Pedestrian Injury Attorney in New York

5 Steps To Take Immediately After a NYC Pedestrian Accident

New York City is one of the busiest cities in the world. The combination of vehicles and pedestrians can have devasting results. If you are a hit by a vehicle in New York City, the steps you take immediately after your accident can have a lasting impact on whether you recover the compensation you deserve. Here are 5 steps you should take immediately after a pedestrian accident:

1. Seek medical attention – Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Sometimes, after an accident, your adrenaline is high that can mask your injuries. In addition, a hospital record or doctor’s notes on the date of the accident will help support your claim for damages as your case proceeds.
2. Exchange contact information – If you are physically able, give your name and phone number to the driver and take his or her name, address, phone number and insurance information.
3. Report the accident to the police – If you are injured in a NYC Pedestrian Accident, you need to contact the police to come to the scene of the accident to properly record how the accident happened. Police Officers are trained to investigate accidents and will take a statement from the drivers as to what caused the accident. An official report will be necessary to support your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The Police will also take important information you will need later, including the driver’s insurance company, policy number and name and address.
4. Gather evidence at the scene – If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene, including any dangerous conditions or have someone take photos for you. Collect witness names and phone numbers so that you or your attorney can contact them later. Oftentimes, witnesses and passersby will leave the scene before the police arrive. This information could be lost forever.
5. Report accident to your insurance company. If the driver who hit you does not have insurance or has minimal coverage you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company. It is important to notify your own carrier as soon as possible as you could lose out on coverage if you do not timely report the accident.

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. The O’Connor Law Firm will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.

Important Safety Reminders For Pedestrians:

• Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available.
• If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic. Stay alert; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including smart phones, MP3 players, and other devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you (he or she could be distracted, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or just not see you). Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
• Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your judgment and coordination.

For Drivers:

• Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may not be walking where they should be or may be hard to see— especially in poorly lit conditions, including dusk/dawn/night and poor weather.
• Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street.
• Slow down and look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit; slow down around pedestrians.
• Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, like school zones and neighborhoods.

— NHTSA’s Safety Countermeasures Division