Content Reviewed By:
John Richmond, Co-Founding Member
- November 27, 2024
Pedestrians in busy Rochester are too often injured by cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. With nothing to protect them in these crashes, pedestrians are often left with catastrophic injuries and significant financial and emotional damages.
In recent years, an average of more than one person in Rochester was killed or injured each day in traffic-related accidents. If you or a loved one were injured as a pedestrian due to someone else’s negligence, you can pursue compensation with the help of an experienced Rochester pedestrian accident lawyer from Richmond Vona. Call (716) 500-5678 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Richmond Vona for Your Rochester Pedestrian Accident Case?
Our firm is well-established in Rochester and western New York. One of our founding partners, John E. Richmond, grew up in Rochester and intimately understands the legal landscape in our community and the city streets where pedestrians are most often injured.
Our award-winning Rochester personal injury lawyers have been recognized by numerous legal organizations and publications, including:
- Super Lawyers
- Top 10 Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers in 2023 and 2024 from Trusty Analytica
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
- AV Preeminent Rating, the highest available, for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability by Martindale-Hubbell
Over the years, our firm has collected over $175 million in case results for our deserving clients across New York, including a:
- $4.25 million settlement in a truck accident case
- $1.2 million settlement in a motor vehicle accident case
- $1.2 million jury verdict in a medical malpractice case
- $150,000 award in a Rochester motor vehicle accident case
- $25,000 full policy limit award in a Rochester motor vehicle accident case
One reason our pedestrian accident attorneys are successful is that we pool our collective experience across personal injury claim types—such as car accidents, truck accidents, and construction accidents—to craft unique legal strategies in every case. We take a limited number of cases and assign teams of three to four members to each. This team collaboration, paired with our client-first approach, ensures that our clients receive the highest-quality legal representation possible in every case.
At Richmond Vona, We Understand Rochester
As a locally-rooted firm, we know how big insurance companies work in this market, the dangerous intersections that frequently see accidents, and key players in Rochester personal injury lawsuits. We also know that, as Rochester grows, the area is becoming even more dangerous for pedestrians.
Government officials are spearheading new efforts to curb Rochester’s pedestrian accident problem. Rochester joined the Vision Zero Network this year, setting a goal to fully eliminate traffic fatalities in the city. Vision Zero reframes pedestrian accidents as a public health issue that can be prevented through a multifaceted approach to safety planning.
Rochester recently secured $23 million in federal infrastructure funding to reduce bicycle and pedestrian accidents. The funds will help the city rebuild its most dangerous streets to add safety features like pedestrian “bump-outs,” raised crosswalks, and a linked network of bike lanes.
As the city grows, we will continue representing pedestrians hurt by the carelessness of others. When the unexpected happens, expect Richmond Vona to stand by your side. We are here to keep our community safe by holding negligent drivers accountable and securing well-deserved compensation for injury victims like you.
Key Rochester Pedestrian Accident Statistics
2023 Record High Death Toll
Saw a record-high 15 traffic-related pedestrian accident deaths in 2023.
78% in Monroe County
Of the eight counties in the Rochester region, 78 percent of pedestrian accidents in 2022 occurred in Monroe County.
Kill roughly 300 residents, injure 15,000, and hospitalize more than 3,000 every year.
2013 to 2023
In the decade from 2013 to 2023, about 3,200 pedestrians and bicyclists have been killed or injured in Rochester vehicle collisions.
Rochester averaged more than one pedestrian accident injury or death per day.
From 2013 to 2023, 3,200 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed or injured by cars and trucks traveling in Rochester. That is over 300 accidents per year, resulting in 80 deaths. All in all, Rochester’s accidents per capita were higher than those for Buffalo, Yonkers, and Syracuse over the same period.
While Rochester saw a significant reduction in pedestrian accident injuries between 2012 and 2022, a record-high 15 traffic-related pedestrian accident deaths occurred in 2023.
“Richmond Vona is such an amazing firm to work with! The whole staff is knowledgeable and compassionate. I am so grateful for their help, especially Liana, who was kind and helped me understand the process. Hiring this firm is the best thing I could have done.”
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This law firm goes above and beyond to fight for you. Their entire team treats you with respect and truly cares about your well-being. Look no further if you need a personal injury lawyer.
John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
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What Should I Know About My Rochester Pedestrian Accident Case?
Every pedestrian accident lawsuit is unique, and outcomes depend heavily on the nature of your injuries and their overall impact on your life. At Richmond Vona, we have what it takes to fight for every penny you are legally entitled to in settlement negotiations and court.
We offer free consultations and take cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about additional financial strains while waiting for your case to be resolved. Ultimately, you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. If you have questions about your pedestrian accident case, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review. We are here to make sure you understand your rights and have the support you need on the road toward compensation.
Liability in Pedestrian Accident Cases
It can sometimes be challenging to determine liability in a pedestrian accident claim. In some cases, only one party will hold liability. In others, you may seek compensation from multiple parties whose negligence contributed to your injuries.
For example, if a car runs a red light or fails to yield and strikes you, you will have a case against the driver. If the driver could not stop sooner because of defective brakes, you may also have a case against the manufacturer or a negligent mechanic.
If a driver working and using a company vehicle at the time of your accident hits you, you may have a case against their employer. The same applies if a city bus or government vehicle strikes you.
New York follows a pure comparative negligence standard in pedestrian accident cases, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for your accident. However, your compensation goes down based on the percentage of liability you hold. For example, if you sustain $1 million in damages and are 30 percent at fault, you can collect $700,000.
Insurance companies often try to shift some or all responsibility to accident victims to minimize how much compensation they have to pay. If they argue that you contributed to your accident—for example, by jaywalking or ignoring traffic signals—we will push back hard to maximize your compensation.
Damages Available in Pedestrian Accident Cases
Our Rochester pedestrian accident attorneys will pursue compensation that covers your full economic and non-economic damages. We will thoroughly investigate and evaluate your case to discover all sources of liability and compensation. Your compensable damages may include:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and lowered earning capacity
- Costs associated with in-home care
- Expenses related to modifying your vehicle or home to accommodate your injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and medical expenses associated with the wrongful death of a loved one
How Long Do I Have to File a Pedestrian Accident Claim?
The New York personal injury statute of limitations normally gives you three years from your date of injury to file a claim. However, if your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, you have two years from their passing to file a claim. Further, if the defendant in your case is a state or municipal government, you have 90 days to file a Notice of Claim.
Though there are limited exceptions to these filing deadlines, in most cases, the presiding judge will dismiss your claim if you are late. To avoid this consequence, reach out to our experienced Rochester personal injury attorneys as soon as possible.
Trust Your Rochester Pedestrian Accident Team at Richmond Vona
Rochester is a beautiful city to walk in, but it can also be dangerous for pedestrians. If you were injured as a pedestrian due to someone else’s negligence, our Rochester pedestrian accident lawyers can help you fight for full and fair compensation. We understand the serious impact pedestrian accidents can have on the lives of victims. Our team is ready to support you and your family in your hour of need.
Call (585) 523-1193 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning pedestrian accident lawyers in Rochester. When life throws you a curveball, Richmond Vona is ready to help you and your family exercise your legal rights.
