JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY – September 10, 2026 – Pedestrians injured in New York traffic collisions often face mounting medical bills, missed work, and pressure from insurance companies before the full impact of the crash becomes clear. Queens pedestrian accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez of K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. (https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/queens-pedestrian-accident-lawyer/) has published guidance addressing the causes of these accidents, the injuries that may support a claim, no-fault and comparative fault rules, and the deadlines that can affect an injured pedestrian’s recovery.

According to Queens pedestrian accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez, pedestrian claims in Queens frequently involve no-fault benefits, serious injury issues, comparative fault disputes, and short deadlines when a public entity, hit-and-run driver, or uninsured vehicle is involved. Recent data underscores the stakes: while Queens traffic deaths fell from 74 in 2024 to 57 in 2025, pedestrians still accounted for 111 of the 205 traffic deaths recorded citywide in 2025. “For an injured pedestrian, identifying the correct insurance coverage and preserving evidence early can make a significant difference,” Sanchez says.

Many pedestrian collisions stem from driver negligence, and Queens pedestrian accident attorney Keetick L. Sanchez notes that New York law places clear duties on motorists. Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1151 requires drivers to yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks when traffic-control signals are not in operation, while Section 1146 requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians. Distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, poor visibility, and turning collisions at intersections and in parking lots are among the most common contributing factors.

Sanchez emphasizes that the cause of a crash helps determine liability, and that certain Queens corridors warrant closer review. Locations such as Queens Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, Roosevelt Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, and Main Street near Kissena Boulevard often involve heavy traffic and pedestrian activity. “Location alone does not decide fault,” Sanchez explains. “Signal timing, crosswalk layout, visibility, driver conduct, witness accounts, and available video footage all affect the liability analysis.”

Because pedestrians have no crumple zone, airbag, or seatbelt to absorb impact, injuries are frequently severe. Attorney Sanchez points out that traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and internal bleeding are common outcomes, and that some conditions may not present symptoms for hours or days. A fracture qualifies as a “serious injury” under New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d), which may allow a claim for pain and suffering beyond no-fault benefits. “Prompt medical treatment protects a person’s health and also helps connect the injuries to the crash,” Sanchez adds.

Several deadlines can run simultaneously after a pedestrian accident. A no-fault notice is generally due within 30 days, with medical bill proof usually required within 45 days of each service and wage documentation within 90 days. A personal injury lawsuit generally must be filed within three years, while a wrongful death action is generally due within two years from the date of death. Claims involving a city or public entity may require a notice of claim within 90 days, and matters involving hit-and-run or uninsured drivers may require prompt reporting and notice to the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation, or MVAIC.

Attorney Sanchez notes that being left at the scene by a fleeing driver does not leave an injured pedestrian without options. Uninsured motorist coverage through the injured person’s own auto policy or a household relative’s policy may apply, and pedestrians without access to such coverage may qualify for benefits through MVAIC, established under New York Insurance Law Article 52. “MVAIC imposes strict notice and filing requirements, so it is especially important to act quickly after a hit-and-run,” Sanchez observes.

New York’s comparative fault rules can reduce an injured pedestrian’s recovery when the pedestrian shares responsibility. Under CPLR Section 1411, in motor vehicle injury claims subject to Article 51 of the Insurance Law, recovery may be barred when the claimant’s share of fault is greater than that of the person or persons being sued. Sanchez works to gather evidence and respond when an insurer attempts to place unfair blame on an injured client.

Injured pedestrians may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering when the serious injury threshold is met. In limited cases involving especially reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available. K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. serves injured pedestrians throughout Queens, including Flushing, Jamaica, Astoria, Forest Hills, and Elmhurst, as well as Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan.

For those injured while walking in New York, contacting a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer early may help identify available coverage, preserve time-sensitive evidence, and protect a claim while medical treatment and insurance matters are still ongoing.

About K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C.:

K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C. is a personal injury firm based in Jackson Heights, Queens, led by attorney Keetick L. Sanchez, a lifelong New Yorker and adjunct professor of law at Touro Law. The firm represents injured pedestrians and accident victims throughout Queens and the greater New York City area. For consultations, call (646) 701-7990. The office is located at 37-06 82nd St #304, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

 

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Company Name: K L Sanchez Law Office, P.C.
Contact Person: Keetick Sanchez
Email: Send Email
Phone: (646) 701-7990
Address:37-06 82nd St #304 Jackson Heights, NY 11372
City: Jackson Heights
State: New York
Country: United States
Website: https://accidentlawyer-queens.com/