Pedestrian Accident Lawyer New York County, NY
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Manhattan, the physical, financial, and emotional toll can be overwhelming. A pedestrian accident in New York County often results in serious injuries—fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage—that demand extensive medical care and time away from work. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on representing injured pedestrians and their families in personal injury claims. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Claims arising from pedestrian accidents in New York County are filed in the New York Supreme Court, located at 60 Centre Street, and are governed by New York’s pure comparative fault rule and three-year statute of limitations. Early investigation is critical: evidence from the scene, surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can all shape the outcome of a case. To discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Pedestrian Accident Claims Mean in New York County, New York
New York County (Manhattan) presents unique risks for pedestrians. Dense traffic, busy intersections, construction zones, and active driving contribute to a high number of pedestrian injuries each year. When a pedestrian is hit by a car, truck, bus, or bicycle, the legal claim is a personal injury action based on negligence. The injured person must show that the driver (or another responsible party) failed to exercise reasonable care and that the failure caused the accident.
Personal injury lawsuits in New York County are filed in the New York Supreme Court, which has unlimited monetary jurisdiction. The court sits at 60 Centre Street near City Hall. New York follows a pure comparative fault standard under CPLR Article 14‑A. This means an injured pedestrian’s recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the pedestrian, but the pedestrian can still recover damages even if they were mostly at fault. Unlike some states, New York imposes no cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. Automobile accident claims, however, are subject to the serious injury threshold in Insurance Law § 5102, which requires a plaintiff to prove a “serious injury” as defined by statute before recovering non‑economic damages such as pain and suffering. Pedestrian claims involving motor vehicles must meet this threshold.
The statute of limitations for personal injury in New York is three years from the date of injury, set by N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). Wrongful death claims must be brought within two years. Missing a deadline can bar recovery entirely. For these reasons, prompt consultation with an attorney is essential.
A pedestrian accident claim in New York must be filed within three years from the date of injury under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5).
Source: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). New York State Senate
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in New York.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Pedestrian Accident Cases
When you contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a pedestrian accident, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by gathering the facts. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident scene, and any available video footage. The team identifies all potentially responsible parties—the driver, the vehicle owner, an employer if the driver was working, and in some cases a government entity responsible for road design or maintenance.
The firm evaluates insurance coverage, including the driver’s liability policy, underinsured motorist coverage, and any additional policies that may apply. In New York, automobile accident victims must first seek no‑fault benefits from their own insurance carrier for medical expenses and lost wages. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to ensure that those benefits are properly claimed and that any gaps in coverage are addressed. When a serious injury is present, the claim may proceed outside the no‑fault system.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the firm files a summons and complaint in the New York Supreme Court, New York County. The litigation process involves discovery, depositions, and motion practice. Many cases settle before trial, but the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare every case as if it will go to trial. Throughout the process, the team works to document economic damages (medical bills, lost income, future care costs) and non‑economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life). The firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fee is charged unless compensation is recovered.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings an understanding of how both sides build and evaluate a case. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional backgrounds in litigation, insurance defense, and trial work. Together, the team has experience handling personal injury claims across multiple jurisdictions, including cases venued in the New York Supreme Court, New York County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has served clients since 1997. The firm’s approach is to combine thorough investigation with a practical assessment of what a case is worth and what it will take to obtain a favorable result. While every case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, the team is committed to advocating for the full measure of compensation available under New York law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident claim in New York County?
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214(5). Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. Because the limitations period can vary depending on the facts, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing the right to seek compensation.
What damages can I recover after a pedestrian accident in Manhattan?
Compensatory damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. New York imposes no statutory cap on compensatory damages in most personal injury cases. The pure comparative fault rule means your recovery will be reduced by your own percentage of fault, but you can still collect even if you were partly at fault. For non‑economic damages in motor vehicle cases, you must prove a serious injury under the Insurance Law.
Do I need a lawyer for a pedestrian accident claim?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers. Insurance companies often seek to settle claims quickly for less than full value. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles all aspects of the case so that you can focus on your recovery. The firm works on a contingency fee basis; you pay no fee unless compensation is recovered.
How does comparative fault affect my pedestrian accident case in New York?
Under New York’s pure comparative fault rule, your recovery is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault, your damages award is reduced by that 20 percent. Even if you are mostly at fault, you may still recover something. The court or jury determines the allocation of fault based on the evidence presented at trial. An attorney can investigate the accident and present evidence to minimize any allocation of fault to you.
What should I do immediately after a pedestrian accident in New York County?
Seek medical attention right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report. If possible, take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and the vehicle involved. Obtain contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for guidance on your next steps.
How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer cost?
The firm handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fee unless a recovery is obtained. The fee is a percentage of the amount recovered, and the specific percentage is discussed during the initial consultation. Court costs and litigation expenses are separate and are typically advanced by the firm. Because the fee arrangement is tailored to the case, you should call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation and review the terms.
Additional New York County personal injury services: Kings County (Brooklyn) Personal Injury Lawyer | Queens County (Queens) Personal Injury Lawyer | Richmond County (Staten Island) Personal Injury Lawyer | Nassau County (Long Island) Personal Injury Lawyer | Suffolk County (Long Island) Personal Injury Lawyer
Primary sources: N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 214 | New York County Supreme Court | N.Y. C.P.L.R. Article 14‑A
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.