How Much Is a Pedestrian Knockdown Case Worth in NYC?
New York City is one of the busiest pedestrian hubs in the world. Every day, millions of people walk to work, school, and shops, sharing streets with cars, buses, taxis, delivery vans, and bicycles. Unfortunately, this constant interaction between vehicles and pedestrians means accidents are common. A pedestrian knockdown—the legal term for when a person is struck by a moving vehicle—can cause devastating injuries.
Even when the pedestrian is thankfully able to walk away from the incident, the driver of the vehicle that struck them, or the vehicle driver’s employer, may still be liable for the harm caused. One of the first questions many accident victims ask is: “How much is my pedestrian knockdown case worth?” While there is no single answer, the value of a case depends on several important factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life, and the strength of the legal evidence.
Below, we look at the factors that determine the compensation pedestrian knockdown victims may be entitled to. If you or a family member were struck by a car, truck, or bus while walking in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn or the Bronx, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., for skilled legal assistance from an experienced NYC pedestrian accident lawyer.
The Severity of the Injury
The most significant factor in determining case value is the seriousness of the injuries suffered. A pedestrian is completely unprotected when hit by a car or other vehicle, which means even low-speed collisions can cause lasting harm. Common injuries in pedestrian knockdowns include:
- Fractures of the arms, legs, hips, or pelvis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis in severe cases
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions
The more severe and permanent the injury, the higher the potential settlement or jury award. For example, a broken bone that heals fully after a few months may result in a modest recovery, while a traumatic brain injury requiring lifelong care could lead to a settlement or verdict worth millions of dollars.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Compensation in pedestrian knockdown cases is designed to cover both past medical bills and the cost of future treatment. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and ongoing rehabilitation. If an injury is permanent or disabling, the cost of medical care may stretch over a victim’s lifetime, dramatically increasing the case’s value.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity
Many pedestrians struck by vehicles cannot return to work right away. Some may never be able to return to their previous jobs. Compensation for lost wages is therefore a critical part of any pedestrian knockdown case.
If the victim’s ability to work is permanently impaired, they may also recover damages for loss of future earning capacity. This calculation can be complex, requiring input from economists, vocational experts, and medical professionals, but it can add significant value to the case.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to economic damages like medical bills and lost income, New York law allows pedestrian knockdown victims to recover compensation for “non-economic” damages like pain and suffering. This category covers both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Factors that affect pain and suffering damages include:
- The level of physical pain the victim endures
- The duration and invasiveness of medical treatment
- Emotional consequences such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life or inability to participate in former activities
Because these damages are more subjective, they are often the focus of negotiation with insurance companies and can vary widely from case to case.
Wrongful Death in Pedestrian Knockdowns
Tragically, many pedestrian knockdowns are fatal. In those cases, the victim’s family may bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible driver and other liable parties. Damages in wrongful death cases can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the family’s emotional suffering. These cases can result in substantial verdicts and settlements, especially when the victim was a wage earner supporting dependents.
The Role of No-Fault Insurance and Serious Injury Threshold
New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means injured pedestrians can receive immediate medical coverage and a portion of lost wages through the Personal Injury Protection coverage they or a member of their household carries, or through the driver’s PIP policy, regardless of fault. However, no-fault benefits are limited and often do not come close to covering the true costs of a serious injury.
To pursue a full personal injury lawsuit, the pedestrian must meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include a fracture, significant disfigurement, permanent loss of use of a body part, or an injury that prevents normal daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days following the accident. Most pedestrian knockdowns involving fractures or head injuries meet this threshold. The amount that can be recovered is much higher than a no-fault claim, but the injury victim must be able to prove the driver’s negligence (fault) and the impact (cost) of the injury.
Evidence That Can Increase Case Value
The strength of the evidence also influences how much a pedestrian knockdown case is worth. Key evidence includes:
- Police accident reports and witness statements
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage showing the collision
- Medical records documenting the extent of injuries
- Expert testimony about future care needs or lost earnings
The stronger the evidence, the more likely the insurance company is to settle fairly, and the more persuasive the case will be in front of a jury.
Typical Settlement Ranges
While every case is unique, pedestrian knockdown settlements in New York can range from tens of thousands of dollars for relatively minor injuries to several million dollars for catastrophic or fatal accidents. Insurance policy limits also play a role, as some drivers may only carry the minimum required coverage. However, in many cases, additional sources of compensation can be identified, such as commercial policies, municipal liability (for city vehicles like MTA buses), or umbrella coverage.
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to escape liability by downplaying the seriousness of pedestrian injuries, blaming the pedestrian, or offering quick, low settlements. Without experienced legal representation, victims may end up with far less compensation than they truly need. A skilled New York pedestrian accident lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate aggressively with insurers, and take the case to trial if necessary.
Call Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C. in New York City
At Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., we have dedicated our practice to helping injured New Yorkers recover full and fair compensation after pedestrian knockdowns and other accidents. We know how to value cases accurately, build strong claims, and fight back against insurance company tactics.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a vehicle in New York City, don’t guess what your case might be worth. Call our office today for a free consultation and let us explain your rights and options. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your case and pursuing the justice you deserve.
