Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Queens, New York
Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world — and one of the most dangerous for pedestrians. With wide, high-speed boulevards like Queens Boulevard (once known as the 'Boulevard of Death'), Northern Boulevard, and Roosevelt Avenue cutting through dense residential neighborhoods, pedestrian accidents are tragically common. If you or a loved one was hit by a car, truck, or bus while walking in Queens, you deserve an attorney who will fight for maximum compensation against the driver and their insurance company.
Why Queens Is So Dangerous for Pedestrians
Queens' road infrastructure was designed for cars, not people. Queens Boulevard — a 12-lane highway running through the heart of the borough — earned its 'Boulevard of Death' nickname after decades of pedestrian fatalities. Despite recent safety improvements under Vision Zero, the boulevard and surrounding streets remain extremely dangerous. Northern Boulevard through Flushing and Woodside, Roosevelt Avenue through Jackson Heights, and Jamaica Avenue through Richmond Hill all see high rates of pedestrian accidents. Contributing factors include speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, poor lighting, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure in many neighborhoods.
What to Do If You're Hit by a Car in Queens
Stay at the scene and call 911 — NYPD will respond and file an accident report. Do not leave even if you think your injuries are minor.
Get the driver's information — license plate, insurance, name, and contact details. If the driver fled, try to note the vehicle description and direction of travel.
Document everything — photograph the intersection, crosswalk, traffic signals, your injuries, and any vehicle damage. Note the time, weather, and lighting conditions.
Get witness contact information — bystanders, nearby store employees, and other pedestrians can provide crucial testimony.
Seek immediate medical attention — pedestrian accident injuries are often severe. Go to NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Queens Hospital Center, or Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
File a no-fault claim — New York's no-fault insurance covers your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
Contact a pedestrian accident attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accident injuries are typically severe because the human body has no protection against a multi-ton vehicle. Compensation reflects the severity of these injuries.
Why Choose SettleWell for Your Pedestrian Accident Case in Queens?
SettleWell's attorney network includes pedestrian accident specialists who regularly handle cases in Queens County Supreme Court. Our attorneys know how to obtain traffic camera footage, investigate hit-and-run cases, and build compelling cases against negligent drivers. We work with accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to demonstrate the full impact of your injuries.
Statute of Limitations in New York
New York has a 3-year statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims. If a city bus, sanitation truck, or other government vehicle hit you, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days. Hit-and-run cases have additional complexities — contact an attorney immediately to begin the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was jaywalking when I was hit?
New York follows pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault (jaywalking, crossing against the signal), you can still recover compensation. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault, but drivers always have a duty to exercise due care around pedestrians.
What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?
Hit-and-run cases are still viable. Your own uninsured motorist coverage can compensate you. An attorney can also investigate using traffic cameras, surveillance footage, and witness statements to identify the driver.
How much is a pedestrian accident case worth in Queens?
Pedestrian cases with serious injuries typically settle for $100,000-$1,000,000+. Cases involving permanent disability, traumatic brain injury, or wrongful death can result in multi-million dollar verdicts.
Can I sue the city if a dangerous intersection caused my accident?
Yes, if the city failed to maintain safe pedestrian infrastructure — missing crosswalks, broken traffic signals, inadequate lighting, or known dangerous conditions. A Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days.