Cross Safely with Pedestrian Injury Attorneys in White Plains, NY
Discuss your concerns about the risks of crossing busy streets with pedestrian injury attorneys in White Plains, NY. When out for a walk, crossing signals, crosswalks, and sidewalks are all designed to protect pedestrians. However, walking along a roadway always poses some level of risk, and it’s not uncommon to get hit by a fast-running vehicle.
If involved in an accident with a car, truck, SUV, or another type of vehicle while walking, there’s a substantial risk of suffering a serious injury. However, in many cases, compensation is available to qualified victims.
The Aftermath of a Pedestrian Accident in New York
After being hit by a vehicle, it can be difficult for the accident victim to think clearly. Unfortunately, what the victim does and says at the scene of the accident can significantly impact the outcome of any potential claim. To avoid disputes related to damages and liability, follow the tips below:
- Contact the police
- File a police report
- Take photos of the vehicle involved, the road conditions, weather conditions, property damage, the scene of the accident, and personal injuries.
- Take photos of the driver’s license plate, insurance card, and driver’s license.
- List down the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any eyewitnesses.
- Visit a doctor for an evaluation
- Follow all treatment instructions
- Avoid missing any subsequent doctor appointments
- Keep track of the recovery process in a journal
- Avoid posting on social media
- Avoid speaking with an insurance adjuster
- Do not accept a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster until legal advice is secured
- Contact an attorney that specializes in pedestrian accidents
Why Hire a Pedestrian Injury Lawyer
The injuries a pedestrian could sustain in an accident can be catastrophic. To minimize their liability, the defendant or his insurance company may try to coerce the victim into providing a recorded statement, which can be used against the victim to dispute liability or damages. The insurance firm may also review the victim’s social media accounts, searching for posts that they can use as counter evidence. Crucial evidence that can be used to support the victim’s claim, such as video surveillance, may also be erased.
Determining Fault in a Pedestrian Injury Claim
Determining who is at fault in a pedestrian accident can be challenging, but a pedestrian accident lawyer will have the resources to get to the truth. By law, a driver must show reasonable care when operating a vehicle. If the driver is willfully careless or negligent, he/she can be held liable for the accident.
Pedestrian Injury Claim Damages
Another gray area of many pedestrian accident cases is determining the damages to the victim. If the accident also caused the death of a loved one, the problem becomes doubly serious. This is where the advice of a professional lawyer becomes invaluable. Apart from personal injury compensation, he can also file for additional damages, including funeral expenses.
The damages awarded can cover the victim’s current and future financial work and personal losses, including:
- Ongoing mental or physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Loss of a loved one
- Medical bills