Injured in a New York Pedestrian Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know
Hi, I’m Scott Peterson from D’Orazio Peterson, a personal injury law firm representing a small number of seriously injured clients across New York State—particularly in the Capital Region and Saratoga Springs area.
Today, I want to share the story of a real case we handled for a couple in their 70s who were hit by a large vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Their experience underscores just how critical it is to speak with an attorney after a car or truck accident—especially in New York, where the laws surrounding pedestrian rights and insurance coverage can be complex.
The Accident: Struck in a Crosswalk While Legally Crossing
One evening, our clients were walking home from dinner when they were struck in a designated crosswalk by a large truck. Despite having a clear “Walk” signal, the driver failed to yield and made a left turn—hitting both of them.
The wife suffered a skull fracture. The husband sustained a serious leg injury that required surgery. They were lucky to survive, and their injuries were life-changing.
Why Insurance Coverage Matters (More Than You Think)
When we were contacted by their child, our first step—after ensuring their immediate medical needs were being addressed—was to investigate both liability and available insurance coverage.
Although the at-fault driver had a decent insurance policy, it was not nearly enough to cover the extent of the couple’s injuries. That’s when our legal team began digging deeper.
We uncovered an additional $1 million in coverage that was not immediately obvious. This made a massive difference in helping the couple get the compensation they needed for medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care.
Working with the DA & Avoiding a Trial
After the crash, the driver was ticketed for failing to yield to pedestrians—who clearly had the right of way. We reached out to the District Attorney’s Office to ensure that the driver was held accountable and that there was no attempt to reduce the charge to something less serious.
At the same time, our clients made it clear they preferred privacy and did not want to go through a public court trial. Because of our early intervention and strong evidence, we were able to negotiate a pre-suit settlement with multiple insurance companies—ensuring full compensation without ever filing a public lawsuit.
What This Means for You
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, especially in places like Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs, here’s what you need to remember:
Not all claims go to court—in many cases, a fair settlement can be reached without filing a lawsuit.
leave. If you think your employer violated your FMLA rights, contact us today for a consultation. You deserve to know your rights—and have someone by your side when they’re violated.
Contact Us Today
At D’Orazio Peterson, we take pride in helping clients navigate these difficult situations with compassion, clarity, and skill. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, or have questions about New York pedestrian accident law, don’t wait.
📞 Call us today at (518) 308-8339
💻 Or visit us at www.doraziopeterson.com
Let’s talk about your options—before the insurance companies make decisions for you.