In a state as walkable as New York with a rising number of traffic accidents, it is important to know what to do if a pedestrian gets hit by a car. Whether you were the driver or the person on foot, there are crucial steps everyone needs to take following a pedestrian accident.
Our Oneonta pedestrian accident lawyers at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey share some tips on what you should do after a pedestrian accident in New York.
I Hit a Pedestrian with My Car, Now What?
Don’t panic. It’s important that you remain on the scene to ensure the pedestrian is safe, speak with any witnesses, and exchange contact and insurance information with the victim. Fleeing the scene is considered a “hit and run,” an offense that will get you into a lot more trouble down the road.
Whether you have hit a pedestrian with your car or were hit by someone while walking down a street, these are the steps you should take:
- Contact emergency medical services immediately
- Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and/or person
- Call the police to the scene and file an accident report
- Get important information from the other parties involved in the accident such as their insurance policy, driver’s license, plate numbers, registration, and phone number
- Get the contact information of any witnesses (they may later testify on your behalf)
- Do not admit or even discuss fault on the scene or with any parties’ insurance company
- Contact your insurance company
- Contact a lawyer
Reaching out a lawyer is an important step whether you were at fault or not. The insurance companies of the other individuals involved in the accident will already be building a case against you to ensure they don’t have to pay a hefty settlement. In order to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, you’ll need an experienced attorney who knows the insurance companies’ tricks and will fight for you.
What if I Got Hit by a Car but I Feel Fine?
If you have been hit by a car while crossing the street, chances are you may not be fine even if you think you are. Brain and back injuries may not manifest right away and can have serious consequences if you don’t seek treatment right away.
There is another reason you should always seek medical attention regardless of how you feel. If you are looking to receive compensation for your injuries, but you have no medical records to back up that you were hurt, the defendant and their insurance company will argue that you are lying about your injuries. Evidence is a vital part of any accident injury claim. The best way to ensure you receive just compensation is to create a paper from the beginning. That means going to the doctor and following their medical advice, even if it feels unnecessary.
To learn more about what to do following a pedestrian accident in New York, contact us today. Our Oneonta accident attorneys at Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey have over 80 years of combined legal experience getting those who have been hurt throughout the tri-county area back on their feet.