Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Injured New Yorkers for 39+ Years

Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney Michael Gunzburg

What Our Clients Say

Who Needs a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn?

You need a Brooklyn pedestrian accident lawyer if a driver struck you while you were walking, whether that's in a crosswalk on Atlantic Avenue, crossing at a Flatbush intersection, or walking along a sidewalk in any Brooklyn neighborhood. This includes anyone hit by a car, truck, delivery van, rideshare vehicle, or bus. Brooklyn pedestrian accident victims often include seniors crossing busy corridors, children walking to school, gig workers on foot between deliveries, and commuters navigating crowded intersections near downtown Brooklyn. If you were injured while lawfully crossing the street, walking through a parking lot, or using a marked pedestrian path anywhere in Brooklyn, from Bay Ridge to Bushwick to Crown Heights, this service applies to you. Even if you think you were partly at fault, you may still have a valid claim under New York law.

Common Pedestrian Accidents We Handle

Failure to Yield in a Crosswalk

Drivers in Brooklyn are required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. The intersection of Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue near the Manhattan Bridge approach is one of the borough's most collision-prone crossings, with complex traffic patterns that frequently catch pedestrians off guard. When drivers fail to yield, and you are struck, the driver and their insurer can be held liable.

Distracted Driving Strikes

A driver who is texting, using a navigation app, or distracted by a passenger can cross into a crosswalk or onto a sidewalk in seconds. These cases are increasingly common in high-foot-traffic Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Park Slope, where delivery vehicles and rideshare traffic mix with pedestrian-heavy streets.

Delivery Truck and Van Accidents

Brooklyn sees heavy commercial delivery traffic throughout the day, particularly in areas like DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, and Flatbush. Large delivery vehicles have wider blind spots and require more stopping distance. When drivers are rushing to meet quotas and fail to check for pedestrians, the results can be catastrophic.

Illegal Turns at Intersections

Left and right turns at intersections are a leading cause of pedestrian injuries in Brooklyn. The stretch along Atlantic Avenue, one of the borough's longest and busiest arterials, is a documented hotspot, particularly at the intersections of Pennsylvania Avenue and Logan Street, where wide lanes and high speeds create dangerous conditions for anyone on foot.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If the driver who hit you fled the scene, you are not without options. New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) may cover your losses when the at-fault driver is unidentified. These cases require fast action and specific filing procedures. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has handled cases involving unidentified drivers and knows exactly how to protect your rights.

Bus and MTA Accidents

MTA buses operate throughout Brooklyn on routes that frequently cross busy pedestrian corridors. When a bus driver fails to watch for people crossing, the injuries are often severe. Claims against the MTA involve strict notice requirements that differ from standard car accident claims, this is not a process you want to navigate alone.

Accidents at Night or in Poor Visibility

Nighttime pedestrian accidents are disproportionately deadly. Poor lighting along sections of Flatbush Avenue Extension and the areas surrounding the BQE make pedestrians harder to see. Drivers who speed or fail to use headlights properly can be held responsible for accidents that happen after dark.

Why Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Matters

Going up against an insurance company without legal representation is not a fair fight. Insurance adjusters are trained to reduce your payout. They may argue that you were jaywalking, that you stepped out unexpectedly, or that your injuries are less severe than your medical records show. Without an experienced attorney, many pedestrian accident victims accept settlements that don't cover future surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, or the wages they'll lose during a long recovery.

The difference between having a lawyer and not having one is often the difference between a few thousand dollars and a life-changing recovery. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., cases are prepared for trial from day one. That preparation sends a clear message to insurance companies: this firm is ready to go to court. It also results in more serious settlement offers.

Michael Gunzburg's background as a CPA gives him a documented advantage in pedestrian accident cases involving financial damages. He understands how to calculate long-term lost income, future medical costs, and diminished earning capacity in a way that holds up in court. That skill matters when you're dealing with injuries that will affect your life for years.

The firm has secured a $2.85 million settlement for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk and a $2.5 million settlement at trial for a woman hit by a van while crossing with a green light. These results reflect what happens when a case is built with care, expertise, and a genuine willingness to fight.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Pedestrian Accident Cases?

Multiple parties may be responsible for a Brooklyn pedestrian accident. The driver who struck you is often the primary defendant, but liability can extend further. Responsibility may fall on:

• The driver who failed to yield, drove distracted, ran a red light, or made an illegal turn
• The driver's employer, if the driver was operating a company vehicle or making deliveries on the job
• A rideshare company like Uber or Lyft, depending on whether the driver was logged into the app at the time
• The City of New York or NYC DOT, if a defective traffic signal, broken crosswalk marking, or dangerous road design contributed to the accident
• A property owner, if a vehicle entered a sidewalk due to a condition on adjacent private property
• The MTA or NYC Transit, if a bus or transit vehicle was involved

A thorough investigation is required to identify every responsible party. Missing one can mean leaving significant compensation on the table.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

Pedestrian accident victims in Brooklyn may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Your recovery can include:

Economic damages:

• All past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and medications
• Lost wages from the time you were unable to work
• Future lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Out-of-pocket costs related to your accident and recovery

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma, including anxiety about returning to normal daily activities

In cases involving reckless or especially egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available. No attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, but an experienced lawyer ensures no category of damages is overlooked.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules

The most important deadline in a Brooklyn pedestrian accident case is three years from the date of the accident, that is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims against private defendants in New York. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue, regardless of how serious your injuries are.

Several exceptions and shorter deadlines apply:

• Claims against the City of New York or any municipal agency (including the MTA) require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the accident. A lawsuit must then be filed within one year and 90 days. Missing the 90-day notice deadline can permanently bar your claim.
• Wrongful death claims have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of death.
• No-fault insurance applications must typically be filed within 30 days of the accident or coverage can be denied.

New York is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance, or the at-fault driver's PIP coverage if you don't own a car, provides initial benefits for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. However, no-fault coverage is capped at $50,000 per person. For serious injuries, that rarely covers the full cost of treatment. To pursue a claim for pain and suffering beyond no-fault, your injuries must meet New York's "serious injury" threshold, which includes fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent limitation of use of a body part, and certain other qualifying conditions.

Do not wait to speak with an attorney. Every day that passes makes evidence harder to gather and witnesses harder to find.

What Happens After You Call Michael Gunzburg, P.C.

When you call, you reach a real person, and/or your call is returned within 24 hours, guaranteed. Here is what to expect from the moment you get in touch.

You Talk Directly to the Attorney

Michael Gunzburg handles his cases personally. You won't spend your consultation talking to a paralegal or intake coordinator. You speak with the attorney who will actually represent you, from day one through resolution.

Your Consultation Is Free and Carries No Obligation

During the initial consultation, Michael will listen to what happened, ask specific questions about your injuries and the circumstances of the accident, and give you an honest assessment of your case. There's no charge for this conversation, and no pressure to hire the firm.

Investigation Begins Immediately

If you decide to move forward, the firm begins building your case right away. That means gathering police reports, obtaining surveillance footage before it is overwritten, identifying witnesses, documenting the accident scene, and preserving evidence the other side will try to challenge. In Brooklyn pedestrian cases, acting quickly matters, footage from nearby businesses or DOT cameras can be critical and may only be retained for a short period.

Your Medical Picture Is Documented Completely

Michael works with medical experts to ensure every injury is properly documented, including injuries that may not be obvious immediately after the accident. His CPA background allows him to build a precise picture of your financial losses, lost wages, future earnings, and the cost of ongoing care, in a form courts and insurance companies take seriously.

You Stay Informed Throughout

You will hear from the firm regularly. Phone calls are returned within 24 hours. You'll know where your case stands, what the next steps are, and what decisions need to be made. Clients of this firm have said they missed the regular communication after their cases concluded. That level of attention is deliberate.

Benefits of Hiring a Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

You Recover More Compensation

Pedestrian accident victims represented by attorneys consistently recover more than those who negotiate alone. Insurance companies know which lawyers will push for a full recovery and which ones will settle quickly. Michael Gunzburg prepares every case for trial, and that changes the dynamic entirely.

You Don't Pay Unless the Firm Wins

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no bill if the case does not result in a recovery. This means you can pursue full compensation for your injuries without taking on financial risk.

Your Financial Damages Are Calculated with Precision

Most personal injury attorneys estimate your lost wages and future costs. Michael Gunzburg is also a licensed CPA, and he calculates them with the rigor of a financial professional. That difference can be significant in cases involving long-term disability or lost career earnings.

The Firm Has Deep Knowledge of Brooklyn Courts and Insurance Tactics

39 years of practicing in New York means knowing how local courts operate, how specific insurers approach pedestrian claims, and how to read a case from the defense's perspective. That experience shapes litigation strategy at every stage.

You Focus on Healing

Managing a pedestrian accident claim while recovering from serious injuries is genuinely hard. When a qualified attorney handles the legal work, you can direct your energy toward getting better instead of fielding calls from adjusters and trying to decode settlement offers.

Key Takeaways

• Brooklyn pedestrian accident victims have three years to file a lawsuit, but claims against the city or MTA require a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
• Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has secured a $2.85 million settlement and a $2.5 million settlement at trial for pedestrian accident victims, results that reflect 39+ years of litigation experience.
• Attorney Michael Gunzburg holds a dual credential as both a licensed NY attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, which provides a documented advantage in calculating and presenting financial damages.
• Insurance companies routinely try to reduce pedestrian accident payouts by disputing fault, minimizing injury severity, or offering early low settlements, legal representation changes this dynamic.
• The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless the case results in a recovery.

Proven Results and Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has secured multimillion-dollar results for pedestrian accident victims, including:

$2.85 million settlement for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk by a motor vehicle. The driver failed to yield the right of way while making a left turn. The client's motion for partial summary judgment on liability was granted, and both the defendant's primary and excess carriers funded the full settlement.

$2.5 million settlement at trial for a woman struck by a van while crossing the street in a crosswalk with a green light in her favor. The client sustained serious knee injuries requiring surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery, extensive physical therapy, and ongoing care. The court granted partial summary judgment on liability.

The firm has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association Legal Referral Panel since 1989, a tenure that reflects consistent professional standing and community trust across nearly four decades.

Clients regularly describe their experience with the firm in terms of communication and personal attention. One client, Jeffrey, noted: "Michael kept me informed throughout the entire process and always returned my calls promptly. He fought hard for the best possible outcome." Another, Avion, said the firm took the time to explain every step clearly and treated him like a person, not a case number.

Common Questions About Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident Cases

What should I do immediately after being hit by a car in Brooklyn?

If you are physically able to, move out of the roadway and call 911. Request both police and EMS. Stay at the scene unless you need immediate transport to a hospital. Get the driver's name, license, insurance information, and plate number. Take photos of the vehicle, the intersection, any traffic signals or crosswalk markings, and your visible injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses. Do not tell the driver or police that you are "fine" before being examined by a doctor, symptoms from head trauma, spinal injuries, and internal injuries often appear hours or days after the accident.

Do I have a case if I was not in a marked crosswalk?

Possibly, yes. New York law recognizes that pedestrians have rights even when crossing mid-block or in areas without marked crosswalks. Drivers are required to exercise due care at all times. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, you may still have a valid claim. New York's comparative negligence rules allow recovery even if you were partly at fault, your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?

New York's no-fault law requires the at-fault driver's auto insurance to provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits of up to $50,000 for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, regardless of fault. If you own a car, your own policy may also apply. You must typically file a no-fault application within 30 days of the accident. No-fault covers initial treatment, but for serious injuries requiring surgery and long-term care, a liability claim against the at-fault driver is where full compensation comes from.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Hit-and-run pedestrian accident cases are handled differently but are not hopeless. If the driver cannot be identified, you may have a claim through New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), which provides compensation to pedestrians injured by uninsured or unidentified drivers. These cases have specific filing requirements and deadlines. Contact an attorney quickly.

How long will my case take?

Every case is different. Some Brooklyn pedestrian accident cases settle within several months once liability is clear and medical treatment has stabilized. Others, especially those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or municipal defendants, can take two to three years or more if they proceed through litigation and trial. The timeline depends on the complexity of your injuries, how many parties are involved, and whether the case settles or goes to a jury.

What if the driver's insurance company contacts me before I have a lawyer?

Do not give a recorded statement to the driver's insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. You have no obligation to speak with the at-fault driver's insurer. If you've already received a call, that's not a problem, but speak to an attorney before responding.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were 50% or even 99% at fault, your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 20% responsible and awards $500,000, you would recover $400,000. Don't assume that because you weren't in a crosswalk or stepped off a curb unexpectedly that you have no case. That determination requires legal analysis.

Can I sue the City of New York if a broken traffic signal or dangerous crosswalk contributed to my accident?

Yes, but the process is different and the deadlines are significantly shorter. Claims against New York City or any city agency require a Notice of Claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline generally bars the claim permanently. A lawsuit must then be filed within one year and 90 days. If a defective signal, missing crosswalk markings, or dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident, that must be investigated quickly.

Why choose Michael Gunzburg, P.C. over another Brooklyn personal injury firm?

Michael Gunzburg personally handles his cases from initial consultation through resolution, no hand-offs to junior attorneys. He has 39+ years of trial experience in New York courts and holds a dual credential as both a licensed attorney and a Certified Public Accountant, which gives him a measurable advantage in calculating and presenting the full scope of financial damages. The firm has recovered millions for pedestrian accident victims, including a $2.85 million settlement for a crosswalk accident. Cases are handled on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless the firm wins. Calls are returned within 24 hours, and you'll always know where your case stands.

Is there really no cost to hire the firm?

Correct. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents pedestrian accident clients on a pure contingency fee basis. You pay no retainer, no hourly fees, and nothing upfront. If the firm does not recover compensation for you, you owe nothing. This arrangement means the firm's interests are directly aligned with yours, the goal is always to recover as much as possible.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Brooklyn and the surrounding region. The firm handles cases in Park Slope, Flatbush, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Bay Ridge, Crown Heights, Bed-Stuy, Sunset Park, Canarsie, and every other Brooklyn neighborhood. High-risk corridors like Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue Extension, and the blocks surrounding the Tillary Street and Adams Street intersection near the Brooklyn Bridge are areas where the firm has handled cases and understands the local traffic conditions well. The firm also serves clients across Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Cases are heard in Brooklyn's Supreme Court, Kings County, and the firm has the experience and local knowledge to represent you there.

Other Personal Injury Services We Offer in Brooklyn

• Brooklyn Personal Injury
• Brooklyn Car Accidents
• Brooklyn Truck Accidents
• Brooklyn Slip and Fall Accidents
• Brooklyn Wrongful Death
• Brooklyn Medical Malpractice Cases