Motor Vehicle Accidents

Pedestrian Knockdowns

Pedestrian knockdown accidents invariably occur as a result of negligent drivers who are distracted and/or speeding.   These accidents often result in major injuries or death.   There are several types of pedestrian knockdown cases, including the following:

• pedestrian crossing street
• pedestrian walking along roadway
• pedestrian walking on sidewalk
• pedestrian walking in parking lot
• bicyclist knockdown

Where a pedestrian is crossing the street within a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked, the driver is required to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.   Crossing outside the crosswalk is not prohibited, but rather, the issue that needs to be assessed is whether the pedestrian exercised reasonable care for his or her safety while crossing the street.   An injured pedestrian generally must file for no-fault benefits (i.e., for related medical bills and loss of earnings) – within 30 days after the accident – from the insurance company of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian.  There are some sharp differences in handling a pedestrian knockdown case, as compared to an ordinary accident involving only motor vehicles.   It is essential to hire an attorney who is well-versed and experienced in handling these types of cases.   Shapiro Law Offices has proven its level of expertise in this area.