Common Injuries from Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP | New York City Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

New York City is built for walking. From Midtown crosswalks and Queens boulevards to Bronx school zones, Staten Island parking lots, and Brooklyn side streets, pedestrians are everywhere, all day.

Unfortunately, so are drivers who:

• Speed or run red lights
• Turn without checking the crosswalk
• Text or scroll at the wheel
• Back out of driveways and parking spaces without looking

When a vehicle hits a person on foot, there is no protection: no seatbelts, no airbags, no steel frame. Your body takes the full impact. Even a so-called low-speed accident can cause devastating injuries that change your health, your independence, and your financial future.

If you were hit by a car, SUV, truck, bus, or motorcycle anywhere in New York City, Greenstein & Pittari, LLP is ready to help. Our NYC pedestrian knockdown accident lawyers understand the medicine, the law, and the realities of recovering from serious injuries in this city.

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) now for a free consultation with a New York City pedestrian accident lawyer.

Why Pedestrian Knockdown Injuries Are So Severe In NYC

In a typical New York pedestrian accident, your body is struck more than once:

1. Initial impact with the vehicle
   Often, the bumper hits the legs, hips, or pelvis.
2. Secondary impact with the vehicle body
   Your upper body and head may hit the hood, windshield, or side of the vehicle.
3. Final impact with the ground or another object
   You may be thrown onto asphalt, a curb, a pole, or another vehicle.

Compared to drivers and passengers, pedestrians have:

• No seatbelts or airbags
• No crumple zone to absorb impact
• Direct contact with thousands of pounds of metal and glass

Even at relatively low speeds, that combination can shatter bones, damage the brain and spinal cord, and cause internal bleeding. At higher speeds, the risk of permanent disability or death increases dramatically.

To make matters worse, adrenaline and shock often mask pain. Many New Yorkers walk away from the scene thinking they are “just sore,” only to develop severe symptoms hours or days later.

Common Injuries From Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents In New York City

Every crash is unique, but specific injuries recur in NYC pedestrian accident cases. Most victims suffer more than one type of injury.

1. Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Head and brain injuries are among the most serious consequences of a pedestrian knockdown.

These can occur when your head:

• Hits the hood or windshield
• Strikes the pavement or curb
• Is jolted violently without direct impact

Concussions and mild TBIs may cause:

• Headaches or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or “foggy” thinking
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Memory and concentration problems

Moderate to severe TBIs can cause:

• Long-term cognitive problems
• Speech or language difficulties
• Problems with coordination and balance
• Personality changes, depression, anxiety, irritability
• Seizures and permanent neurological deficits

Other head injuries include:

• Skull fractures
• Brain bleeds (hematomas)
• Deep facial cuts and contusions

Even a so-called mild concussion can interfere with work, school, relationships, and daily functioning for months or years. More serious TBIs may require hospitalization, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.

If you hit your head or feel “off” after being hit by a vehicle in NYC, treat it as an emergency. Get medical care immediately and tell the doctor exactly what happened.

2. Neck, Back, And Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is highly vulnerable in a pedestrian crash, especially when you are thrown, twisted, or crushed.

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and severe soft tissue injuries
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Fractured vertebrae
• Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries can lead to:

• Paraplegia (loss of function in the legs)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Loss of sensation below the injury level
• Bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction
• Difficulty breathing or need for assistive devices

Even without complete paralysis, severe back and neck injuries can cause:

• Chronic pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in arms or legs
• Radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, or legs
• Permanent limits on mobility and independence

These injuries often require surgery, injections, long-term physical therapy, and ongoing pain management. They can end careers, limit your ability to care for family, and change your daily life forever.

3. Fractures, Broken Bones, And Lower Extremity Injuries

Fractures are prevalent when a car hits a pedestrian, especially in the legs and lower body.

Frequent lower extremity injuries:

• Broken ankles and feet
• Tibia and fibula fractures (lower legs)
• Femur fractures (thigh bone)
• Pelvic and hip fractures

Other common fractures:

• Broken wrists and arms (from bracing during a fall)
• Rib and collarbone fractures
• Skull and facial fractures

Types of fractures include:

• Simple or closed fractures
• Open or compound fractures where bone pierces the skin
• Comminuted fractures where bone shatters into several pieces

Treatment may involve:

• Casting or bracing
• Surgery with plates, screws, or rods
• Hospitalization and extended rehabilitation
• Months of physical and occupational therapy

Even after the bone heals, many people are left with:

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Early arthritis in damaged joints
• Chronic pain that affects walking, standing, climbing stairs, and working

4. Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

Some of the most life-threatening injuries are the ones you cannot see.

A forceful impact in a New York pedestrian accident can cause:

• Internal bleeding in the chest or abdomen
• Damage to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Abdominal organ rupture or bruising

Warning signs may include:

• Abdominal or chest pain or swelling
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness, fainting, or confusion
• Extreme fatigue or weakness
• Pale, cool, or clammy skin
• Blood in urine or stool

Internal bleeding is a medical emergency. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can be fatal. Anyone hit by a vehicle in New York City should be evaluated by a medical professional, even if they believe they are “just sore.”

5. Soft Tissue Injuries, Bruising, And Road Rash

Insurance companies often dismiss soft tissue injuries, but they can be incredibly painful and disabling.

These injuries include:

• Sprains (ligament damage)
• Strains (muscle and tendon injuries)
• Muscle, tendon, and ligament tears
• Deep bruising and contusions
• Joint dislocations
• Road rash from sliding on asphalt or concrete

Soft tissue injuries can cause:

• Swelling and limited range of motion
• Difficulty walking, lifting, or using your hands
• Chronic pain that interferes with work and daily activities

Although X-rays may appear “normal,” soft tissue injuries are real and can significantly reduce your quality of life.

6. Facial, Dental, And Scarring Injuries

When a pedestrian is thrown forward, the face often takes the brunt of the impact. Common injuries include:

• Broken jaw, nose, cheekbone, or eye socket
• Broken, loosened, or knocked out teeth
• Severe facial cuts and lacerations
• Eye injuries and nerve damage
• Permanent facial scarring and disfigurement

These injuries may require:

• Plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Dental implants and restorative work
• Scar revision procedures
• Psychological counseling to cope with changes in appearance

Scarring and disfigurement can affect self-esteem, social interactions, and employment opportunities. They should be fully valued in any New York pedestrian accident settlement.

7. Crush Injuries and Amputations

High-impact or multi-vehicle collisions can cause severe crush injuries or loss of limb when a pedestrian is:

• Pinned beneath a vehicle
• Trapped between a vehicle and a wall, pole, or barrier
• Run over or dragged

These events can lead to:

• Traumatic amputations at the scene
• Surgical amputations later if a limb cannot be saved
• Massive muscle, nerve, and blood vessel damage

Victims often require:

• Multiple surgeries and skin grafts
• Prosthetic limbs and adaptive equipment
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Lifelong physical and occupational therapy

These are classic catastrophic injuries that require careful planning for lifetime medical costs, lost earning capacity, and future care needs.

8. Emotional And Psychological Trauma

Pedestrian knockdown accidents are not just physical events. Many victims develop:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic attacks around traffic or crosswalks
• Nightmares and flashbacks
• Anxiety and depression
• Fear of walking or using public transportation

These conditions can be as disabling as physical injuries. Therapy, counseling, and medication are often needed and should be included in any claim for damages.

9. Fatal Pedestrian Injuries and Wrongful Death

Sadly, some New York City pedestrian accidents are fatal. Families are left with profound grief and sudden financial strain, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income and benefits
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and support

Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under New York law. While money can never replace a loved one, a successful claim can provide financial stability and hold negligent drivers accountable.

Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Knockdown In New York City

If a driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have a claim against:

• The at-fault driver
• The vehicle owner
• A business that employed the driver
• A city or public agency, in some cases

Compensation in a New York pedestrian accident case can include:

• Medical expenses, past and future
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Scarring, disfigurement, and disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Comparative Negligence In New York

New York uses a pure comparative negligence system. That means:

• You can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault
• Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault

Example: If your damages are 1,000,000 dollars and you are found 20 percent at fault for crossing mid-block, you may still recover 800,000 dollars.

This is one reason insurance companies often try to blame the pedestrian. At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we push back with evidence from scene photos, video footage, witness statements, and expert testimony.

Special Rules for City and Public Vehicles

If the vehicle that hit you belonged to the City of New York, the MTA, a public school district, or another public entity, special rules often apply, including:

• A Notice of Claim that may need to be filed within 90 days
• Shorter deadlines to file a lawsuit

Missing these deadlines can destroy your claim, even if liability is clear. Early legal advice is critical in any case involving an NYC bus, police car, sanitation truck, or other municipal vehicle.

New York Deadlines (Statutes Of Limitations)

Time limits can vary, but generally:

• Many personal injury claims: often 3 years from the date of the accident
• Many wrongful death claims: often 2 years from the date of death
• Claims against public entities: often require a Notice of Claim within about 90 days and have shorter suit deadlines

These are general guidelines, not legal advice for your specific case. The safest approach is to speak to a New York City pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible after the collision.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Knockdown In NYC

If you can do so safely:

1. Call 911
   Please report the crash and request both police and EMS. A police report documents the collision.
2. Get medical care immediately
   Please go by ambulance if you’d like. Do not assume you are fine because you can stand or walk.
3. Collect information
   • Driver’s name, phone number, license number, plate number, and insurance details
   • Names and contact info for any witnesses
4. Take photos or video if possible
   • Your injuries
   • The vehicle and its position
   • Traffic lights, crosswalks, skid marks, and road conditions
5. Do not argue about fault or apologize
   Simple phrases like “I did not see you” or “I am okay” can be twisted later.
6. Avoid giving a detailed or recorded statement to the insurance company
   Could you talk to a lawyer first?
7. Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP as soon as possible
   The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect evidence, guide your medical documentation, and deal with the insurance carriers.

How Greenstein & Pittari, LLP Helps Injured Pedestrians In NYC

When you hire Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, you get a New York City pedestrian accident law firm that focuses on serious injury claims and understands how these cases play out in the five boroughs.

We:

• Investigate the crash
  • Obtain police reports, 911 records, and traffic camera or surveillance footage
  • Locate and interview witnesses
  • Document the scene, road design, and traffic controls
• Work closely with your treating doctors and independent medical experts
  • Understand your diagnosis and prognosis
  • Prove the nature and extent of your injuries
  • Establish the need for future medical care and support
• Document your full damages
  • Medical bills and records
  • Lost wages and impact on your career
  • Daily pain, limitations, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Handle all communications with insurance companies and defense lawyers
  So you are not pressured, tricked, or worn down by adjusters.
• Negotiate aggressively and prepare every case as if it may go to trial
  This trial-ready approach often leads to better settlements.

We represent injured pedestrians throughout:

Manhattan • Brooklyn • Queens • The Bronx • Staten Island

You pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover money for you.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP For Your NYC Pedestrian Accident Case?

• Local Harlem office for convenient in-person meetings
• Seven locations across New York: Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County
• Bilingual services available
• Hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials
• Top-rated, award-winning lawyers recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers
• Exclusive focus on personal injury law
• We handle the insurance companies so you can focus on healing

Our firm’s motto is clear: “Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
The call is free. The consultation is free. You do not pay us unless we are successful. That is our Fee Guarantee: No Fee Unless Successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Common Injuries From Pedestrian Knockdown Accidents In New York City

1. What are the most common injuries when a car hits a pedestrian in NYC?

We regularly see:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
• Fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, pelvis, and face
• Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
• Amputations and severe crush injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, sprains, and strains
• Road rash and deep bruising
• Facial, dental, and scarring injuries
• PTSD, anxiety, and depression

Many New York pedestrians suffer multiple injuries in the same crash.

2. I felt okay at the scene. Can I still have a serious injury?

Yes. Adrenaline and shock can hide pain, and conditions like internal bleeding or concussions may not show symptoms immediately.

If you have been hit by a vehicle in New York City:

• Get medical care as soon as possible
• Tell your doctor exactly what happened
• Follow through with recommended testing and follow-up

This protects your health and strengthens your legal claim.

3. I hit my head but never blacked out. Could I still have a brain injury?

Absolutely. Many concussions and TBIs occur without any loss of consciousness.

Watch for:

• Headaches or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Confusion, “foggy” thinking, or memory gaps
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Mood changes or irritability
• Sleep problems

If you notice these symptoms after a pedestrian knockdown accident in NYC, please seek medical care immediately and tell the doctor about the collision.

4. Do I really need to see a doctor if I am “just sore”?

Yes. What feels like simple soreness can be a sign of:

• Internal bleeding
• Significant soft tissue injury
• Concussion or other TBI

Seeing a doctor:

• Protects your health
• Creates medical records that link your injuries to the crash
• Makes it harder for the insurance company to argue that your injuries are minor or unrelated

5. Can I bring a claim if I was not in a crosswalk or was jaywalking?

Often, yes. New York uses pure comparative negligence. That means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your percentage of fault can reduce your award, but you are not automatically barred from receiving an award.

Do not assume you have no case because you crossed mid-block or against the light. Let an experienced New York City pedestrian accident attorney review the facts.

6. What if my child were hit as a pedestrian in New York?

Children are especially vulnerable. Their heads and upper bodies are closer to the height of bumpers and hoods, which increases the risk of serious head, neck, chest, and abdominal injuries.

New York has special rules and time limits for minors’ claims. If your child was injured as a pedestrian, contact a lawyer as soon as possible so we can protect their rights and future.

7. Can psychological trauma be part of my NYC pedestrian injury claim?

Yes. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other psychological injuries are real, medically recognized conditions. They are compensable under New York law.

Therapy, counseling, medication, and long-term mental health care should be included in any settlement or verdict when they are related to the crash.

8. How do my injuries affect the value of my pedestrian accident case?

Generally, the more serious and long-lasting the injury, the higher the potential case value. Factors include:

• Type and severity of injuries
• Amount of medical treatment and future care needs
• Time missed from work and impact on earning capacity
• Permanence of disability, scarring, or disfigurement
• Effect on your daily life and activities
• Emotional and psychological impact

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we work with medical and economic experts to accurately calculate both current and future losses.

9. How long do I have to file a pedestrian injury claim in New York City?

Deadlines vary, but generally:

• Many personal injury claims must be filed within 3 years of the accident
• Many wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years of the date of death
• Claims involving public entities, such as city vehicles or MTA buses, may require a Notice of Claim within about 90 days and have shorter suit deadlines

Because these rules are strict and fact-specific, you should speak with a New York City pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible.

10. The driver’s insurance company keeps calling me. Should I talk to them?

Be very careful. The insurance company is not on your side. Adjusters may:

• Ask for a recorded statement they can use against you
• Push you to accept a quick, low settlement
• Try to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries

You do not have to give a detailed recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer. It is usually best to let your attorney handle all communications.

11. Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle my NYC pedestrian case myself?

For serious New York City pedestrian accidents, it is rarely a good idea to go it alone. These cases often involve:

• Complex medical evidence
• Disputes about fault
• Aggressive insurance tactics and lowball offers

A lawyer can:

• Protect your legal rights
• Manage evidence and deadlines
• Make sure your injuries and losses are fully documented
• Negotiate from a position of strength
• Take the case to trial if necessary

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we handle the legal and insurance battle so you can focus on your health.

12. How does Greenstein & Pittari, LLP get paid?

We work on a contingency fee basis:

• No upfront retainer
• No hourly billing
• We only receive a fee if we recover money for you

Our interests are aligned with yours. We want you to know that we are motivated to maximize your recovery.

13. Do you represent pedestrians throughout New York City?

Yes. We represent injured pedestrians in:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• The Bronx
• Staten Island

We also maintain offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County for your convenience. Home and hospital visits can be arranged whenever you need them.

14. How do I get started with Greenstein & Pittari, LLP?

It is simple:

1. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or submit our online contact form.
2. We will listen to what happened, review your injuries, and answer your questions.
3. If we take your case, we will begin protecting your rights immediately.

Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP today for a free consultation.
Do not let an insurance company decide what your New York City pedestrian injury case is worth. Let our team fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.