Managing Partner
Although car accidents between vehicles are usually serious, the most devastating injuries tend to occur when pedestrians are struck by vehicles. Pedestrians lack the protection afforded to those traveling in vehicles, and they often suffer catastrophic injuries when involved in an accident. If you’ve been struck by a vehicle in New York, it’s important to know what to do next. In this article, we explain what to do after a pedestrian accident.
What Causes Pedestrian Accidents?
There are many causes of pedestrian accidents, including:
Speeding: Speeding is one of the top causes of car accidents, including pedestrian accidents. When a driver is speeding, it makes it more difficult for him or her to stop for pedestrians.
Distracted driving: Distracted driving is never a good idea. Unfortunately, there are more distractions today than ever. Smartphones, GPS devices, and other distractions divert drivers’ attention off the road, increasing the chances of a pedestrian accident.
Reckless driving: Another common cause of pedestrian accidents is reckless driving. When a driver darts in and out of traffic at excessive speeds, tailgates, or performs other dangerous maneuvers while behind the wheel, this drastically increases the odds of a pedestrian accident.
Drunk driving: Drunk driving routinely results in serious accidents, and this result only intensifies when a pedestrian is involved. Pedestrians who are struck by drunk drivers often suffer serious injuries.
Aggressive driving: Finally, aggressive driving is a recipe for disaster, and it leads to countless pedestrian injuries every year.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, it’s important that you understand what steps to take next. By taking the appropriate steps, you can help ensure your safety and increase your odds of receiving financial compensation for your injuries. Below is an overview of the steps you should take after a pedestrian accident:
Call the authorities: The first thing you should do after a pedestrian accident is call the police. If you’ve been injured, they will also ensure that you receive medical attention at the scene of the accident.
Seek medical attention: Even if you don’t believe you’ve been injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after your pedestrian accident. Some injuries don’t present immediate symptoms, so a thorough medical evaluation by a licensed medical professional can help ensure that all injuries are identified and treated accordingly.
Collect evidence: Following a pedestrian accident, it’s important to collect as much evidence as possible. Examples of evidence to collect following a pedestrian accident include:
- The names, contact, and insurance information of the other parties
- Witness names and contact information
- The investigating police officer’s name, contact information, and badge number
- Pictures and videos of the scene of the accident and your injuries
Contact a Long Island & New York Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident in Long Island, New York, the distinguished law firm of Dell & Dean, PLLC, is here for you. When you come to us for help with your pedestrian accident case, we will formulate a case strategy and aggressively seek financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange a meeting with an experienced Long Island personal injury lawyer.
