Tag Archives: pedestrian

Pedestrian Accident Leads to Scrapped Plans for Street Changes

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum

Pedestrian Accident Leads to Scrapped Plans for Street Changes

Brooklyn is notorious for having dangerous intersections that put vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists at odds with one another. We were reminded of this troubling fact upon reading the recent news story about two young girls whom a reckless driver hit at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking into a traffic redesign plan to prevent accidents like this one. Still, in the meantime, it is crucial to know a pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer who can help if you find yourself in a similar situation.

What Happened in the Accident?

In early November, two sisters were on foot crossing Seventh Avenue near 57th Street in Sunset Park when a 41-year-old driver in a Honda turned and struck them around 2:15 pm. The girls were six and eight years old, and their mother watched in horror as her children fell to the ground with traumatic injuries.

The driver was making a left turn onto Seventh Avenue before hitting the girls. They were transported to Maimonides Hospital in critical but stable condition. Witnesses at the scene noted severe injuries in the girls, including head trauma, unconsciousness, and face injuries.

The DOT’s Response

This tragic accident came at a time when the DOT had already been considering a redesign of dangerous avenues in Brooklyn. Its plans have featured turning two-way roadways into one-way roadways to mitigate crash risks. Plans also include adding protected bike lanes on avenues and expanding sidewalks in commercial areas to keep New Yorkers safe. Some business owners have opposed these plans, and the DOT eventually settled on Seventh Avenue having a two-way protected bike lane, and Eighth Avenue having a painted median.

Yet, in light of this recent accident, it seems that these compromised measures are not enough. Transportation authorities must consider additional redesign considerations that address the ongoing traffic issues on Seventh and Eighth Avenues between 39th and 65th Streets. If Seventh Avenue had just one-way traffic and the curbs extended as once proposed, could the accident with the six- and eight-year-old girls have been avoided?

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Similar Accident

Unfortunately, this crash involving the two little girls was not an isolated incident. Before this crash, there were 54 reported crashes along Seventh Avenue between 39th and 65th Streets – just since the beginning of 2022. These accidents have resulted in significant injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. Since DOT updates to Brooklyn streets can take considerable time to implement, New Yorkers must stay vigilant about their surroundings when navigating this part of the borough.

If you need a pedestrian accident lawyer, bicycle accident lawyer, or car accident lawyer, the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum is here to help. We offer personal injury representation and work tirelessly to recover maximum money awards and settlements for the injured. We sincerely hope you never have to endure what the wounded girls in this incident and their families are going through. But if you are injured on a city street on foot, on your bike, or in your vehicle due to someone else’s negligence, we will fight for you to make the situation right.

Contact us at 718-237-5586 for a free consultation so that we can review your case and protect your legal rights as a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist.

Injured in a Pedestrian Accident? Here’s What to Do Next.

Posted on October 19, 2022 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum

Here in Brooklyn, our news is constantly bombarded with stories about pedestrians who were hit by vehicles while trying to cross city streets. Just recently, we read a story about a pedestrian who was hit while crossing at the intersection of Bedford and Flushing Avenues. Emergency responders quickly came to the scene to tend to severe injuries before having the person transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Sadly, this isn’t a rare occurrence and is all too common in our busy borough. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you need Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum on your side as your pedestrian accident attorney.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents in Brooklyn

Speeding vehicles are a major cause of accidents involving pedestrians in Brooklyn. When cars are going faster than the speed limit, it increases the potential of a collision and puts pedestrians at higher risk.

The overall population in New York City is getting older, which means that many more senior citizens are out walking and crossing the streets every day. Some parts of Brooklyn, such as Bushwick, Crown Heights, and Brownsville see more pedestrian traffic than other neighborhoods. These are places where it is especially important to be vigilant on the road by ignoring distractions and keeping an eye out for people who are walking.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Many pedestrians who are hit by cars go into shock and find it difficult to think clearly and rationally after an accident. But even if the accident seems minor at first, you should always call the police and have a police report filed. Wait for the police to arrive and avoid having any conversations with the other people at the scene. Never discuss who was at fault for the accident to protect your legal rights.

Based on the severity of your injuries, you may need to call 911 for immediate medical attention or ask someone else to call 911 for you. If your injuries are minor, you may feel comfortable transporting yourself to a clinic or doctor’s office. As soon as you are able, call your own insurance company to report the accident and also a pedestrian accident attorney to get advice on how to proceed.

Pursuing a Pedestrian Accident Case

Pedestrian accident attorneys understand personal injury laws, insurance laws, local statutes, and how the local court systems work. At the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum, we will assess your pedestrian accident case to determine who is at fault, fight the insurance companies to get you the best compensation, and pursue every negligent party to correct the injustice that you suffered. The statute of limitations for pedestrian accident cases in New York is generally three years, which means that the clock is ticking down to file a claim from the moment the accident happens.

Your Local Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If you’re looking for a local pedestrian accident lawyer to fight for your rights if you were hit by a vehicle, we can help. Our goal is to help secure settlement money to pay for your accident-related medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, nursing care, disability, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. We charge you no fee unless we are successful in proving your pedestrian accident case.

Call us today at 718-237-5586 or fill out our online contact form to stand up for your rights as an injured pedestrian.

How to Handle Pedestrian Car Accidents in Brooklyn

Posted on August 21, 2019 by Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum

How to Handle a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of the most walkable boroughs in New York City, with residents relying heavily on foot traffic for commuting, errands, and daily life. While walkability is a major benefit, it also puts pedestrians at risk when drivers are distracted, speeding, or fail to follow traffic laws. A pedestrian hit by a car in Brooklyn often suffers serious injuries that can change their life in an instant.

Understanding what to do after a pedestrian car accident and knowing when to contact a pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC can make a critical difference in protecting your health and legal rights. Many injured pedestrians benefit from speaking with a pedestrian accident attorney who understands how New York traffic laws apply to pedestrian injury claims.

Pedestrian Car Accident Trends in NYC and Brooklyn

New York City has made measurable progress in reducing traffic deaths under its Vision Zero initiative. According to the NYC Department of Transportation, NYC recorded 205 total traffic deaths in 2025, the fewest ever recorded, and a 31 percent decline since Vision Zero launched in 2014. Pedestrian fatalities citywide declined 9 percent, from 122 deaths in 2024 to 111 in 2025.

While this progress is encouraging, Brooklyn continues to experience a significant share of serious pedestrian collisions. In 2025, Brooklyn recorded 63 traffic fatalities, reflecting a more modest decline compared to other boroughs. Even as fatalities decrease, pedestrian injuries remain common across the city.

What to Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Car

Being hit by a car is a frightening experience, and many pedestrians feel shocked or disoriented afterward. Your first priority should always be your health. Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Pedestrian accidents often cause head injuries, spinal trauma, and broken bones, and symptoms may not appear immediately.

Prompt medical care is important because injuries like concussions or internal damage can worsen over time. If you are diagnosed with a head injury, working with a traumatic brain injury lawyer can help ensure the long-term impact is properly addressed. Serious fractures to the arms, legs, hips, or ribs are also common, and guidance from a bone fracture lawyer may be necessary when recovery is extensive.

Once you are safe, call the police and make sure an accident report is filed. Avoid discussing fault with the driver or any insurance company at the scene. If you are able, take photos of the accident scene and gather witness information.

As soon as possible, consider speaking with a pedestrian accident lawyer who understands how pedestrian cases are handled in Brooklyn and throughout New York City and can help protect your rights.

Making a Claim After a Pedestrian Accident

In many pedestrian accident cases, the driver is legally responsible for the injuries they cause. Drivers are often found at fault when a pedestrian is struck in a crosswalk or while crossing with the right of way. However, liability can become more complex if the pedestrian was jaywalking or if unsafe road conditions played a role.

In addition to claims against the driver, injured pedestrians may be able to pursue compensation against the City of New York if defective traffic signals, missing signage, or unsafe street design contributed to the crash. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney can evaluate all potential sources of liability.

Who Pays Medical Bills After a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Car?

New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means a pedestrian injured by a motor vehicle may be entitled to no-fault benefits through the driver’s insurance policy. These benefits can help cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.

Because these claims often involve complex insurance issues, working with a Brooklyn auto accident lawyer can help ensure that all available coverage is identified and properly pursued.

Brooklyn Legal Help for Pedestrian Car Accidents

If you or someone you love was involved in a pedestrian car accident in Brooklyn, the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum can help. Our firm has extensive experience representing injured pedestrians and understands how NYC traffic laws, insurance rules, and liability issues affect these cases.

Call 718-237-5586 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation. Being hit by a car is a traumatic experience. Let us fight for your rights and help make Brooklyn a safer place to walk.