At D’Orazio Peterson LLP, we represent a small number of seriously injured clients throughout New York State, especially in the Capital Region and Saratoga Springs. Today, I want to share the story of a case that highlights just how critical the right legal help—and insurance knowledge—can be after a serious accident.
We were contacted by the adult child of a wonderful couple in their 70s who had been struck by a large vehicle in a crosswalk while walking home from dinner. Despite having the right of way with a walk signal, the driver—who was attempting a left turn—failed to see them and hit them both in the intersection.
The injuries were severe:
- The wife suffered a skull fracture.
- The husband broke his leg and required surgery.
Given the size of the vehicle and the nature of the impact, it’s a miracle they survived.
As soon as we got involved, we began an immediate investigation. It turned out that the driver had a green left-turn arrow at the same time the walk signal was active. However, under New York traffic laws, pedestrians in a crosswalk with a walk signal always have the right of way. The driver simply wasn’t paying attention and was later ticketed by police.
We didn’t stop there. We contacted the District Attorney’s Office to ensure that the driver wouldn’t be let off easily or allowed to avoid taking responsibility. Meanwhile, our clients focused on healing, and we began investigating available insurance coverage—a crucial but often overlooked part of post-accident recovery.
At first, the driver’s insurance coverage looked insufficient to cover the couple’s extensive medical costs and damages. But thanks to our thorough investigation, we were able to uncover an additional $1 million in insurance coverage that hadn’t been disclosed upfront. That discovery made a major difference in helping the couple recover financially.
Once our clients were medically stable, we negotiated a significant pre-lawsuit settlement with the insurance companies. The couple didn’t want to pursue a public legal battle, so we were able to resolve the case privately—fully compensating them for their injuries without having to go to court.
Key Takeaways for New York Pedestrian Accidents:
- Pedestrians with a walk signal have the legal right of way.
- Insurance coverage can be complex—an experienced New York personal injury attorney can help uncover hidden policies.
- You don’t always need to go to court to get the compensation you deserve.
- If you or a loved one has been injured in a crosswalk accident, truck collision, or car crash, it’s important to talk to a lawyer right away.
Contact Us
If you’ve been seriously injured in Albany, Saratoga Springs, or anywhere in New York State, we’re here to help. Contact D’Orazio Peterson at 518-308-8339, message us on social media, or reach out through our website to schedule a consultation.
Let us help you find the coverage—and the justice—you deserve.