Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Queens, NY

Fighting for Injured New Yorkers for 39+ Years

Queens Personal Injury Attorney

What Our Clients Say

Who Needs a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer?

You need a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer if a driver struck you while you were walking, crossing, or standing in a pedestrian area anywhere in Queens, NY. This includes a Queens pedestrian hit in a crosswalk, a pedestrian accident victim near Queens Boulevard or Jamaica Avenue, a person struck by a delivery truck, rideshare vehicle, or city bus, and anyone injured on a sidewalk, at an intersection, or in a parking lot throughout Queens. Residents of Astoria, Flushing, Jamaica, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Forest Hills, Woodside, and surrounding neighborhoods all face serious risks on Queens' most congested streets. If you were walking lawfully and a driver failed to yield, ran a red light, or simply wasn't paying attention, you have the right to pursue compensation.

Common Types of Cases We Handle

Crosswalk Strikes at Busy Queens Intersections

Drivers frequently fail to yield to pedestrians at high-traffic crossings throughout Queens. Intersections along Queens Boulevard, Northern Boulevard near Junction Boulevard, and Jamaica Avenue near the Van Wyck Expressway see a disproportionate number of pedestrian crashes due to heavy turning movements and high vehicle speeds.

Pedestrians Hit on Queens Boulevard

Queens Boulevard has a long history of serious pedestrian fatalities, earning it the grim nickname "Boulevard of Death." Wide travel lanes, fast-moving traffic, and long crossing distances create dangerous conditions, particularly for older adults and children crossing between Rego Park, Elmhurst, Woodside, and Sunnyside.

Delivery Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Queens is one of the most active commercial delivery corridors in NYC. Large trucks making turns on narrow residential streets in Astoria, Woodside, and Jackson Heights frequently fail to see pedestrians in their blind spots, causing catastrophic injuries.

Rideshare and Taxi Vehicle Accidents

Uber, Lyft, and taxi drivers in high-demand areas like Long Island City, Flushing Main Street, and JFK Airport access roads often make abrupt stops and sudden lane changes that endanger pedestrians stepping off curbs or crossing mid-block.

Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents

Some drivers flee the scene after striking a pedestrian in Queens, particularly in lower-traffic areas or at night. These cases require fast legal action to identify the vehicle and preserve any available surveillance footage from traffic cameras or nearby businesses.

Bus and MTA Vehicle Strikes

Queens is served by dozens of MTA bus routes, and pedestrian strikes involving city buses occur regularly at busy stops and intersections throughout the borough. Claims against the MTA and NYC Transit require strict adherence to short filing deadlines that private accident claims do not.

Pedestrians Struck in Parking Lots and Driveways

Shopping centers in Jamaica, Flushing, and Rego Park, as well as commercial driveways near the Long Island Expressway service roads, generate pedestrian accident claims that often involve both negligent drivers and property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions.

Why Hiring a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Matters

Going up against an insurance company without legal representation almost always results in a smaller recovery. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims quickly and cheaply, and pedestrian accident victims without attorneys are frequently pressured into accepting offers that don't account for future surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, or permanent disability.

The gap in outcomes is significant. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. secured a $2.85 million settlement for a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk after a driver failed to yield while making a left-hand turn. The firm also recovered $2.5 million at trial for a woman struck by a van while crossing with a green light in her favor. In both cases, insurance companies had every incentive to pay less, and would have, without aggressive legal representation.

As part of the personal injury attorney in Queens, NY practice, pedestrian accident cases are prepared for trial from day one. That approach puts real pressure on insurance carriers and opposing counsel, and it consistently leads to better outcomes than a firm that views litigation as a last resort.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Injuries

Multiple parties can be held responsible for a Queens pedestrian accident, and a thorough investigation is required to identify all of them. The driver who struck you is the most obvious defendant, but liability may extend further depending on the facts of your case.

Potentially responsible parties include:

• Negligent drivers who failed to yield, ran a red light, were distracted by a phone, or were driving under the influence
• Employers of commercial drivers, delivery drivers, or rideshare drivers whose employees caused the accident while on duty
• Vehicle owners who entrusted a car or truck to an unfit or unlicensed driver
• The City of New York or NYC DOT if a broken traffic signal, missing crosswalk markings, or poorly designed intersection contributed to the crash
• The MTA or NYC Transit if a bus driver struck you while operating a city vehicle
• Property owners if the accident occurred in a private parking lot or driveway where unsafe conditions played a role

Identifying every responsible party matters because it directly affects the total compensation available to you. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. conducts a complete investigation into every claim, including reviewing police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle records.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover

Pedestrian accident victims in Queens may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of their injuries and the circumstances of the crash.

Economic damages can include:

• Emergency room and hospital costs
• Surgery and ongoing medical treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lost wages while you were unable to work
• Reduced earning capacity if your injuries are permanent
• Future medical care and anticipated long-term treatment costs

Non-economic damages can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

New York's no-fault law provides initial coverage for medical bills and a portion of lost wages through the at-fault driver's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, regardless of who caused the accident. However, to recover pain and suffering or damages beyond PIP limits, you must meet the "serious injury" threshold under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). Most significant pedestrian accident injuries, fractures, ligament tears, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, meet that threshold. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. will evaluate exactly what you're entitled to during your free consultation.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules

The most important deadline to know is New York's three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against a private party. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely.

However, several shorter deadlines apply in Queens pedestrian accident cases:

• 90-day Notice of Claim: If your accident involved an MTA bus, NYC Transit vehicle, a city-owned vehicle, or a defective condition on city property, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This is a hard deadline with very limited exceptions.
• One year and 90 days: After filing a Notice of Claim against a city or government agency, you typically have one year and 90 days to commence a lawsuit.
• No-fault application: You must file a no-fault benefits application within 30 days of the accident to preserve your right to initial medical and wage coverage.

These deadlines are strict. Evidence also deteriorates quickly, traffic camera footage is often overwritten within days or weeks, witnesses become harder to locate, and physical evidence at the scene disappears. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your position.

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

When you call Michael Gunzburg, P.C., you reach a firm that treats your case as a priority from the first conversation, not as a number in a queue.

You Speak with a Real Attorney

Your call is returned within 24 hours, typically much sooner. You won't be shuffled to a paralegal or intake coordinator. You speak directly with the attorney who will handle your case.

Your Free Consultation Covers the Full Picture

The initial consultation is not a sales call. Michael Gunzburg will review the facts of your accident, explain how New York pedestrian accident law applies to your situation, identify every potential defendant, and give you an honest assessment of what your case is likely worth. There is no cost and no obligation.

Your Case Is Built from Day One

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. begins investigating immediately. That means sending preservation letters for surveillance footage before it's overwritten, obtaining the police report, identifying witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and future care needs.

You're Kept Informed at Every Step

Calls are returned within 24 hours throughout the life of the case. You'll know what's happening, what decisions need to be made, and what the firm is doing on your behalf. Clients consistently describe the communication as one of the things they valued most.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. handles pedestrian accident cases on a pure contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless the firm recovers compensation for you.

Benefits of Hiring a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

You Get an Attorney Who Calculates Damages Like an Accountant

Michael Gunzburg holds dual credentials as both a licensed New York attorney and a Certified Public Accountant. This means economic damages, lost wages, lost earning capacity, future care costs, are analyzed with the same rigor an expert financial witness would apply. No other Queens pedestrian accident lawyer can offer this combination.

Your Case Is Prepared for Trial, Not Just Settlement

Every case at Michael Gunzburg, P.C. is prepared as if it will go in front of a jury. That changes the negotiating dynamic entirely. Insurance companies settle for more when they believe the opposing attorney will actually take them to trial.

You Have a Lawyer with 39+ Years of Proven Results

Experience in pedestrian accident litigation is not something that can be faked or accelerated. Michael Gunzburg has handled these cases for nearly four decades, secured multimillion-dollar results for clients, and argued appeals in both the Appellate Division and the New York State Court of Appeals.

You Have Direct Access to Your Attorney

You won't be passed to associates or case managers. Michael Gunzburg works directly on your case throughout its entire duration.

Local Court Knowledge Matters

Cases in Queens proceed through Queens County Supreme Court. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has deep familiarity with local court procedures, judges, and the standards that apply to pedestrian accident claims in this jurisdiction.

Key Takeaways

• Queens pedestrian accident victims have three years to file a personal injury claim against a private party, but claims against the MTA or NYC require a 90-day Notice of Claim.
• New York's no-fault law covers initial medical bills and lost wages, but you must meet the "serious injury" threshold to recover pain and suffering damages.
• Multiple parties, including the driver, their employer, a vehicle owner, or a government entity, may be liable for a single pedestrian accident in Queens.
• Michael Gunzburg, P.C. is the only Queens personal injury firm where the attorney holds both a law degree and a CPA license, providing superior economic damage analysis.
• The firm has secured multimillion-dollar pedestrian accident settlements, including a $2.85 million recovery for a pedestrian struck while crossing in a crosswalk.

Proven Results and Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has secured $2.85 million for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk after the driver failed to yield, and $2.5 million at trial for a woman hit by a van while legally crossing with the green light. These are not cherry-picked outliers, they reflect a consistent pattern of multimillion-dollar recoveries built on thorough preparation and willingness to fight through trial.

Michael Gunzburg has been practicing personal injury law in New York City for 39+ years, handling cases from inception through trial, verdict, and appeal. He is admitted to practice in the Appellate Division, Second Department, and has argued before the New York State Court of Appeals. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association's legal referral panel since 1989 and is an active member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association of Justice.

Clients describe what it's actually like to work with this firm:

"Michael worked on my case like it was the only one he had. He was always available and always honest with me about where things stood."

"After my accident I didn't know where to turn. Michael explained everything clearly, fought hard for me, and got me a result I never expected."

Common Questions About Queens Pedestrian Accidents

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

Call 911 and get police and EMS to the scene. Do not tell the officer or the driver that you feel "fine", symptoms from serious injuries often appear hours or days later. Collect the driver's insurance information, license plate, and contact details. If you can, photograph the scene, your injuries, and any skid marks or traffic signals. Get witness names and numbers. Then seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Your medical records from that day are critical evidence in your case.

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

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a private party in New York. If the at-fault vehicle was an MTA bus, city vehicle, or you're claiming a defective road condition contributed to the crash, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Missing that deadline can permanently bar your claim. Call (212) 725-8500as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

Queens hit-and-run pedestrian accidents are more common than many people realize, and you still have legal options. If the driver is unidentified, you may be able to pursue a claim under New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC), which provides compensation for hit-and-run victims in certain circumstances. An attorney needs to act quickly to preserve surveillance footage and explore all available recovery options.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were found 20% at fault for crossing mid-block, you could still recover 80% of your total damages. Insurance companies often try to inflate your share of fault to reduce what they pay. An attorney can push back on unfair fault assignments.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?

New York's no-fault law requires the at-fault driver's insurance carrier to pay up to $50,000 in medical bills and a portion of lost wages through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of fault. You must apply for no-fault benefits within 30 days of the accident. If your costs exceed PIP limits, which they often do in serious pedestrian accidents, your attorney will pursue the full amount through a liability claim against the driver.

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

You can pursue a claim against the City of New York or NYC DOT if a defective road condition, missing crosswalk marking, or malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to your pedestrian accident in Queens. These claims require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days and proof that the city had prior notice of the dangerous condition. These are complex claims with strict procedural requirements. Legal representation is essential.

What kinds of injuries do Queens pedestrian accident victims typically suffer?

Pedestrian accident injuries are often severe because the human body has no protection against a vehicle. Common injuries include fractures of the legs, hips, pelvis, arms, and wrists; traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); spinal cord injuries and herniated discs; knee and shoulder damage requiring surgery; internal organ injuries; and road rash or lacerations. Many victims require multiple surgeries and face permanent limitations that affect their ability to work and live independently.

Why should I choose Michael Gunzburg, P.C. over other Queens personal injury lawyers?

Michael Gunzburg is the only Queens personal injury attorney who is also a licensed CPA, a credential that directly affects how your economic damages are calculated and presented. On top of that, the firm has 39+ years of trial experience, a track record of multimillion-dollar pedestrian accident results, and a direct-access model where you work with the attorney, not a staff member. Cases are prepared for trial from day one, which changes how insurance companies respond. The firm works on contingency, no fee unless you win.

What is the "serious injury" threshold in New York, and does my case qualify?

New York's no-fault law limits access to pain and suffering damages unless your injury qualifies as a "serious injury" under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant limitation of a body organ or function, permanent consequential limitation, full disability for at least 90 of the first 180 days following the accident, and death. Most significant pedestrian accident injuries, broken bones, torn ligaments, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, meet this threshold. An attorney will review your medical records to confirm whether your case qualifies.

How much is my Queens pedestrian accident case worth?

No attorney can give you an honest number without reviewing your medical records, understanding the full extent of your injuries, and evaluating the available insurance coverage. What is true is that the value of your case depends heavily on the quality of your legal representation. Claims with thorough documentation, expert witnesses, and a lawyer prepared to go to trial consistently produce higher recoveries than claims handled without attorneys or by firms that settle quickly. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. will give you a candid assessment during your free consultation.

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Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents pedestrian accident victims throughout Queens, including Astoria, Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Sunnyside, Woodside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Elmhurst, Jamaica, Bayside, Howard Beach, and the Rockaways. The firm also serves clients throughout all five NYC boroughs and Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Whether your accident happened near Queens Boulevard, along Jamaica Avenue, at an intersection near the Van Wyck Expressway, or on a residential street in any Queens neighborhood, we provide experienced local representation backed by 39+ years of results.

Other Personal Injury Services We Offer

• Personal Injury Attorney in Queens, NY
• Car Accident Attorney in New York City
• Bicycle Accident Lawyer in New York City
• Slip and Fall Lawyer in New York City
• Wrongful Death Attorney in New York City
• NYC Bus and Train Accident Attorney