Walking the streets of Rochester, New York, should never come with the fear of being hit by a careless driver; yet every year, far too many pedestrians in our city are injured or killed in traffic crashes. At Stanley Law Offices, our Rochester pedestrian accident lawyers bring 90 years of combined experience to protecting victims and families. We’ve recovered millions by standing up to negligent drivers and making sure injured pedestrians aren’t left to carry the financial and emotional burden alone.
We know what’s at stake after a serious crash: your health, your livelihood, and your future. That’s why we fight tirelessly to make sure you have the resources you need to rebuild.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait. Call 1-800-608-3333 today to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Stanley Law Offices for your Pedestrian Accident Case in Rochester, NY?
When you’ve been struck by a vehicle, choosing the right legal team can mean the difference between struggling alone and finally moving forward. At Stanley Law Offices, our personal injury lawyers in New York don’t just handle cases – we deliver results.
What sets us apart:
- Experience & Authority: Decades of handling complex pedestrian accident cases with success.
- Proven Results: Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for injured victims.
- Client-First Approach: Clear communication, free consultations, and no upfront costs – we only get paid if we win.
Our track record speaks louder than words. Review our case results and client testimonials to see how we’ve helped people in situations just like yours.
At Stanley, We Understand Rochester, NY
We don’t just practice law here – we live here. Our firm has stood beside Rochester families, helping them recover after devastating pedestrian accidents. That community connection gives us a deep understanding of the city’s unique safety challenges.
We support Rochester’s Vision Zero initiatives, a bold strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities through safer crosswalks, redesigned roadways, and expanded pedestrian protections. Because we know these streets, laws, and safety priorities inside and out, we can build cases rooted in the realities of Rochester life and hold dangerous drivers accountable.
Understanding Pedestrian Accidents in Rochester, NY
Pedestrian accidents are some of the most serious crashes because walkers and cyclists have no protection against a vehicle’s force. These crashes often leave victims with catastrophic injuries, financial strain, and long-lasting trauma. Knowing your rights and the scope of the problem can empower you to act.
What Are The Rights of a Pedestrian in Rochester, New York?
Under New York law, pedestrians have the right to use sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and intersections safely and without obstruction. Drivers are required to:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
- Stop for pedestrians when turning at intersections.
- Exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Pedestrians also have responsibilities, including:
- Obeying traffic signals
- Waiting for the walk signal before crossing
- Staying alert to oncoming vehicles
- Avoiding sudden movements into traffic
- Remaining vigilant while crossing
Key Pedestrian Accident Statistics in Rochester, NY
Rochester continues to face serious pedestrian safety challenges:
- Recent city data shows that, on average, more than one person is killed or injured every day in a traffic-related crash in Rochester.
- Between 2017 and 2021, the city recorded more than 47,000 traffic crashes, resulting in 90 fatalities and nearly 1,000 serious injuries.
- In 2023, Monroe County reported nearly 300 pedestrian crashes that resulted in injuries or fatalities, highlighting the persistent risk on local roads.
These statistics highlight why pedestrian crashes continue to pose a public safety crisis in Rochester, and why injured pedestrians often require legal assistance to secure fair compensation.
Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases in New York
Establishing liability is one of the most important steps in any accident claim. Fault determines who is financially responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Because pedestrians are often the most vulnerable on the road, New York law generally imposes a high duty of care on drivers; however, each case depends on the specific facts.
How Is Liability Determined in a Rochester, NY Pedestrian Accident?
Liability is typically determined by examining whether a driver or pedestrian violated traffic laws or acted in a negligent manner. Investigators and attorneys look at:
- Traffic signals and crosswalks: Was the pedestrian crossing legally, and did the driver yield as required?
- Right-of-way rules: New York law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Driver behavior: Was the driver distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or failing to exercise due care?
- Evidence: Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction are often used to prove fault.
If the driver failed to act reasonably and that failure caused the accident, they can be held liable for the pedestrian’s injuries.
Can a Pedestrian Ever Be at Fault in an Accident in Rochester, NY?
Yes, in some situations, a pedestrian can be found partially at fault. Examples include:
- Crossing against a traffic signal or outside a crosswalk.
- Suddenly stepping into the path of a moving vehicle.
- Walking while impaired or distracted (e.g., texting, wearing headphones).
Under New York’s comparative negligence rule, even if a pedestrian is partly responsible, they may still recover damages. The amount of compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to them. For example, if a pedestrian is found 20% at fault, they could still recover 80% of their total damages.
Legal Options After a Pedestrian Accident in Rochester, NY
New York law gives injured pedestrians the right to pursue financial compensation. Knowing what damages you can recover, and how long you have to act is critical to protecting your claim.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Rochester, NY Pedestrian Accident Claim?
The compensation you may recover in a pedestrian accident case depends on the severity of your injuries, financial losses, and long-term impact. Common damages include:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future care needs.
- Lost income: Wages you’ve already missed, plus loss of future earning capacity if you can’t return to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Other expenses: Out-of-pocket costs, such as transportation to appointments, assistive devices, or home modifications.
In cases of wrongful death, surviving family members may also recover damages for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional loss of a loved one.
How Long Do You Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim in New York?
Time is limited. In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. If the crash resulted in a death, families generally have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.
Keep in mind that claims involving government agencies (such as accidents caused by city buses or unsafe road conditions) have much shorter deadlines, often requiring a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation entirely.
If you’ve been injured, it’s important to act quickly. Contact Stanley Law Offices for a free consultation and to protect your right to recover damages.
Hire an Experienced Rochester Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Near You
When your life is turned upside down by an accident, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. At Stanley Law Offices, we’ve spent years standing up for residents of Rochester and Monroe County; fighting insurance companies, holding negligent drivers accountable, and securing compensation that helps families move forward.
We know the stakes are high, and we treat every case with the urgency, compassion, and dedication it deserves. With our contingency fee approach, you’ll never pay out of pocket – we only get paid if we win for you.
Call 1-800-608-3333 now for your free consultation with our Rochester pedestrian accident lawyers and let us fight for the justice and recovery you deserve.
