Unfortunately, motorists often speed through school zones, endangering young children and adults who are crossing the street to get to school. If you or your child has been injured in an auto accident within a school zone, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our hard-working Syracuse car accident attorneys can help you understand all of your options and guide you through the legal process of filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
Every year, a number of children are hurt in school zone accidents. A 2015 report by the Federal Highway Administration reveals that about 44 children are hurt in pedestrian accidents involving automobiles on a daily basis. Many of these accidents take place while kids are walking to or from school. The Transportation Research Board reports approximately 25,000 children are hurt every year in school zones. Interestingly, however, the majority of pedestrians who are hit by a vehicle in school zones are adults.
Motorists are required to use extra care when driving through school zones. As a result, New York law imposes lower speed limits for these areas than other roads. The speed limit is posted before you enter the school zone so that you know to be vigilant. In addition, the sign will usually say which hours the school zone is in effect. The lowest speed limit that is allowed under New York law is 15 miles per hour, and school zone speed limits will typically range from 15-20 miles per hour.
If you or your child was involved in a school zone accident, you can likely file a negligence lawsuit against the at-fault party. In New York, negligence occurs when a motorist fails to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Exercising reasonable care refers to using the level of care that an ordinarily prudent person would have used under the same or similar circumstances. The maximum posted speed limits are supposed to give drivers an idea of what the maximum “reasonable and prudent speed” is under the conditions. If there are adverse weather conditions, or the road is under construction, drivers should be even more careful.
Seeing your child in pain can make you feel helpless. If negligence is established in your case, we can help you recover payment for medical bills, including any treatment that your child may need in the future; future loss of income in cases in which the injury will prevent the child from working; pain and suffering for the physical and emotional trauma your child has suffered; and any other losses stemming from the accident. Each case is different, and the exact amount of compensation you will be entitled to obtain will depend on the specific injuries and losses suffered in the case.
If your child was injured in a school zone accident, you may be able to recover compensation to deal with the child’s injuries. While you are caring for your child, the skilled Syracuse car accident attorneys at DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers can fight to hold the negligent parties accountable in your case. We understand that dealing with a school zone accident can leave parents feeling angry and unsure of where to turn. You can rest assured that we can zealously advocate for your rights at every step of the way. Call us today at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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Vision Injuries Caused by Accidents in Syracuse, Syracuse Personal Injury Blog, April 30, 2018
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Coronary Artery Bypass Malpractice in Syracuse, Syracuse Personal Injury Blog, April 16, 2018