Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Buffalo, NY

Have you or a loved one been involved in a pedestrian accident? Are you unsure about the legal action to take in that scary and traumatizing situation? What happens when you become disabled after a pedestrian accident? At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys understand that representing pedestrian accident victims can be complex and challenging.

Approximately 300 pedestrians die and 15,000 are injured in pedestrian accidents every year in New York State. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we are dedicated to providing each of our clients with the personalized attention they need to get the best possible outcome in their case.

We have a proven track record of success in helping pedestrian accident victims recover fairer and higher compensation, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help you achieve the same.

Get the Process Started With Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

Pedestrian Accident Attorneys - Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law

If you’ve suffered injury from a pedestrian accident, the first step after getting medical attention is to contact our skilled pedestrian accident attorneys.

A personal injury resulting from pedestrian accidents can lead to a complicated and lengthy insurance battle that you do not want to fight alone.

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys can help you get started with the process and guide you through every step.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can occur in various scenarios, often because of negligent drivers. Common causes include:

  • Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking, eating, or otherwise distracted may not see pedestrians in time to avoid a collision.
  • Speeding: High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of injuries when accidents occur.
  • Failure to Yield: Drivers who do not yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or intersections can collide with them.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Types of Injuries in Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because the victim is not protected in any way from the traumatic and unexpected impact.

Common injuries include:

  • Fractures: Broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and pelvis, are a frequent result of the impact with vehicles.
  • Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions can result from head impacts with the vehicle or ground.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and quality of life.
  • Internal Injuries: These can include organ damage and internal bleeding, which may not be immediately visible but are potentially life-threatening.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Pedestrian Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a pedestrian accident can make all the difference for your health and personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Call for medical help right away, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
  2. Report the Accident: Ensure that the police make a formal report and obtain a copy for yourself. This can be crucial for your claim.
  3. Gather Evidence: Document the scene by taking photos of the accident area, your injuries, and the vehicle that hit you. Collect information from the driver and any witnesses.
  4. Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not discuss the details of the accident or admit fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police.
  5. Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and start building your case.

Seeking Damages After a Pedestrian Accident

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, you will likely need help covering damages. An experienced law firm can help determine if you’re entitled to any of the following when filing a personal injury claim:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for income lost due to time off work or due to your inability to work in the same capacity in the future
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we understand the challenges faced by injured pedestrians and are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Am I Eligible for SSD/SSI Benefits After a Pedestrian Accident?

According to the United States Census Bureau, 12.6% of the American population, or 40.6 million people, live with a mild or severe disability after a pedestrian accident. The SSD is part of the federal Social Security Act, which provides disability benefits for those unable to work because of their disability.

The SSA may seek answers to certain vital questions during the application process to determine whether you are eligible or not. Their review may include the following considerations.

Are You Engaged in any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

If you work in a calendar year and average more than $1,310 a month (as of 2021), you usually won’t be considered for disability benefits.

How Severe Is Your Condition?

The SSA may need to determine whether your impairment will last for more than a year or end in death.

Is Your Condition Within the List of Disabling Conditions?

SSA maintains a list of qualifying medical impairments considered severe enough to merit automatic approval for SSDI. If your condition isn’t on the list, your application can still be considered.

Does the Condition Limit You from Carrying Out Your Previous Work?

The SSA often deems that the disability impairs your ability to fulfill the job requirements.

Can You Work at Another Job?

If you cannot work in your previous job environment, the SAA may want to see if you can adjust to new employment. Your age, education, past work experience, transferable skills, and medical condition may be crucial in the deliberation.

Do you believe you have a physical disability from a pedestrian accident that fits these qualifications for SSD benefits? Consulting our experienced attorneys can help you learn about additional requirements that the SSA mandates.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our pedestrian accident attorneys to receive a detailed case review of your condition.

Don’t Give Up on Your Denied Claim

You may find that your initial disability claim was denied by the SSA, despite doing everything right. Sadly, most applicants give up, not filing an appeal or failing to file it in time.

You have a right to file an appeal contesting the denied claim. Unfortunately, the four-stage reconsideration complex is lengthy and complex. You may have to request a reconsideration, schedule a benefits hearing, file an appeal to the SSA review board, and finally, attend an appeal hearing in a federal court.

You can handle the strict deadlines and demands of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing better with New York pedestrian accident attorneys by your side. Our attorneys are not afraid to fight on your behalf for the benefits you deserve by appealing your case in federal court.

Why Choose Us?

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, our pedestrian accident attorneys serve clients across greater Western New York. Here’s what you can expect when you hire us to handle your disability application process.

  1. Personalized Representation

We have a record of success representing clients in disability and injury claims. In the years that we’ve served applicants from all walks of life, we have learned firsthand that no two cases are the same.

Our lawyers take the time to comprehensively assess each application and appeal. Only one attorney will handle your case from the start to the end. You do not have to worry about being passed off to a different associate.

  1. All-in-One Legal Assistance

Most of our Social Security clients need assistance with a personal injury claim. Our pedestrian accident lawyers can handle these claims for you. You do not have to hire multiple different law firms to represent you.

Miscommunication among multiple legal teams can place your benefits at risk. Handle all of your legal needs under one roof at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law.

  1. Free, No-Obligation Initial Consultation

We offer free consultations, providing a unique case assessment for each client. The free, no-obligation consultation allows you to discuss your case with us and decide whether you want our firm to represent you.

Additionally, we do not charge any legal fees unless the claim process is successful. Our contingency-based fee structure allows our clients to apply for the benefits they deserve without worrying about affording a lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today

A pedestrian accident can be scary and traumatic, and you may not know where to turn for help. That’s where our pedestrian accident attorneys can step in to offer the legal support and guidance you need.

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, you can discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney before deciding whether you want us to take over your application process. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.