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 Accidents Attorney in Syracuse

Syracuse Injury Support

Guide to Pedestrian Injury Claims

If you or a loved one were hurt in a pedestrian accident in Syracuse, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and overwhelming stress while trying to recover. This guide explains how a local personal injury attorney can help you understand the legal options available after being struck as a pedestrian, what steps to take at the scene, and how the claims process typically proceeds in New York. We focus on practical next steps, important deadlines, and how to gather the evidence that supports a strong claim, so you feel more confident navigating this difficult time.

Pedestrian collisions often involve complex facts such as vehicle speed, roadway conditions, visibility, and witness accounts, and every detail can affect the value of a claim. This page outlines common causes of pedestrian accidents, the types of compensation that may be available, and what to expect when pursuing a claim in Syracuse and Onondaga County. We also describe how the firm approaches investigation, communication with insurers, and settlement negotiation, providing clear guidance so you can make informed decisions while focusing on recovery and caring for yourself and your family.

Benefits of Legal Guidance After a Pedestrian Crash

Seeking legal guidance after a pedestrian collision can help protect your rights, preserve important evidence, and ensure that communications with insurance companies do not unintentionally harm your claim. An attorney can coordinate medical documentation, reconstruct the incident when needed, and pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and ongoing needs. Timely legal action also helps meet statute of limitations and notice requirements in New York. Having an experienced advocate manage negotiations and litigation allows you to concentrate on recovery while a trained legal team handles deadlines, paperwork, and courtroom preparation if a trial becomes necessary.

About The Ahearne Law Firm in Syracuse

The Ahearne Law Firm, led by Allan J. Ahearne, Jr., serves individuals injured in pedestrian accidents throughout the Hudson Valley and Central New York region, including Syracuse and Onondaga County. The firm focuses on delivering attentive client service, thorough case preparation, and clear communication about options and likely timelines. When investigating a pedestrian incident, the firm typically reviews police reports, medical records, traffic camera footage, and witness statements to build a reliable account of events. Clients receive guidance on recovery planning and the potential for compensation tailored to their unique circumstances and needs.

Understanding Pedestrian Accident Claims

A pedestrian accident claim involves proving that a driver’s negligence or another party’s actions caused an injury to a person walking in a roadway, crosswalk, or other pedestrian area. Establishing liability generally requires showing that the driver owed a duty of care to pedestrians, breached that duty through careless conduct such as failing to yield, running a light, or distracted driving, and that breach directly caused the injuries and resulting losses. Medical documentation, scene evidence, and witness testimony are essential to link the driver’s conduct to the harm suffered, and an attorney can help identify and preserve those critical items of proof.

Damages in pedestrian claims can include payment for past and future medical treatment, reimbursement for lost wages and diminished earning capacity, compensation for pain and suffering, and costs for necessary household or caregiving assistance. In some cases, claims may involve multiple liable parties such as a negligent driver, a vehicle owner, or a municipality when roadway design or maintenance contributed to the incident. Understanding which types of damages apply, how to calculate future needs, and how New York liability rules affect recovery are important steps toward achieving fair compensation after a pedestrian injury.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for Pedestrian Claims

Negligence

Negligence refers to a failure to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another. In pedestrian cases, negligence might include actions such as failing to obey traffic signals, speeding, driving while distracted, or otherwise operating a vehicle in a way that endangers people on foot. To recover damages, a claimant needs to show that the negligent behavior caused the injury and resulting losses. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage often helps establish negligence in these cases.

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault is the legal principle that reduces a plaintiff’s recovery by their share of responsibility for the accident. In New York, if a pedestrian is found partially at fault for an incident, the compensation award may be diminished according to the percentage assigned to the pedestrian’s actions. For example, if a jury determines the pedestrian was partly negligent in failing to yield while crossing and assigns a portion of blame, that percentage is deducted from the total damages awarded. Understanding how fault is apportioned is essential when evaluating settlement offers and trial risk.

Liability

Liability describes the legal responsibility one party may have for causing injury or loss to another. In pedestrian accidents, determining liability involves identifying who had a duty of care, whether that duty was breached, and whether the breach directly caused the pedestrian’s injuries. Liability can rest with the driver, a vehicle owner, or another entity such as a business or municipality when hazardous conditions or defective infrastructure contributed to the crash. Establishing liability is a central focus of any pedestrian injury claim and drives accountability and compensation.

Damages

Damages are the monetary awards intended to compensate an injured person for losses caused by another party’s wrongdoing. In the context of pedestrian accidents, damages may cover medical bills, physical therapy, medication, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. A thorough damages evaluation considers both current expenses and future needs related to the injury, including long-term care or rehabilitation. Presenting clear documentation of these losses helps support a claim for full and fair compensation.

PRO TIPS

Preserve Evidence Promptly

After a pedestrian collision, take steps to preserve evidence such as photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries, and obtain contact information for witnesses while memories are fresh. Keep copies of all medical records, billing statements, and repair estimates because these documents are essential when proving the extent of damages. Prompt documentation and careful recordkeeping make it easier to document your claim thoroughly and respond to insurer inquiries without delay.

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Prioritize your health by obtaining immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident, even if injuries seem minor at first, because some conditions worsen over time and records from early treatment are critical to documenting causation. Follow the treating provider’s recommendations and keep a detailed record of appointments, therapies, and prescribed medications to establish the scope of your injuries. Clear and consistent treatment records strengthen a claim and help ensure appropriate compensation for future care needs that may arise.

Limit Direct Insurance Statements

Be cautious when speaking with the other party’s insurer and avoid giving recorded statements or agreeing to settlement offers without reviewing them carefully. Insurers may request information that can be used to devalue a claim, so it is wise to coordinate responses and share only basic facts until you have a clear understanding of your rights and needs. Thoughtful, measured communication preserves options and helps prevent unnecessary concessions during negotiations.

Comparing Legal Paths After a Pedestrian Injury

When Full Representation Makes Sense:

Severe or Catastrophic Injuries

Full legal representation is often appropriate when a pedestrian suffers severe or life-altering injuries that require ongoing medical care and create long-term financial and personal needs. In such cases, thorough investigation and detailed damage modeling are needed to capture future care and income loss. An attorney can coordinate expert assessments and prepare a comprehensive claim that addresses both present and future consequences of the injury.

Disputed Liability or Complex Evidence

When fault is contested, or the case relies on complex evidence like traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction, or medical causation disputes, full representation helps ensure thorough preparation and effective presentation of those proofs. A legal team can collect and analyze technical materials, identify weaknesses in the opposing position, and prepare persuasive arguments for settlement or trial. This level of preparation can make a meaningful difference in resolving contested issues and achieving a fair outcome.

When a Narrower Legal Approach May Work:

Minor Injuries and Clear Liability

A limited legal approach may be appropriate when injuries are minor, treatment is complete, and liability is clearly the other party’s, such as when a driver openly admits fault and the medical costs are modest. In those situations, targeted assistance with claim preparation and settlement negotiation may help resolve the matter quickly without extensive litigation. This approach can reduce legal costs while ensuring reasonable compensation for the documented losses.

Desire for Faster Resolution

If a claimant’s priority is a relatively fast resolution and the potential recovery aligns with the time and expense of a limited engagement, focused representation to negotiate a fair settlement may be sufficient. This path can avoid prolonged litigation and deliver prompt financial relief for immediate needs such as medical bills and short-term lost income. The right approach depends on the claimant’s goals, the strength of the claim, and the insurer’s responsiveness.

Common Situations That Lead to Pedestrian Claims

Crosswalk and Intersection Collisions

Pedestrians are frequently struck at intersections and crosswalks when drivers fail to yield, run red lights, or turn without checking for people on foot. These collisions often require careful review of traffic signals, witness accounts, and any available video to establish liability.

Parking Lot and Driveway Incidents

Collisions that occur in parking areas or driveways can involve low speeds but still lead to serious injuries when a pedestrian is squeezed between vehicles or struck by a backing vehicle. These cases may raise additional questions about property owner responsibility and maintenance.

Sideswipe and Dooring Accidents

A pedestrian can be hit by the side of a vehicle during lane changes or struck when a car door is opened unexpectedly, and such incidents often hinge on driver awareness and compliance with traffic laws. Evidence of driver attention and actions around the time of the collision is typically key to these claims.

Syracuse Pedestrian Injury Legal Services

Why Choose The Ahearne Law Firm for Pedestrian Claims

The Ahearne Law Firm focuses on representing people injured by negligent drivers in Syracuse and Onondaga County, providing attentive client communication and methodical case preparation. The firm works to secure documentation, interview witnesses, and coordinate medical reviews to support each client’s claim, and it keeps clients informed about strategy and progress at every stage. With local knowledge of Syracuse courts and insurers, the firm aims to pursue appropriate compensation while minimizing unnecessary stress for injured individuals and their families during recovery.

Clients who come to the firm receive personalized attention, clear explanations of likely timelines and potential outcomes, and assistance in weighing settlement options against the possibility of trial. The firm helps manage communications with medical providers and insurers and supports clients in assessing future care needs and financial impact. By focusing on organized preparation and consistent client updates, the firm strives to make the claim process as straightforward as possible while advocating for fair and full compensation.

Contact Our Syracuse Office Today

People Also Search For

Syracuse pedestrian accident attorney

pedestrian accident claim Syracuse NY

Onondaga County pedestrian injury lawyer

Syracuse crosswalk accident attorney

pedestrian struck by car Syracuse

pedestrian collision compensation New York

Hudson Valley pedestrian injury law firm

Allan J. Ahearne Jr. pedestrian cases

FAQS

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

Immediately after a pedestrian accident, prioritize your health and safety by seeking medical attention, even if you do not feel severely injured right away. Obtain medical care as soon as possible and keep records of all exams, tests, treatments, and medications. If you are able, document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road markings, traffic signals, your injuries, and any visible hazards. Obtain contact information for drivers, witnesses, and responding officers, and request a copy of the police report once available. Next, notify your insurer about the incident and be careful when speaking with the other party’s insurance company; avoid giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without fully understanding your medical needs and legal options. Preserve any evidence you gathered and provide your attorney or legal representative with copies of medical records, photos, and witness information so they can begin investigating liability and damages. Early action helps protect your rights and preserves critical proof for your claim.

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

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is generally two years from the date of the injury. That means a lawsuit must typically be filed within two years of the accident, or the claim may be barred. There are limited exceptions that can extend or shorten the deadline depending on specific circumstances, such as claims against governmental entities that often require shorter notice periods and special procedural steps before a lawsuit can be filed. Because time limits are strict and procedural requirements can be complex, it is important to seek legal guidance promptly to ensure that all necessary notices and filings are completed on time. Early consultation helps identify whether any special rules apply, allows for timely evidence preservation, and ensures claim preparation proceeds before critical records or witness memories fade. Acting quickly protects your ability to pursue full recovery for injuries and losses.

What kinds of damages can I recover after being hit by a car as a pedestrian?

After a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, recoverable damages can include compensation for past and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and prosthetics or assistive devices if needed. Lost wages and loss of earning capacity can be claimed when injuries prevent the injured person from returning to their prior employment or reduce future earning potential. Non-economic damages may also be available for pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and emotional distress caused by the accident. In addition to these categories, a claim may include reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, and caregiver expenses when necessary. A careful damages evaluation considers both present needs and anticipated future costs tied to the injury, and supporting documentation such as medical records, employment records, and expert opinions is used to substantiate the full extent of the losses claimed.

Will insurance cover my medical bills after a pedestrian collision?

Insurance coverage for medical bills after a pedestrian collision depends on the policies involved, such as the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or the injured person’s own personal injury protection or medical payments coverage, if available. In New York, uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage may also apply when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover all losses. Coordination of benefits between different policies can be complex and often requires careful review of policy language and limits. Because insurers frequently dispute claim elements like medical necessity or causation, it is important to document care and maintain consistent treatment records. Legal help can assist in communicating with insurers, submitting supporting medical documentation, and negotiating for payment of bills and past or future medical expenses. This process helps ensure that appropriate coverage is pursued and that settlement offers reflect the true scope of the claimant’s medical needs.

What if the driver who hit me flees the scene or is uninsured?

If the driver who hit you flees the scene, report the hit-and-run to the police immediately and provide as much identifying information as possible, such as the vehicle make, model, color, license plate fragments, direction of travel, and any available witness descriptions. The police investigation may locate the driver, and law enforcement records can be important to support future claims. If the driver remains unidentified, uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may provide relief for medical bills and other losses if you have it. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage can help fill the gap, but recovering full compensation may require exploring other potential sources of liability, such as vehicle owners or property owners, depending on the circumstances. Timely reporting to insurers and thorough documentation of medical care and expenses strengthens the claim for available coverage and helps preserve options for recovery under applicable policies.

How does comparative fault affect a pedestrian injury case in New York?

Comparative fault in New York means that if a pedestrian is found partially at fault for an accident, the amount of recoverable damages may be reduced by the pedestrian’s percentage of responsibility. For instance, if a jury assigns a portion of fault to the pedestrian for failing to exercise reasonable care while crossing, the final award is adjusted downward by that percentage. This rule encourages assessment of the relative conduct of all parties involved in causing the collision. Because comparative fault can significantly affect the recovery amount, presenting clear evidence regarding the driver’s actions, traffic conditions, and visibility is important to minimize any assigned responsibility. Legal representation can help identify mitigating facts, gather witness statements, and present persuasive evidence that shifts fault away from the pedestrian, improving the prospects for a more favorable outcome at settlement or trial.

Do I need to see a doctor if I feel okay after the accident?

Even if you feel okay at the scene of a pedestrian collision, you should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible because some injuries do not present symptoms immediately and can worsen over time. Prompt medical care creates a contemporaneous record linking your injuries to the collision, which is important for an insurance claim or lawsuit. Follow the treating provider’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments to document your recovery and any ongoing needs. Delaying treatment can create gaps in the medical record that insurers may use to challenge causation or the severity of injuries, so timely and consistent care supports both health and legal claims. Keep detailed records of visits, diagnoses, treatments, and prescribed therapies, and share these records with your legal representative to help build a comprehensive account of your medical needs and related losses.

How long does it take to resolve a pedestrian injury claim?

The timeline to resolve a pedestrian injury claim varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, and the willingness of insurers to negotiate. Some cases with clear liability and straightforward medical bills can be settled within months, while others involving serious injuries, disputed causation, or the need for expert testimony may take a year or longer and could proceed to trial. Patience is often required when ensuring that settlements adequately cover future medical needs and lost income. Because timelines vary, it is beneficial to evaluate settlement offers in light of a full damages assessment and the likely time to trial if negotiations stall. A careful approach that weighs early resolution against potential long-term needs helps ensure that any agreement reasonably addresses current and anticipated consequences of the injury. Open communication with your attorney about goals and deadlines helps manage expectations throughout the process.

Can I still file a claim if I was crossing outside a crosswalk?

You can still pursue a claim if you were crossing outside a marked crosswalk, but the circumstances will influence how liability is evaluated under New York law. Factors such as the driver’s speed, roadway conditions, visibility, and whether the driver acted negligently despite the pedestrian’s location can all affect the outcome. Comparative fault rules may apply, so the pedestrian’s conduct could reduce recoverable damages if assigned a share of responsibility in the incident. A thorough investigation that includes witness statements, scene photos, and any available video evidence can clarify the sequence of events and demonstrate the driver’s level of care. Even when a pedestrian is partially outside a crosswalk, other parties’ negligence may still be the predominant cause of the collision, and pursuing a claim can secure compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other losses tied to the injury.

How can I pay for ongoing care while my claim is pending?

While a claim is pending, bills for medical care and living expenses can be a serious concern; options to address these needs include using personal health insurance, medical payment coverage if available, or negotiating provider liens where medical providers agree to be paid from eventual recovery. In some situations, short-term assistance programs or family support can bridge gaps until a claim resolves. It is important to keep careful records of all expenses and to communicate proactively with medical providers about payment arrangements when possible. An attorney can help explore available insurance benefits, make arrangements with medical providers, and, when appropriate, negotiate liens or payment plans that defer immediate bills until resolution. Understanding the possible sources of interim funding and organizing documentation for future reimbursement can reduce financial strain while the claim is pursued and help ensure medical needs continue to be met.

Personal Injury Services in Syracuse

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services