Because of the sheer number of people in New York and the constant congestion at virtually every intersection, the city has a fairly high rate of pedestrian accidents. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, for example, there were nearly 500 pedestrian fatalities in the city between 2012 and 2014 alone.
Because people on foot have no protection from the force of impact in pedestrian accidents, they are likely to sustain life-threatening injuries, even in slow-speed crashes. Sadly, the costs associated with recovering from such injuries can be devastating.
By taking a few simple steps after the incident, though, you may be able to build a strong claim against the driver who struck you and recover compensation for 100 percent of your damages. To determine if you have grounds for a personal injury claim, turn to a pedestrian accident attorney at The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny.
Attorney Richard M. Kenny has more than 26 years of experience practicing law and representing clients just like you. Call (646) 808-3785 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in New York City.
Let’s examine five steps you should take after a pedestrian accident to contribute to the strength of your claim:
- Call the Police
Responding officers will direct traffic away from the scene, arrange for emergency medical care, and draft an official accident report. Even if the motorist flees the scene—which is unfortunately common in pedestrian accidents—call the police and remain at the site where the crash occurred so they can evaluate the situation before pursuing the hit-and-run driver.
- Speak to Witnesses
The one benefit of New York City traffic is the fact that nearly every car accident has multiple eyewitnesses. Get the names and contact information of any motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, or shopkeepers who saw the incident, and ask them to stick around until police arrive so they can provide a statement for the accident report.
- Seek Medical Care
Bruising, lacerations, and broken bones are common in pedestrian accidents. Even if the injuries you sustained do not seem life threatening, it is critical to visit your primary care physician or an urgent care center as soon as possible after leaving the scene. You will need to undergo a thorough physical exam because some impact injuries, such as head trauma and internal bleeding, can pose serious complications if left untreated.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
If it turns out that you did sustain serious injuries, do not skip follow-up appointments or ignore medical advice by returning to work. Even if your loved ones are relying on you for financial support, going to work while injured will only threaten your health and your chances of recovering a fair settlement down the road.
- Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Once you feel well enough to discuss the incident and begin the claims process, call a lawyer. Your attorney will take over the logistics of the case and guide you through every stage of the proceedings so you can focus on recovering.
Call (646) 808-3785 to Speak with a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in New York City
If you were struck by a motorist in New York City while crossing the street on foot, turn to The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny. We have recovered more than $100 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call (646) 808-3785 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in New York.
