages are the financial and non-financial losses that a person can seek to recover after an injury. Economic damages include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescriptions, and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In more serious cases, damages may also include future care needs and reduced earning capacity. Accurate documentation of medical treatment, employment records, and the effects of injuries on daily life is necessary to present a complete picture of damages to insurers or a court and to seek appropriate compensation.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Scene Evidence

After a pedestrian collision, collecting and preserving scene evidence is essential to supporting a claim. Take clear photographs of vehicle positions, traffic signals, skid marks, and visible injuries, and keep any torn clothing or damaged personal items. Obtain contact information for witnesses and request a copy of the police report as soon as it is available so key details are recorded and can be used to build a strong case.

Seek Prompt Medical Care

Prompt and consistent medical attention documents the link between the collision and your injuries, which insurers and courts require. Keep detailed records of all treatment, prescriptions, and follow-up visits, and follow medical recommendations to demonstrate the seriousness of your condition. Accurate medical documentation supports claims for both immediate expenses and any ongoing care needs.

Document Financial Losses

Track lost wages, reduced hours, and out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery, including travel for treatment and household services you can no longer perform. Keep pay stubs, employer statements, and receipts to substantiate economic losses. Clear financial records help quantify damages and strengthen settlement discussions with insurers.

Comparing Your Legal Options After a Pedestrian Crash

When Full Representation Is Advisable:

Serious or Catastrophic Injuries

Comprehensive representation is often appropriate when injuries are severe and require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, or produce lasting changes to work and daily life. In those scenarios, the scope of damages can be complex and may include future medical needs, ongoing therapy, and diminished earning capacity. Having a dedicated legal team helps compile detailed medical and economic evidence, coordinate with medical providers about long-term projections, and present a case that reflects both immediate and future costs related to the injury.

Disputed Fault or Multiple Parties

When fault is contested or several parties could share responsibility, legal representation becomes important to pursue all possible avenues of recovery. Investigations may need to uncover surveillance footage, analyze vehicle telemetry, or consult with accident reconstruction resources to show how the collision occurred. A comprehensive approach assists in coordinating these efforts, negotiating with multiple insurers, and determining the best strategy to secure fair compensation for the injured pedestrian.

When a Focused Approach May Work:

Minor Injuries with Clear Liability

A limited approach may be appropriate when injuries are minor, liability is obvious, and damages are modest, allowing for a straightforward claim and negotiation with an insurer. In such cases, resolving the matter through a focused demand supported by medical bills and basic documentation can lead to a timely settlement. It remains important to ensure medical follow-up and proper records so the full extent of recovery is represented in any discussions with insurers.

Prompt, Fair Insurance Settlement

If an insurer promptly offers a fair settlement that fully covers medical bills and clear economic losses, a limited process may suffice for resolution. Careful review of any offer is necessary to confirm there are no unresolved future costs or ongoing treatment needs. Consulting with a legal representative can provide perspective on whether a proposed settlement is appropriate given your injuries and long-term outlook.

Common Situations That Cause Pedestrian Injuries

Crosswalk Collisions

Pedestrians are frequently injured in crosswalk incidents where drivers fail to yield, ignore signals, or make unsafe turns. These collisions often occur at intersections with heavy traffic, and evidence such as signal timing, witness statements, and surveillance video can be essential to showing what happened.

Driver Failure to Yield

Drivers who fail to yield when pedestrians have the right of way are a common source of injuries on busy streets and driveways. Establishing the driver’s actions and the pedestrian’s position at the time of impact helps determine responsibility and potential recovery.

Hit-and-Run Incidents

Hit-and-run collisions present additional challenges because the at-fault driver initially leaves the scene, making witness information and camera footage especially important. When a driver cannot be located, uninsured motorist coverage or municipal claims may become relevant depending on the circumstances.

Lynbrook Pedestrian Accident Legal Help

Why Clients Turn to Ahearne Law Firm for Pedestrian Claims

People in Lynbrook choose Ahearne Law Firm PLLC because the firm focuses on handling the practical and legal challenges that follow a pedestrian collision. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team prioritize careful case preparation, timely communication with medical providers and insurers, and a realistic plan for pursuing damages. We aim to relieve clients of administrative burdens so they can focus on recovery, while we work to document losses, build a persuasive claim file, and negotiate on behalf of injured individuals throughout Nassau County and the surrounding Hudson Valley region.

Our approach includes prompt investigation, assistance obtaining medical care documentation, and a clear explanation of options for insurance negotiations or court proceedings when appropriate. We take time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and to explain the likely steps and timelines. Accessibility and attentive representation are central to how we work, including returning calls, keeping clients informed, and coordinating with treatment providers to support a complete and persuasive record of injuries and related losses.

Contact Ahearne Law Firm for a Free Case Review

People Also Search For

Lynbrook pedestrian accident lawyer

Nassau County pedestrian injury attorney

pedestrian collision claim Lynbrook

Hudson Valley pedestrian injury lawyer

pedestrian accident compensation New York

hit and run pedestrian Lynbrook

crosswalk injury claim Nassau County

Ahearne Law Firm pedestrian cases

FAQS

What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in Lynbrook?

Immediately after a pedestrian accident, prioritize safety and medical attention. If possible, move to a safe location and call emergency services for medical help and to report the crash to police. Obtain contact information from witnesses, take photographs of the scene, any visible injuries, and vehicle damage, and get the responding officer’s name and report number when available. These initial steps create a record that supports later investigation and documentation of your injuries and the sequence of events. After the initial response, seek prompt medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first, since some conditions become apparent only after a delay. Keep all medical records, prescriptions, and bills, and document missed work and out-of-pocket expenses. Reporting the crash to your insurer as recommended and preserving evidence such as clothing or personal items damaged in the collision also helps protect your ability to pursue compensation through insurance or legal claim avenues.

How long do I have to file a claim for a pedestrian injury in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. This deadline affects a civil lawsuit seeking damages from a responsible party. Missing this legal deadline can bar recovery in court, so timely action is important to preserve legal options and the ability to seek compensation through court proceedings if necessary. Certain circumstances can affect deadlines, such as claims against municipalities which often require a shorter notice period before a formal lawsuit. Because procedural requirements vary depending on the defendant and the facts of the case, speaking with a legal representative early ensures you meet all applicable timelines and preserve all potential routes to recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. New York applies comparative negligence rules, which means a person who is partly at fault can still recover damages, but the award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a pedestrian is found 25 percent responsible and total damages are assessed, the final recovery is reduced by that 25 percent. Establishing the degree of fault requires careful review of evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and the police report. Because shared fault can lower a settlement or verdict, it is important to document the circumstances thoroughly to minimize any assigned responsibility. Demonstrating adherence to traffic signals, visibility conditions, and the driver’s actions can help reduce a pedestrian’s attributed fault and protect recovery amounts. Legal assistance can help present evidence that supports a fair apportionment of responsibility.

What kinds of compensation are available after a pedestrian collision?

Compensation after a pedestrian accident can include economic damages such as payment for medical treatment, rehabilitation, medication, and lost wages from missed work. It can also cover future medical needs and reduced earning capacity when injuries affect the ability to return to prior employment. Documenting these losses with bills, medical reports, and employer statements is necessary to quantify the economic impact and support a claim. Non-economic damages may also be available to address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the collision. In severe cases, compensation can include long-term care costs and other adjustments for permanent impairment. The precise mix and amount of recoverable damages depend on the facts of the case, the severity of injuries, and the evidence linking the crash to those harms.

Will my medical bills be covered right away after a pedestrian crash?

Immediate coverage for medical bills depends on the types of insurance involved and whether a no-fault policy applies. In many vehicle-related incidents in New York, no-fault benefits can help cover initial medical expenses regardless of fault, providing a source of payment while other liability issues are resolved. However, no-fault limits may not cover all costs, and eligibility depends on policy terms and the nature of the injuries. If the other driver is clearly at fault, their liability insurance may ultimately be responsible for medical bills and broader damages beyond no-fault coverage. To ensure bills are handled and claims filed correctly, retain medical records, inform your providers about the crash, and coordinate insurance communications. Prompt documentation and claim filing help avoid gaps in coverage and support later recovery efforts.

How do insurance companies determine fault in pedestrian accidents?

Insurers determine fault by reviewing police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, and any video evidence such as traffic or surveillance footage. They may also obtain statements from parties involved and request additional documentation to evaluate how the collision occurred. Insurers analyze the sequence of events, roadway conditions, and the actions of drivers and pedestrians to reach conclusions about responsibility. Because insurers are looking to limit payouts, it is important to provide thorough, consistent documentation that supports your position. Early preservation of evidence, medical records showing the timeline of injuries, and witness contact information help present a clear account. If fault is disputed, further investigation and negotiation or legal action may be necessary to protect an injured person’s rights to fair compensation.

What if the driver fled the scene after hitting me?

If the driver fled the scene, reporting the incident to police immediately is essential to create an official record and begin any criminal and civil investigations. Police may seek witnesses, surveillance footage, or license plate information to identify the vehicle and driver. When the at-fault driver cannot be located, uninsured motorist coverage under your own policy may provide a route to compensation, depending on your insurance terms and the nature of the losses. Documentation of the crash scene and witness statements becomes especially important in hit-and-run cases, as those materials help establish that a collision occurred and the damages resulting from it. Preserving photos, collecting witness contact details, and retaining medical records supports recovery efforts through available insurance avenues and any subsequent legal claims once a responsible party is identified.

When should I speak with a lawyer about my pedestrian injury?

Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the collision so important evidence can be preserved and immediate legal or practical questions can be addressed. Early consultation helps you understand insurance options, potential deadlines, and the documentation you should gather to support a claim. Timely legal guidance also aids in evaluating settlement offers and determining whether formal legal action may be necessary to protect your rights and recovery. An attorney can help coordinate investigations, request records from hospitals, obtain police reports, and contact witnesses, all of which strengthen your position when negotiating with insurers. Engaging representation early does not obligate you to pursue court action but does protect your ability to consider all available options and ensure that deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

Can I handle my pedestrian injury claim on my own?

Many minor claims are handled by individuals who communicate directly with insurers, but doing so without legal knowledge can risk accepting an insufficient settlement or missing important evidence. Insurance companies often evaluate claims conservatively, and early statements or mistakes can reduce potential recovery. Handling a claim alone requires careful documentation, understanding of fault issues, and awareness of deadlines and policy limits. For cases with significant injuries, disputed liability, or unclear coverage, seeking legal help improves the likelihood that all losses will be identified and pursued properly. A legal representative can assist with evidence collection, drafting persuasive demands, and negotiating with insurers to secure a fair outcome that accounts for both current and anticipated future needs related to the injury.

How can I prove the other party was responsible for my injuries?

Proving responsibility typically involves gathering multiple types of evidence that, when combined, show how the crash occurred and who acted negligently. Important materials include the police report, photos of the scene and injuries, witness statements, surveillance or traffic camera footage, and expert analysis when needed. Medical records that demonstrate the timing and extent of injuries also help connect the accident to the harm suffered. Coordinating these materials into a clear, chronological account strengthens a claim and assists insurers or a court in assessing liability. When multiple parties or complex circumstances are involved, additional investigation such as accident reconstruction or consultation with medical providers may be necessary to present a complete and persuasive demonstration of the other party’s responsibility for the injuries incurred.

Personal Injury Services in Lynbrook

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services