Immediately after a pedestrian accident in New York, you should call 911 to dispatch emergency personnel to the scene. Get medical attention, and go to the hospital if necessary. If you are able and if it is safe, document the scene and get the other drivers’ information.
After a pedestrian accident, consult a personal injury lawyer to clarify your legal options. Our attorneys can help you understand what to do after your accident. We will explain your legal right to pursue compensation, file your claim, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
Our legal team has recovered over $100 million in awards and settlements for injured New York residents. We demand the highest possible recovery. Call today to schedule your free consultation and learn how our Long Island pedestrian accident lawyers can help.
Call 911
Calling 911 immediately after a pedestrian accident dispatches emergency medical personnel and police officers to the scene. Paramedics will evaluate your injuries, provide treatments, and possibly take you to the hospital. Police will create an official report of what happened.
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Get Medical Attention
Go to the ER if EMS personnel want to take you. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms of serious injuries. If you don’t go to the emergency room at the time of the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible to protect your health and legal standing.
Collect the Other Drivers’ Information
If you are able to do so, collect the other driver’s personal and insurance information. New York has very specific laws regarding pedestrian accidents, and a driver who hits you is likely responsible for your damages.
Get the Investigating Officer’s Information
The police officer who arrives at the scene will complete an accident report. Ask for the officer’s information, including their name, their badge number, and their contact information. This can make it easier to obtain an official accident report later on.
Document the Scene
If you can, and if it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking photos and making notes. If you can, get the name and contact information for eyewitnesses. Collecting evidence can rarely help your legal case later on and make it easier for your attorney to investigate the accident.
Consult With an Attorney
Get in touch with our legal team immediately after a pedestrian accident in NY, and before talking to the driver’s insurance company. We will protect your rights from the start and fight to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Even though you were driving, you may be able to use your insurance benefits to cover some of your costs. New York is a no-fault insurance state, meaning your own policy typically covers expenses to a certain limit, no matter who causes the accident.
Save Invoices and Documents
Hang onto any bills, receipts, and pay stubs that show the financial costs you’ve incurred because of the accident. This can help your attorney calculate compensation for your injuries. You may be able to recover economic damages for things like:
- Ambulance transportation and ER visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctors visits
- Procedures and tests
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care needs
- Lost wages
Write a Narrative
It can help to write down your version of events while the accident is still fresh in your mind. Include every detail you can remember, but be careful not to speculate or admit blame. Your narrative can help your attorney and the court understand how the accident happened.
Protect Your Information
It makes sense that you’d like to let friends and family know how you’re doing after the accident, but don’t reveal too much, especially on social media. You may be trying to alleviate concerns by saying you are okay, but insurers can use your words against you and deny your claim.
Don’t Delay Your Case
If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, it is important to act quickly. Delaying your claim potentially puts you in violation of New York’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims under NY CPLR § 214(5).
Get Help After Your Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident in New York, you should call 911 right away. Your health is the most important thing, and you should go to the ER if necessary. If paramedics don’t think it is needed, you can request to go to the hospital or see a doctor as soon as possible.
Collect evidence, document the scene, and get the other driver’s information if possible. When you are able, contact a personal injury attorney. We can help you understand your rights and hold the other driver accountable for common causes of pedestrian accidents in New York.
Our attorneys at Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers have more than 50 years of combined experience. If you have been hit by a car, we can help. Call today for your free, no-obligation consultation and tell us what happened.
