Kingston Pedestrian Accident Injury Lawyers

As a pedestrian, whether you’re walking on a crosswalk or sidewalk in Kingston or Ulster County, there’s little room for doubt — you’re relying on drivers to operate their vehicles responsibly and attentively. The burden is on them, especially since their cars weigh over 2,000 pounds more than you. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common, often leading to serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and more.

Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are all too common in Ulster County. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research, there were 57 pedestrian crashes in Ulster County in 2023, including:

1. City of Kingston – 17 Pedestrian Crashes
2. Town of Ulster – 8 Pedestrian Crashes
3. Village of Ellenville – 4 Pedestrian Crashes
4. Town of Lloyd – 4 Pedestrian Crashes
5. Town of New Paltz – 3 Pedestrian Crashes
6. Town of Esopus – 2 Pedestrian Crashes
7. Town of Hurley – 2 Pedestrian Crashes
8. Town of Marbletown – 2 Pedestrian Crashes
9. Town of Saugerties – 2 Pedestrian Crashes

The 57 crashes constituted more than a doubling of the 27 crashes that occurred in 2021. Further data indicates that the top police-reported causes of the accidents include driver inattention/distraction, failure to yield right of way, pedestrian error and confusion, and passing/lane changing or improper use.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, give us a call today at 845-600-0000 to schedule a free personal injury consultation.

Potential Compensation Sources for Pedestrian Accidents in Ulster County

You can’t just buy pedestrian insurance, but there are things that we can look into if you’ve been hit by a motorist or other vehicle:

• No-Fault Insurance (Personal Injury Protection): This insurance, provided by the vehicle’s insurer, covers medical expenses and lost wages up to $50,000, regardless of who is at fault.
• Additional Personal Injury Protection: If you have opted for this extra coverage, it can provide an additional $50,000 on top of the standard no-fault coverage.
• Bodily Injury (Liability) Insurance: The at-fault driver’s insurance may cover pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages that exceed the no-fault limits. In New York, the minimum coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Uninsured Motorist Insurance: If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient and your policy has higher limits, your insurance can cover the difference. For instance, if the at-fault driver’s limit is $25,000 and yours is $100,000, you can claim an additional $75,000 from your policy.
• Underinsured Motorist Insurance: In cases of hit-and-runs or accidents involving uninsured drivers, your own insurance can cover bodily injury, depending on the limits you’ve chosen.
• MVAIC (Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Corporation): If you don’t own a vehicle and no family members in your household do either, you may be eligible for no-fault benefits ($50,000) and bodily injury compensation ($25,000) through MVAIC in the event of a hit-and-run or an uninsured driver accident.

What to do After Getting Hit By a Car

• Seek Medical Attention: Get examined by a medical professional immediately, even if your injuries seem minor, as some conditions (like concussions or internal injuries) may not show immediate symptoms.
• Stay Calm and Call for Help: Move to a safe location and contact emergency services. Remain at the scene to provide details to the authorities.
• Gather Information: Collect the driver’s contact information, vehicle registration, and insurance details. If possible, obtain witness contact information.
• Document the Incident: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Make note of important details like the time, date, and location of the accident.
• Contact an Attorney: Speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive appropriate compensation.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations, whether it’s rest, medication, or therapy, to help ensure a full recovery.
• Keep Records: Maintain documentation of all medical expenses and other costs related to your injury. This will support your claims for compensation.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• Don’t Trust Drivers: Drivers may be distracted, impaired, or unfamiliar with the road, so always remain cautious.
• Stay in the Crosswalk: This increases your visibility and requires drivers to stop for you.
• Look Both Ways: Even when you have a walk signal or green light, check for oncoming vehicles.
• Walk on the Sidewalk or Against Traffic: If there is no sidewalk, walking against traffic allows you to see oncoming vehicles.