Crosswalk Accidents, Hit-and-Runs and Other Auto-Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
If you were hit by a car while walking or biking — or if a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries in a pedestrian or bicycle accident — there is something you should know: The law may be on your side. You and your family shouldn't have to pay because a driver wasn't paying attention or had no regard for the safety of others.
There are at least three important facts about bicycle and pedestrian accidents that may make it necessary for you to seek the representation of a highly experienced and dedicated personal injury lawyer:
1) The injuries in these cases tend to be severe and may include head trauma and brain injury, damage to the lower extremities (broken bones and damaged knees, ankles or hips), and severe back injury. In cases of severe or life-altering injury, the stakes are high for everyone involved. This can mean that the insurance company may fight hard to minimize the payout to the victim. You need an advocate you can trust to stand up for your rights and your recovery.
2) In too many cases the driver fails to stop and render aid after a serious bicycle or pedestrian accident. This means it can be difficult or impossible to identify who is responsible for your injury or loss. The good news is that it is often possible to obtain coverage through your own insurance company, so that you are not left with expensive medical bills and no way to pay. An experienced attorney can help you explore your options and fight for the coverage and compensation you need.
3) When the victim of a bicycle or pedestrian accident is a child, even more attention needs to be paid to the long term consequences of a severe injury. For example, a head injury can have subtle and lasting effects on a child's development. It may take the work of independent, highly qualified medical experts to document the full scope of the injury and determine the lifetime cost of a driver's negligence. You may need a lawyer who has built a relationship with a network of experts and specialists who can help build a case for maximum recovery.
At the independent law offices of Joel N. Melnicoff and Albert D. DiGiacomo, we are experienced advocates for the victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in and around the Syracuse area — including communities like Utica and Herkimer — and throughout Upstate New York. We also represent bike crash and bus accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians. Contact us today to discuss your case. There is no cost for the initial consultation and no legal fee for you to pay unless we obtain financial recovery for you.
