Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in the Bronx, NY

Fighting for Injured New Yorkers for 39+ Years

Personal Injury Attorney Michael Gunzburg

What Our Clients Say

Who Needs a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in The Bronx?

You need a pedestrian accident attorney if you were struck by a vehicle while walking in the Bronx and suffered any injury, whether you were in a crosswalk, crossing mid-block, or walking near a bus stop. This includes a Bronx pedestrian accident victim hit by a car, truck, or bus; someone knocked down at a dangerous intersection on Jerome Avenue, Grand Concourse, or East Fordham Road; a senior resident of Riverdale, Pelham Bay, or Co-op City struck near public transit; a delivery worker, commuter, or gig worker hit while crossing the street in Mott Haven, Fordham, or Soundview; and anyone injured in a hit-and-run where the driver fled the scene. If you were hurt because a driver failed to yield, ran a red light, drove distracted, or made an illegal turn without looking, you have the right to pursue compensation.

Common Situations We Handle

Driver Failed to Yield at a Crosswalk

Drivers in the Bronx are required by law to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Intersections along Jerome Avenue, East Fordham Road and Webster Avenue, and the Grand Concourse see some of the highest pedestrian injury rates in the borough. When a driver rolls through a light or makes a turn without looking, the results can be devastating.

Bus or MTA Vehicle Strikes a Pedestrian

Bronx residents depend heavily on bus lines that run along major corridors like the BX12, BX19, and routes along Bruckner Boulevard. Bus drivers who fail to watch for pedestrians near stops, or who keep moving after impact, leave victims with catastrophic injuries and a short window to file against a public transit authority.

Distracted or Speeding Driver on a Bronx Corridor

Grand Concourse's wide lanes encourage speeding. Bruckner Boulevard and the Cross Bronx Expressway generate aggressive driving behavior that spills onto surface streets and intersections. Drivers who are speeding or on their phones have reduced reaction time, and pedestrians in their path bear the consequences.

Turning Vehicle Fails to See a Pedestrian

Left turns at busy intersections are among the most common causes of pedestrian fatalities in the Bronx. A company-owned vehicle making a left turn at Gerard Avenue and 153rd Street, while its driver failed to yield, resulted in a $2.85 million settlement for one Bronx pedestrian. These situations happen daily at intersections throughout the borough.

Hit-and-Run in the Bronx

Hit-and-run accidents happen across Bronx neighborhoods from Hunts Point to Throggs Neck. When the driver leaves the scene, victims often believe they have no options. New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) exists specifically to compensate pedestrian victims in hit-and-run cases, but strict deadlines and specific filing requirements apply.

Pedestrian Struck in a School or Residential Zone

Areas around Fordham University, public schools in Morris Heights and Belmont, and dense residential blocks in Parkchester and Castle Hill create high foot traffic environments where drivers move too fast and pedestrians, including children and elderly residents, are put at serious risk.

Why Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Matters

Pedestrian accident victims who try to handle their own claims almost always walk away with far less than they deserve. Without legal representation, injured people accept early settlement offers that don't account for future surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, or lost earning capacity. They give recorded statements to insurance adjusters who are trained to use those words against them. They miss filing deadlines that permanently eliminate their right to compensation.

The power imbalance is real. The driver's insurance company has attorneys on staff whose job is to minimize what they pay you. You deserve someone whose job is the opposite.

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has secured a $2.85 million settlement for a pedestrian struck in the Bronx crosswalk, a case where the court granted partial summary judgment on liability and the defendant's primary and excess carriers both contributed to fund the settlement. That outcome required aggressive pre-trial litigation, expert medical testimony, and an attorney who understood how to quantify every element of the client's damages. This is what 39+ years of trial preparation looks like in practice.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Multiple parties may be responsible for a Bronx pedestrian accident, and identifying all of them is one of the most important things an attorney does early in your case. The at-fault driver is the most obvious defendant, but responsibility often extends further. An employer may be liable if the driver was working at the time of the crash, as in many commercial delivery and company vehicle situations. A bus company or the MTA may be liable when transit vehicle operators cause the accident. A vehicle owner can be held responsible even if someone else was driving. In some cases, the City of New York or another government entity may share fault if a dangerous intersection design, broken traffic signal, or missing crosswalk markings contributed to the crash. A thorough investigation, including obtaining police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and driver employment records, is required to identify everyone who bears responsibility. Acting quickly matters because evidence disappears fast.

What You May Be Entitled to Recover for a Pedestrian Accident Case

Pedestrian accident victims in the Bronx may be entitled to recover both economic and non-financial damages. On the economic side, that includes all medical expenses, emergency room treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries, physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, epidural injections, and any future medical care your injuries require. It also includes lost wages for time already missed from work and lost earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to return to your job or profession. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. New York does not cap these damages in personal injury cases, which means full recovery is possible when the evidence is properly built and presented.

Important Deadlines and Legal Rules for Personal Injury Cases

The most time-sensitive deadline in a Bronx pedestrian accident case is the 90-day Notice of Claim requirement, and it applies in more situations than most people realize. If the vehicle that struck you was operated by the MTA, NYC Transit, or any other municipal or government entity, you must file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. Missing that window almost certainly ends your ability to bring a claim against that entity. The lawsuit itself must then be filed within one year and 90 days of the accident date.

For accidents involving private drivers or non-government vehicles, the standard statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year statute of limitations.

New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, for example, if you were crossing mid-block. Your damages are reduced in proportion to your share of fault, not eliminated.

If a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, you must report the accident to police within 24 hours and file a claim with MVAIC within 90 days to preserve your right to compensation.

Every day you wait is a day closer to an irreversible deadline. Call (212) 725-8500 now.

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

When you contact Michael Gunzburg, P.C. after a pedestrian accident in the Bronx, you reach a firm built around direct attorney access and responsive communication, not a call center.

You Get a Callback Within 24 Hours

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. commits to returning every call within 24 hours. If you reach out today, you won't be waiting days to hear from someone. You'll speak directly with the attorney handling your case.

Your Free Consultation Covers What Actually Matters

The initial consultation isn't a quick intake call. Michael Gunzburg will review what happened, walk you through New York's no-fault rules and the serious injury threshold, identify the applicable deadlines for your specific situation, and give you an honest assessment of your case, including its strengths and limitations. No pressure, no obligation.

Your Case Is Prepared for Trial from Day One

Every case is built as if it is going before a jury, even when settlement is the likely outcome. That means gathering police reports and surveillance footage early, identifying all potentially liable parties, retaining medical experts to document your injuries and future needs, and developing the factual record that drives the settlement or verdict value up.

Michael Gunzburg Handles Your Case Personally

You work directly with Michael Gunzburg throughout the entire process. Clients consistently note that he kept them informed at every stage, explained every legal development in plain language, and treated their case as if it were the only one on his desk. Cesar, a union porter who was hit by a car and thrown into the air, destroying his knee and ending his career, described his experience this way: Michael Gunzburg, P.C. "was extremely understanding of my situation, and took the time to go through every step of the legal process with me." The case ended in a multi-million dollar trial verdict.

You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no retainers. The firm works on a contingency fee basis. The fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, which means Michael Gunzburg, P.C. only gets paid when you do.

Benefits of Hiring a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Your Medical Damages Get Fully Documented

Pedestrian accident injuries often evolve over time, a "manageable" back injury can require surgery months later, and traumatic brain injuries may not be fully apparent for weeks. An experienced attorney retains medical experts who document not just your current condition, but every future treatment and procedure your injuries are likely to require. That documentation is what drives full compensation.

You Know What Your Case Is Actually Worth

Insurance companies offer fast, low settlements precisely because most injured people don't know the real value of their claim. Michael Gunzburg's background as a licensed CPA means he brings a financial analyst's precision to calculating economic damages, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, future medical costs, alongside the non-economic losses that are harder to quantify but no less real. You won't be guessing.

Insurance Tactics Get Shut Down

Adjusters make early contact, ask for recorded statements, and push quick settlement offers for a reason. An attorney stops those tactics before they damage your case. With 39+ years of experience handling insurance companies across all five boroughs and Long Island, Michael Gunzburg, P.C. negotiates from a position of strength.

Hit-and-Run Victims Still Have a Path to Recovery

If the driver fled the scene, MVAIC provides a claims process specifically designed for situations like yours. The deadlines are strict and the paperwork is specific, but with the right representation, hit-and-run pedestrian victims in the Bronx can still recover meaningful compensation.

You Have Real Courtroom Firepower Behind You

Most personal injury cases settle. But the ones that don't, or the ones where the insurance company refuses to offer fair value, go to trial. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has taken numerous cases to verdict, argued appeals before the Appellate Division and the New York State Court of Appeals, and been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association's legal referral panel since 1989. That track record changes how insurance companies respond.

Key Takeaways

• If a government or MTA vehicle struck you in the Bronx, you have only 90 days from the accident to file a Notice of Claim, missing this deadline almost certainly bars your claim.
• New York's pure comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident; your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated.
• Hit-and-run pedestrian victims in the Bronx can pursue compensation through MVAIC, but must report the accident to police within 24 hours and file a claim within 90 days.
• Pedestrian accident victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and compensation for permanent disability or disfigurement.
• Michael Gunzburg, P.C. secured a $2.85 million settlement for a Bronx pedestrian struck in a crosswalk, one of multiple multimillion-dollar results in pedestrian accident cases.

Proven Results and Client Experience

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. has been representing pedestrian accident victims for 39+ years, securing multimillion-dollar outcomes in cases across all five boroughs. In the Bronx specifically, the firm secured a $2.85 million settlement for a pedestrian struck in the crosswalk at Gerard Avenue and 153rd Street, where a company vehicle failed to yield on a left turn and caused serious, permanent injuries requiring multiple surgeries. The firm also obtained a $1.9 million post-verdict settlement for Nanette, a 57-year-old Bronx pedestrian struck by a Liberty Lines Transit bus at Jerome Avenue and East Knightsbridge Avenue, a case that involved an eyewitness account of the driver using a cellphone at the time of impact.

Cesar, a union porter hit by a car and thrown into the air in a pedestrian accident, shared this after his case concluded: "Michael Gunzburg, P.C. was extremely understanding of my situation, and took the time to go through every step of the legal process with me. He fought for me and my family every step of the way." The case resulted in a multi-million dollar trial verdict covering medical costs, lost wages, and the full financial impact of an injury that ended his career.

Michael Gunzburg graduated from Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 1987) and holds a CPA license in New York State, credentials he has held simultaneously since 1987. He is admitted to practice in New York State, the U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association's legal referral panel since 1989.

Common Questions About Pedestrian Accident Cases in The Bronx

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

Call 911 right away, even if you think you feel okay, adrenaline masks serious injuries, and symptoms like concussions, spinal damage, and internal bleeding can emerge hours or days later. Get the driver's name, license plate, and insurance information. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle involved. Collect contact information from witnesses. Do not tell police or the driver that you are "fine." Get medical attention as soon as possible, and contact a pedestrian accident attorney before giving any recorded statement to an insurance company.

Who pays my medical bills after a pedestrian accident in New York?

New York's no-fault law generally covers pedestrians under the at-fault vehicle's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy, providing up to $50,000 in medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault. You must file a no-fault application promptly, typically within 30 days of the accident, or benefits can be denied. If your injuries exceed the no-fault coverage or meet New York's "serious injury" threshold, a separate liability claim can pursue full compensation for pain and suffering, additional lost wages, and all other damages.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes. New York follows pure comparative negligence, which means you can recover compensation even if you were jaywalking, crossing against the signal, or otherwise partially responsible for the accident. Your total damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you are found 30% at fault, you still recover 70% of your damages. The driver's obligation to watch for and avoid pedestrians does not disappear simply because you weren't in a crosswalk.

What if an MTA bus or city vehicle hit me in the Bronx?

If a government-operated vehicle struck you, including MTA buses, NYC Transit vehicles, or city-owned cars, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident. This is a strict procedural requirement that exists before you can sue the government entity. Missing the 90-day window is almost always fatal to your claim. After filing the Notice of Claim, you must bring the lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Contact an attorney immediately, this timeline starts the day of your accident.

What if the driver who hit me fled the scene?

You can still pursue compensation through New York's Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). MVAIC provides benefits specifically for victims of hit-and-run accidents when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours and file your MVAIC claim within 90 days. An attorney who knows MVAIC's procedures and documentation requirements can handle the entire claims process on your behalf.

How long does a Bronx pedestrian accident case take?

Every case is different. Cases that settle through negotiation or mediation may resolve within several months to a year. Cases that proceed to trial, particularly in the Bronx Supreme Court, can take longer depending on court scheduling and the complexity of the injuries. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. prepares every case for trial from day one, which both strengthens your negotiating position and ensures you are ready if the case does go before a jury.

What is the "serious injury" threshold, and does it apply to my case?

New York's no-fault law requires pedestrian accident victims to meet the "serious injury" threshold before they can sue for pain and suffering damages. Serious injury includes fractures, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of a body part or organ, significant limitation of use of a body part, and any injury that prevents you from performing normal daily activities for 90 out of 180 days following the accident. Pedestrian accidents frequently produce injuries that qualify, but the threshold must be properly documented with medical evidence. This is another reason why working with an attorney from the start matters.

Why should I choose Michael Gunzburg, P.C. over another Bronx personal injury attorney?

Michael Gunzburg is the only personal injury attorney you'll speak with in this firm who is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New York State. That combination matters when calculating your economic damages, including lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the projected cost of future medical care. Beyond credentials, the firm has an active track record of pedestrian accident results in the Bronx specifically, including a $2.85 million settlement and a $1.9 million post-verdict recovery for Bronx pedestrians. Every client works directly with Michael Gunzburg, calls are returned within 24 hours, and there is no fee unless the firm wins. That is what 39+ years of client-centered practice looks like.

Will I have to go to court?

Most pedestrian accident cases settle before trial. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. prepares every case as if it will go to a jury, not because most do, but because that preparation is what produces maximum settlement value. Insurance companies offer more when they know they're facing an attorney with 39+ years of trial experience and a documented track record of multimillion-dollar verdicts. If the case does go to trial, you'll be fully prepared and guided through every step of the process.

How much does a pedestrian accident attorney cost?

Nothing upfront. Michael Gunzburg, P.C. works exclusively on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no out-of-pocket costs at any point during your case. The firm's fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so the firm only gets paid when you do. Your free consultation also costs nothing and carries no obligation.

Areas We Serve

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represents pedestrian accident victims throughout The Bronx, including Fordham, Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Mott Haven, Hunts Point, Soundview, Pelham Bay, Throggs Neck, Belmont, Morris Heights, Parkchester, Co-op City, and the Grand Concourse corridor. The firm also serves clients from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Pedestrian accidents in the Bronx often happen at some of the borough's most dangerous intersections, Jerome Avenue and East Knightsbridge Avenue, East Fordham Road and Webster Avenue, Grand Concourse, Bruckner Boulevard, and along the Cross Bronx Expressway service roads. Wherever your accident happened in the borough, this firm knows Bronx courts and Bronx streets.

Other Personal Injury Services We Offer

• Car Accident Attorney, NYC
• Bus & Train Accident Lawyer, NYC
• Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer, NYC
• Wrongful Death Attorney, NYC
• Construction Accident Attorney, NYC