Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Staten Island, NY

Fighting for Injured New Yorkers for Over 39 Years

Personal Injury Attorney Michael Gunzburg

What Our Clients Say

Who Needs a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Staten Island?

You need a pedestrian accident attorney if a driver struck you while you were walking, in a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, or anywhere else on Staten Island. This page is relevant to any pedestrian knockdown victim, hit-by-car injury victim, or anyone injured on foot from Port Richmond to the South Shore.

Common situations include:

• A driver who failed to yield at a crosswalk on Victory Boulevard or Clove Road
• Speeding on Hylan Boulevard
• Distracted driving, texting, talking, not watching the road
• Left-turn accidents at intersections where drivers cut across oncoming pedestrian traffic
• Hit-and-run accidents where the driver fled the scene
• Bus and delivery vehicle strikes

A senior knocked down while walking through St. George, a child hit near a school in Great Kills or Tottenville, or a worker on foot hit by a delivery driver, if a negligent driver was behind the wheel, you have the right to pursue compensation

Common Situations Michael Gunzburg, P.C. Handles

Driver Fails to Yield at a Crosswalk

Drivers who do not yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks are the most common cause of pedestrian injuries. This happens frequently at busy Staten Island intersections like Victory Boulevard and Clove Road, and along Richmond Avenue, where heavy traffic and turning conflicts create serious hazards. New York traffic laws require drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, when they don't, they can be held fully liable for the resulting injuries.

Speeding on Hylan Boulevard

Hylan Boulevard runs the length of Staten Island and consistently ranks among the borough's most dangerous roads for pedestrians. Speeding drivers create catastrophic stopping distances. When a speeding driver strikes someone on foot, the force of impact frequently causes traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal damage.

Distracted Driving

Texting, talking, and other forms of distracted driving are responsible for a significant number of pedestrian accidents across Staten Island. A driver who wasn't watching the road is a negligent driver, and their insurance company is responsible for your losses. Distracted driving cases often rely on phone records, traffic cameras, and witness statements to prove what happened.

Left-Turn Accidents at Intersections

Left-turn accidents at intersections are among the leading causes of pedestrian fatalities in New York. Drivers making left turns often fail to check for pedestrians crossing with the signal. These accidents happen across Staten Island at signalized intersections where pedestrians have the right of way.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

If the driver who hit you fled the scene, you can still recover compensation. New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) provides a path to recovery when an at-fault driver can't be identified. The firm has successfully recovered compensation for hit-and-run victims, the process has specific filing deadlines, so calling an attorney quickly matters.

Bus and Delivery Vehicle Strikes

Buses, delivery vans, and commercial vehicles operate throughout Staten Island daily. When a driver employed by a company strikes a pedestrian, both the driver and the employer can be held liable. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has recovered $1.9 million in a post-verdict settlement for a pedestrian struck by a bus.

Why Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Matters

Pedestrian accident cases are not simple. Insurance companies deploy experienced adjusters whose job is to pay you as little as possible. They'll question the severity of your injuries, argue you were partly at fault for walking into traffic, or offer a quick settlement before you understand your full medical picture.

Without an attorney, most people accept far less than their case is worth, often before they even know the full extent of their injuries.

With 39+ years of NYC trial experience, Michael Gunzburg, P.C. prepares every pedestrian accident case for trial from day one. That approach changes what insurance companies offer. They settle more cases, and for higher amounts, when they know your attorney is ready to walk into a courtroom.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Injuries

Liability in a Staten Island pedestrian accident case depends on the specific facts, but responsible parties can include:

• The driver, the most common defendant; negligent behavior under New York traffic laws includes speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, and running red lights
• The driver's employer, if the driver was working at the time (delivery, bus, commercial vehicle)
• A government entity, if dangerous road design, broken signals, or missing crosswalk markings contributed to the accident
• A vehicle owner, if they negligently allowed an unfit driver to operate their vehicle

The firm investigates every angle to identify all responsible parties and all available insurance coverage.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover in a Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accident victims in New York can seek both economic and non-economic damages. Injuries sustained when a person on foot is struck by a vehicle are often among the most severe, pedestrians have no physical protection.

Recoverable damages include:

• Medical bills, emergency room, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, and future treatment
• Lost wages, income already lost and future earning capacity if you can't return to work
• Pain and suffering, physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life, activities and quality of life you can no longer experience due to your injuries

Many pedestrian victims require multiple surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and face permanent disabilities. Medical experts are brought in to document every injury and its long-term impact, including costs you'll face years from now.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules

Do not wait to call an attorney. Several strict deadlines apply to Staten Island pedestrian accident cases under New York laws:

Three-year statute of limitations. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a private driver or vehicle owner.

90-day Notice of Claim. If an MTA bus, city vehicle, or other government-operated vehicle struck you, a Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident, just three months. Missing this deadline permanently ends your right to sue a government entity.

MVAIC deadline. Hit-and-run victims must report the accident to police within 24 hours and file an MVAIC claim within 90 days.

No-fault insurance. New York's no-fault law provides up to $50,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits regardless of who caused the accident. A no-fault application must be filed within 30 days.

Evidence disappears fast. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget details. The sooner you call, the stronger your case becomes.

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

When you call Michael Gunzburg, P.C., you reach a firm built around one thing: getting injured people the compensation they deserve from the drivers and insurance companies that owe it to them.

You Hear Back Within 24 Hours

The firm's 24-hour callback commitment means you won't be left waiting and wondering. Your situation gets addressed quickly.

You Get a Free Consultation with Direct Attorney Access

Your free consultation isn't a screening call with a paralegal. You'll discuss your case directly with someone who can give you honest, specific answers about your legal rights and what your claim may be worth under New York law.

Your Case Is Investigated Immediately

The firm investigates accident scenes, often within the first day, to preserve evidence before it disappears. Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and medical records are gathered from the start to build a strong factual record.

All Insurance Communications Are Handled for You

Once you're represented, the firm takes over all contact with insurance adjusters. You won't be pressured into recorded statements or rushed into accepting a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.

Your Case Is Built for Trial from Day One

Every case is prepared as if it will go before a jury. That preparation is what gives the firm leverage in negotiations. Insurance companies settle more, and for larger amounts, when they know your attorney will take the case all the way if they don't.

Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

You Recover More Than You Would Alone

Represented pedestrian accident victims consistently recover more than those who handle claims on their own. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has secured results including a $2.85 million settlement for a crosswalk pedestrian and a $2.5 million settlement for a woman struck by a van, outcomes that only happen when injuries are thoroughly documented, liability is proven, and the firm is ready to go to trial.

Your Attorney Understands the Full Economic Picture

Michael Gunzburg's dual credentials as a licensed attorney and CPA mean he calculates damages the way an economist would. Lost wages, diminished earning capacity, future medical costs, and household services lost due to disability are all quantified precisely, not estimated loosely.

You're Protected from Insurance Company Pressure

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. The firm's 39+ years of experience with their tactics means you won't be talked into a lowball settlement, pushed into a recorded statement that undermines your claim, or misled about what your legal options actually are.

Hit-and-Run Victims Get a Path Forward

If the driver fled the scene, the case doesn't end there. The firm pursues MVAIC claims and exhausts every investigative avenue to recover compensation even when the at-fault driver is initially unknown.

You Pay Nothing Unless There Is a Recovery

The contingency fee structure means legal representation costs you nothing upfront and nothing at all if there is no recovery. The firm's interests are directly aligned with yours.

Proven Results and Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has spent 39+ years securing multimillion-dollar results for pedestrian accident victims throughout New York City. Among the firm's notable recoveries:

$2.85 million settlement for a woman struck in a crosswalk by a vehicle making a left turn that failed to yield. The case was placed on the trial calendar after a partial summary judgment on liability was granted, and both the primary and excess carriers funded the settlement.

$2.5 million settlement at trial for a woman struck by a van while crossing with a green light in her favor. The case proceeded to trial on damages following a successful partial summary judgment on liability.

Cesar, a union porter and pedestrian accident victim, shared this about his experience: "Michael Gunzburg, P.C. impressed me with his legal knowledge and courtroom experience. This was obvious to me the moment we stepped into the courtroom with the judge and jury. In the end, this led to me receiving a substantial multi-million dollar settlement at trial which covered my medical costs and lost wages, and compensated me for everything that I had been through."

Michael Gunzburg is admitted to practice in the Appellate Division Second Department and has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association referral panel since 1989.

Key Takeaways

• Staten Island pedestrian accident victims have three years to file a personal injury claim in New York, but only 90 days to file a Notice of Claim if a government entity is involved.
• New York's no-fault insurance system provides initial medical and wage benefits, but serious injury victims can step outside it to sue the driver directly for pain and suffering and other full damages.
• Multiple parties, including drivers, employers, government entities, and the MTA, may share responsibility for a Staten Island pedestrian accident.
• Insurance companies regularly offer early settlements that do not account for future medical treatment, surgeries, or long-term disability; accepting before full injuries are known is a common and costly mistake.
• Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles Staten Island pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation for you.

Common Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Staten Island

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

Call 911 so police document the accident and EMS evaluates your injuries, even if you feel okay at the scene. Adrenaline commonly masks pain, and symptoms including traumatic brain injuries and internal injuries can appear hours or days later. If you can, get the driver's name, insurance information, and license plate. Photograph the scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and any traffic signals or crosswalk markings. Collect contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention the same day. Then contact a pedestrian accident attorney before speaking to the driver's insurance company.

How long do I have to file a pedestrian accident lawsuit in New York?

The standard statute of limitations is three years from the date of your accident. However, if your case involves a claim against the City of New York or any government agency, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years. Missing any of these deadlines bars your recovery permanently, so early legal consultation is important.

Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian accident in Staten Island?

Under New York's no-fault law, pedestrians are typically covered by the at-fault driver's personal injury protection (PIP) policy for up to $50,000 in medical expenses and certain economic losses, regardless of who was at fault. If you own a vehicle yourself, your own policy's no-fault coverage may also be available. No-fault claims must be filed within 30 days of the accident. When your injuries are serious and costs exceed no-fault limits, a separate personal injury lawsuit against the driver can recover the full remaining losses.

Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Yes. New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your total award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $500,000, you would recover $400,000. This rule applies even in situations like crossing mid-block, as long as the driver's negligence also contributed to the crash.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are handled through New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), a state program that provides compensation when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. These claims have strict procedural requirements and must be filed promptly. The firm also investigates every avenue, including traffic cameras, nearby business surveillance systems, and witness accounts, to identify the driver when possible.

How much is my Staten Island pedestrian accident case worth?

Case value depends on the severity and permanence of your injuries, your total medical expenses past and future, your lost income and its long-term impact on your earning ability, whether you suffered permanent disability or disfigurement, and the degree of pain and impact on your daily life. There is no standard number because every set of injuries and circumstances is different. The firm evaluates each case individually to calculate the full value of all recoverable losses.

Do I need a lawyer if the accident seems straightforward?

Even accidents that appear simple often become contested once insurance companies get involved. Insurers may dispute liability, argue you contributed to the crash, challenge the severity of your injuries, or offer a settlement that ignores future medical needs. A pedestrian accident lawyer ensures you don't accept less than you're owed and that your rights are protected throughout the entire process.

What if I was hit by an MTA bus or a city vehicle in Staten Island?

Accidents involving MTA buses, city-owned vehicles, or any government entity trigger a 90-day Notice of Claim requirement. This must be filed with the correct government agency, whether the City of New York, the MTA, or another authority. Miss that 90-day window and the claim is barred. These cases also involve different procedural rules and potential defenses that require an attorney familiar with New York municipal liability law.

Can I still recover compensation if I didn't go to the emergency room right away?

Delayed medical treatment can create complications, but it does not automatically eliminate your claim. Insurance companies will use any gap in treatment to argue your injuries weren't serious or were caused by something else. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible and following through consistently with treatment helps protect the integrity of your claim. An attorney can help explain and contextualize any gaps in your treatment timeline.

What does it cost to hire a Staten Island pedestrian accident attorney?

Nothing upfront. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles pedestrian accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you. There are no out-of-pocket costs to retain the firm or to pursue your case.

Areas We Serve In And Around Staten Island

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Staten Island, including the North Shore communities of St. George, Stapleton, Tompkinsville, and Port Richmond, the Mid-Island areas of New Dorp, Dongan Hills, Todt Hill, and Emerson Hill, and South Shore neighborhoods including Great Kills, Eltingville, Tottenville, Annadale, and Huguenot. The firm also handles cases along the borough's most dangerous corridors, including Hylan Boulevard and Victory Boulevard, and at high-risk intersections like Victory Boulevard and Clove Road and Clove Road and Narrows Road North. Clients throughout the five boroughs, Nassau County, and Suffolk County are served from the firm's Manhattan office at 950 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022.

Other Personal Injury Services We Offer

• Staten Island Personal Injury
• New York City Pedestrian Accidents
• Brooklyn Pedestrian Accidents
• Queens Pedestrian Accidents
• Bronx Pedestrian Accidents
• NYC Car Accidents