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Sackstein Sackstein & Lee, LLP
1140 Franklin Ave
Garden City, NY 11530
Telephone: (516) 344-1900
If you were struck by a vehicle while walking in Garden City, we want you to know something right away: pedestrian and crosswalk accidents are different from typical car crashes. The injuries are often catastrophic. The insurance companies treat them aggressively. And the legal issues can become complicated very quickly.
IWe have represented injured pedestrians throughout Garden City and across Nassau County for years. We have handled cases involving busy corridors like Old Country Road, Franklin Avenue, and Stewart Avenue—areas where drivers frequently fail to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
When someone on foot is hit by a car, the consequences are often life-changing. Our job is to make sure your future is protected.
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection—no seatbelt, no airbag, no steel frame. Even a “low-speed” impact can cause:
* Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
* Skull fractures
* Spinal cord damage
* Pelvic fractures
* Internal bleeding
* Severe orthopedic injuries
* Wrongful death
In Garden City, pedestrian traffic is constant near shopping centers, commuter rail access points, residential intersections, and school zones. Drivers rushing through intersections or making quick left turns often fail to see pedestrians lawfully crossing.
In many of our cases, the pedestrian had the right of way.
Crosswalk collisions are among the most common pedestrian accident cases we handle.
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. That includes:
* Marked crosswalks
* Unmarked crosswalks at intersections
* School crossing zones
* Signal-controlled intersections
Yet we repeatedly see drivers:
* Make fast left turns without checking the crosswalk
* Accelerate through yellow lights
* Text while approaching intersections
* Fail to stop at pedestrian signals
If you were struck while walking through a crosswalk in Garden City, that fact alone can significantly strengthen your case.
In my experience, most pedestrian and crosswalk accidents involve:
Drivers turning left or right focus on oncoming traffic and forget to check for pedestrians.
Texting, GPS use, and in-vehicle screens contribute to missed crosswalk visibility.
Even 10 mph over the limit dramatically increases injury severity.
Alcohol significantly reduces reaction time.
We handle cases involving uninsured and unidentified drivers.
Each cause affects how we investigate and build your claim.
New York is a no-fault state. That means your initial medical bills are typically submitted through auto insurance coverage—even though you were a pedestrian.
But serious pedestrian injuries often exceed basic no-fault limits. When that happens, we pursue a bodily injury claim against the at-fault driver.
Insurance companies often argue:
* You were partially outside the crosswalk
* You crossed against the signal
* You were distracted
* The driver “couldn’t avoid” the impact
New York follows a comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. The key is building the evidence correctly from the beginning.
When our firm takes on a crosswalk accident case in Garden City, we act quickly to preserve evidence:
* Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
* Traffic camera recordings
* Vehicle black box data
* Witness statements
* Police accident reports
* Scene inspections
We also document the full medical impact of your injuries—working closely with your treating physicians and specialists.
Many seriously injured clients receive treatment at facilities such as NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island or Nassau University Medical Center. Coordinating medical documentation is critical to accurately valuing your claim.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to recover:
* Medical expenses (past and future)
* Lost wages
* Loss of earning capacity
* Pain and suffering
* Emotional distress
* Permanent disability damages
* Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
Pedestrian injuries often involve long-term mobility limitations. We work with life-care planners and economic experts when necessary to ensure your recovery reflects your true future needs.
Some pedestrian accidents involve more than just a negligent driver.
We have handled cases involving:
* Poorly timed traffic signals
* Faded crosswalk markings
* Obstructed signage
* Dangerous roadway design
Claims against municipalities in Nassau County have strict deadlines. A Notice of Claim may need to be filed within 90 days. Missing that deadline can bar recovery.
If your crosswalk accident involved a roadway defect or signal malfunction, timing is critical.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to shift blame onto injured pedestrians.
Perhaps you:
* Began crossing as the signal changed
* Were slightly outside painted lines
* Were not wearing reflective clothing at night
Under New York’s comparative negligence system, partial fault does not prevent recovery. It may reduce damages proportionally—but you are not automatically barred from compensation.
We focus on demonstrating that the driver had the last clear opportunity to avoid the collision.
Some crosswalk accidents tragically result in fatalities.
When that happens, families are left dealing with grief, medical bills, and financial uncertainty. We pursue wrongful death claims to recover:
* Funeral expenses
* Loss of financial support
* Loss of parental guidance
* Conscious pain and suffering (where applicable)
These cases require both legal precision and compassion. As a partner of this firm, I take those responsibilities personally.
In most cases, three years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims generally have a two-year deadline. Claims against municipalities may require action within 90 days.
You may still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. We investigate immediately to identify all available insurance sources.
If your injuries are serious, absolutely. Insurance carriers treat pedestrian cases aggressively because of their potential value.
Every case depends on injury severity, long-term impact, and available insurance coverage. We do not speculate. We build evidence.
Pedestrian accident cases require:
* Immediate investigation
* Aggressive insurance negotiation
* Deep understanding of New York traffic law
* Trial readiness
Insurance companies know which firms are prepared to go to court. That reputation matters in settlement negotiations.
We prepare every case as if it will be tried.
Our office proudly represents injured pedestrians throughout Garden City and surrounding Nassau County communities. We understand the traffic patterns, local roadways, and court procedures in this region.
Cases filed locally are typically handled through the Nassau County Supreme Court, and experience in that venue matters.
When you hire us, you are not hiring a call center or marketing operation. You are hiring attorneys who live and work in this legal community.
Pedestrian accident cases move quickly. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Insurance companies begin building defenses immediately.
If you or someone you love was injured in a pedestrian or crosswalk accident in Garden City:
* Consult with us before speaking to insurance adjusters.
* Do not give recorded statements.
* Do not accept early settlement offers.
We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means there is no legal fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Your recovery matters. Your future matters. And if a negligent driver caused your injuries, they should be held accountable.
Contact Sackstein Sackstein & Lee LLC today to schedule a free consultation with a partner of the firm.