This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Ruben Davidoff following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Ruben Davidoff ,the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a New York personal injury attorney.

If you were hit by a car in New York, you may wonder, “What can I claim for my pedestrian accident case?” Pedestrian accidents often cause serious injuries and significant financial losses. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, hundreds of pedestrian fatalities and thousands of injuries occur each year on city streets. Victims may recover compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the severity of their injuries. At Davidoff Law, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers help clients identify what damages they can claim and fight to recover maximum compensation for their losses.
Table of Contents
Understanding Compensation in a Pedestrian Accident Case
Compensation, often called “damages,” refers to the money a pedestrian accident victim can recover after being hurt by a negligent driver. These payments cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The total amount depends on several factors, including the driver’s insurance coverage, fault, and the seriousness of your injuries. Whether you suffered minor injuries or catastrophic harm, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for all accident-related expenses. At Davidoff Law, we evaluate every personal injury claim carefully to ensure our clients receive a fair settlement that reflects the full impact of their losses.
Types of Damages Available for Pedestrian Accident Victims
Pedestrian accident victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages reimburse measurable costs related to the accident, while non-economic damages address emotional and physical suffering. Both types are crucial to restoring your financial stability and quality of life.
You may be able to claim compensation for:
- Medical costs: hospital bills, surgery, and rehabilitation
- Future medical bills: ongoing treatments and therapy
- Lost wages: time missed from work due to recovery
- Lost earning capacity: permanent disability or reduced ability to work
- Property damage: damaged items like phones or clothing during the crash
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, or mental anguish
We help accident victims file claims that include all these categories, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for both financial and emotional losses.
Factors That Affect the Value of Your Claim
Every pedestrian accident case is different, and the value of a claim can vary widely. The amount you recover often depends on the severity of your injuries and who was at fault. Insurance coverage, police reports, and medical records all play a role in determining how much compensation you can receive. Our personal injury attorneys analyze each factor through a thorough investigation to maximize compensation.
Key factors that influence a settlement include:
- Severity of injuries: from broken bones to spinal cord injury or permanent disability
- Fault and negligence: whether the driver violated traffic laws or failed to yield
- Insurance coverage: driver’s insurance policy limits or uninsured motorist coverage
- Medical treatment: type, duration, and cost of care required
- Lost income: total wages lost due to missed work or long-term disability
At Davidoff Law, we work closely with insurance adjusters, medical experts, and financial analysts to calculate fair compensation for your pedestrian accident case.
Economic Damages You Can Claim

Economic damages are the measurable financial losses that result from a pedestrian accident. These damages help cover the real costs of medical care, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Whether the accident involved a car accident or another motor vehicle, victims face heavy financial burdens after being injured. At Davidoff Law, we help injured pedestrians recover compensation for every dollar they lose due to another person’s negligence. Our goal is to make sure victims receive fair pedestrian accident compensation for all accident-related costs.
Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation Costs
Medical treatment is often the largest part of any pedestrian accident claim. From emergency care to long-term rehabilitation, expenses can quickly add up. Documenting each bill and visit helps prove the full extent of medical costs during the legal process. Our experienced personal injury attorneys guide clients in tracking every medical record and receipt.
You may be able to recover costs for:
- Emergency room visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries, medications, and follow-up appointments
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation sessions
- Future medical bills for ongoing treatment or care
- Medical equipment or home modifications for severe injuries
We work to ensure that every injured pedestrian receives full compensation for current and future medical needs.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
Pedestrian injuries often keep victims out of work for weeks or months. In serious cases, a permanent disability can reduce future earning potential. Our team helps clients seek compensation for both lost wages and loss of earning capacity in their pedestrian accident claims. We use employment records, pay stubs, and expert evaluations to calculate accurate financial recovery.
You may claim:
- Wages lost during medical recovery
- Missed bonuses, commissions, or benefits
- Loss of earning capacity from long-term injuries
- Financial support needed for dependents
- Reduced income from part-time or limited work options
At Davidoff Law, we fight to make sure every accident victim receives the financial support they deserve after a life-changing injury.
Non-Economic Damages in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Non-economic damages cover the personal losses that receipts or invoices cannot measure. These include pain, emotional suffering, and the loss of enjoyment of life after a pedestrian accident. While these damages are harder to calculate, they are equally important in helping victims rebuild their lives. Our firm helps clients prove how their injuries have affected their mental and emotional well-being.
Pain and Suffering, Emotional Distress, and Loss of Enjoyment
Pedestrian accident injuries can cause physical pain and deep emotional trauma. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or fear when walking near traffic again. Calculating these damages requires careful evaluation from an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who understands the emotional impact of severe injuries. We gather medical records, psychological evaluations, and witness testimony to support every claim.
Compensation for non-economic damages may include:
- Physical pain and long-term discomfort
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Anxiety or depression caused by the accident
- Loss of enjoyment in hobbies or relationships
- Mental anguish from permanent disability
Our legal team works tirelessly to ensure each client receives fair compensation that reflects the true cost of their suffering.
Wrongful Death Damages After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident
When a pedestrian accident leads to death, surviving families have the right to pursue wrongful death damages. These claims help cover funeral expenses, emotional pain, and future financial support the victim would have provided. At Davidoff Law, we handle these cases with compassion and respect. We understand how devastating the loss of a loved one can be and fight to hold the responsible party accountable.
Families may recover:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical bills are lost before death
- Loss of financial and emotional support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Pain and suffering of surviving family members
Our experienced personal injury attorneys help families navigate these complex claims and seek the justice they deserve.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Pedestrian Accident

Filing an insurance claim is often the first step in a pedestrian accident case. Under New York’s no-fault insurance system, pedestrians may seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider or their own policy if applicable. This process can be confusing, especially when multiple insurers are involved. At Davidoff Law, we handle every step of the insurance claim process for our clients to ensure accuracy and fairness.
You should:
- File a claim as soon as possible after the accident
- Provide medical records, police reports, and witness statements
- Keep receipts for all accident-related expenses
- Avoid giving statements to the insurance company without legal advice
- Contact an attorney if the insurer delays or denies your claim
Our pedestrian accident lawyers know how to protect clients from unfair tactics by insurance adjusters.
Why Legal Representation Matters for Maximum Compensation
Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what victims deserve. Without skilled legal representation, injured pedestrians may accept low offers that do not cover long-term needs. At Davidoff Law, we negotiate directly with insurers to secure the maximum compensation allowed under New York law. Our legal team has the experience to handle complex personal injury cases and wrongful death claims.
We help clients by:
- Gathering evidence and expert testimony
- Managing all communications with insurance providers
- Reviewing the driver’s insurance policy limits and coverage
- Calculating future medical expenses and lost income
- Negotiating or filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary
We know the financial burden that follows pedestrian accidents. Our mission is to help every client recover full pedestrian settlements and rebuild their lives after devastating traffic accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I claim for my pedestrian accident case?
You can claim compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. We help injured pedestrians recover fair settlements for all accident-related losses.
How is the average settlement calculated for pedestrian accident injuries?
The average settlement depends on injury severity, medical costs, and driver negligence. Catastrophic injuries and long recovery times often lead to higher compensation amounts in pedestrian accident claims.
Can I claim compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under New York’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you share partial fault. The final payout is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
What medical treatment costs are covered in a pedestrian accident claim?
You can recover medical expenses for hospital stays, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. We always advise clients to seek medical treatment immediately after the accident to document injuries properly.
How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident case?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and insurance negotiations. Simple claims may settle in months, while cases involving catastrophic injuries can take longer to resolve.
How can Davidoff Law help me recover maximum compensation?
We investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and prove driver negligence against the at-fault party. Our team works to secure the maximum compensation available under New York law.
Contact Our New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

At Davidoff Law, we know how overwhelming it can be to recover after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. Our New York pedestrian accident lawyers are here to guide you through the legal process. We handle insurance claims, car accident cases, and serious pedestrian accident injuries across the state.
We fight for injured pedestrians to recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our team investigates every accident scene thoroughly and holds the at-fault party accountable for their negligence. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you rebuild after a pedestrian accident.






