Buffalo
Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Buffalo’s streets should be safe for pedestrians, but accidents happen, often with devastating consequences. If you were injured by a negligent driver while walking, you’re likely facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain. Getting fair compensation isn’t guaranteed. Partnering with a knowledgeable Buffalo pedestrian accident lawyer from TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers’ network is an important step toward protecting your rights and securing your future.

You don’t have to figure this out alone; help is available to guide you through the aftermath of your pedestrian accident. Call TopDog Law at (716) 320-8365 to be connected with an experienced local attorney ready to review your situation.

 

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Your Guide to Pedestrian Accident in Buffalo

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

The Hard Truth About Walking in Buffalo

Stepping onto a Buffalo street often demands more than just looking both ways. With drivers rushing, glued to their phones, or simply not paying attention, crosswalks and sidewalks often aren’t the safe spaces they’re meant to be.

Whether you were crossing Elmwood Avenue, strolling near Canalside, or simply walking in your own neighborhood, a moment of driver negligence can lead to serious harm. A Buffalo pedestrian accident attorney from TopDog Law’s network understands the city’s traffic patterns, knows the common accident hotspots, and recognizes the daily risks pedestrians face across Erie County. They know drivers have a duty to watch out for pedestrians — and when they don’t, the consequences can be devastating.

If you were hit by a car, connecting with a trusted Buffalo pedestrian injury lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

Your Rights as a Pedestrian Under New York Law

New York State law offers important protections for pedestrians, but simply knowing your rights isn’t the same as enforcing them. Generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and drivers are legally required to exercise due care to avoid hitting them. This duty means staying alert and watching carefully for pedestrians, especially near intersections, schools, and parks. When a driver fails to uphold this responsibility—whether by speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield—they are often considered negligent if an accident occurs.

Proving negligence is key to a personal injury claim. You must show the driver had a duty to be careful, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. This can be challenging, especially when stories conflict. A Buffalo pedestrian injury lawyer can help you understand your rights.

Don't Play Games with the Insurance Company

After an accident, you’ll probably hear from the driver’s insurance adjuster relatively quickly. They might sound friendly, concerned even. Make no mistake: their job is to protect their company’s bottom line, not yours. They aim to settle claims for the lowest amount possible, or deny them altogether if they can find a reason. 

They might ask for a recorded statement hoping you’ll say something that minimizes the driver’s fault or your injuries. They might offer a quick, lowball settlement before you fully grasp the extent of your medical needs or lost income. Accepting such an offer usually means signing away your right to seek further compensation, even if complications arise later. 

Handling insurance companies on your own puts you at a serious disadvantage. They deal with these situations daily — you don’t. Seeking help from a Buffalo pedestrian accident attorney is a wise decision that can protect your rights and strengthen your case.

Detroit SSDI Lawyer, James Helm

How a Buffalo Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Our Network Can Help

Having dedicated legal representation can make all the difference after a serious accident. TopDog Law connects people like you with experienced local attorneys who know how to handle pedestrian injury cases. A Buffalo pedestrian accident lawyer from our network can take charge of the entire legal process, allowing you to focus on healing.

Investigating the Accident

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident. They will gather crucial evidence like police reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available traffic or security camera footage. If necessary, they will also work with accident reconstruction experts to establish exactly how the collision occurred and prove the driver’s fault.

Documenting Your Injuries

To support your claim, your lawyer will collect all of your medical records and consult with healthcare professionals. This helps ensure that the full severity and long-term impact of your injuries are properly documented and understood.

Calculating Your Damages

Accurately valuing your case is critical. Your attorney will carefully calculate the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to your injuries.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often use pressure tactics to get accident victims to settle for less than they deserve. Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations, shielding you from these tactics and advocating for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Fighting in Court: The Role of Your Buffalo Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare and file a personal injury lawsuit. They will represent you in court, presenting a strong, evidence-backed case to a judge or jury.

At every step, the goal is to build the strongest possible claim and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. TopDog Law ensures you are connected with a Buffalo pedestrian accident attorney who is ready to protect your rights and your future.

Injuries and Recovering What You've Lost

Pedestrian accidents frequently result in severe injuries — after all, a person is no match for the impact of a moving vehicle. Common injuries include:

  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), ranging from concussions to severe cognitive impairment
  • Spinal cord injuries, potentially causing paralysis
  • Internal organ damage and bleeding
  • Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears)
  • Severe road rash and disfigurement

If a negligent driver caused these injuries, the attorney you connect with will pursue compensation for various damages. This compensation is intended to cover the full extent of your losses, both tangible and intangible. Potential damages include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.

A skilled pedestrian injury lawyer Buffalo understands how to value these damages accurately to ensure you seek fair compensation. They can advise you on how to file a pedestrian injury claim in Buffalo.

Actions to Take After the Initial Shock of Your Pedestrian Accident Wears Off

After leaving the accident scene and getting medical care, taking the following important steps can protect both your health and your legal claim:

  • Now is the time to focus on recovery – continue all recommended medical treatment, including attending follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and specialist consultations.
  • Keep meticulous records of everything related to the accident: medical bills, co-pays, prescription receipts, mileage to doctor’s appointments, and proof of lost wages. 
  • Document how your injuries impact your daily life – activities you can no longer do, pain levels, emotional struggles. 
  • Avoid speaking with the at-fault driver’s insurance company representative without legal counsel. 
  • Direct them to the attorney you are connected with. 
  • Refrain from posting details about the accident or your recovery on social media, as insurers can potentially misconstrue this information. 

If you’ve been in a Buffalo pedestrian accident, one of the best steps you can take is to contact TopDog Law for a free consultation referral to an experienced Buffalo pedestrian accident lawyer.

Personal Injury Lawyer
Pedestrian involved in incident following car accident.

Connecting with the Right Local Representation

When it comes to protecting your rights after a pedestrian accident, finding a local lawyer makes a real difference. A Buffalo pedestrian accident lawyer from TopDog Law’s network brings critical knowledge of Buffalo’s streets, intersections, and traffic patterns. They’re familiar with local court procedures and often know the judges, defense attorneys, and insurance companies involved in these cases — giving you an advantage.

This local insight matters. Your attorney will understand the common hazards pedestrians face across Buffalo, whether it’s a downtown crosswalk accident near Main Street, an injury at a busy intersection like Delaware Avenue and Chippewa Street, or a residential hit-and-run in neighborhoods like Elmwood Village or North Buffalo. Whether you were hit in a downtown crosswalk or a neighborhood street, having a Buffalo-based advocate on your side makes a real difference.

TopDog Law makes finding the right representation simple. Our nationwide network includes experienced Buffalo pedestrian accident lawyers who are ready to assist you right here in Western New York. Most of the attorneys we connect you with work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless they successfully recover compensation for you.

Secure Your Path Forward With TopDog Law

James Helm with Phone and Cash Bag

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Buffalo Office

 1207 Delaware Ave,
 Suite 012, Buffalo,
 NY 14209
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