What Steps Should I Take After a Pedestrian Accident in New York?

Buffalo is jam-packed with walkable attractions like The Buffalo Zoo and Delaware Park. If a careless driver hits you during an outing in Buffalo, what should you do next to pursue compensation?

Pedestrian accidents are similar to regular car accidents but differ in their potential for more serious injuries. Below, a New York pedestrian accident lawyer explains what to do after your accident.

Move Out of the Road

First things first, move out of the road if you’re able. Buffalo streets are busy, and another driver could hit you if you remain on the road. If you can’t move out of the road yourself, call for help.

Call the Police

Once you’re safe, call local law enforcement and make a police report. This report will outline the details of the accident, and your attorney will refer to it to build your case.

Collect Information From the Driver

Ask the driver who hit you for their contact details and insurance information. Some drivers might flee the scene before you can ask for this information, particularly if they’re not insured. 

If the driver attempts to leave the scene, write down their license plate number or take a photo of it. Your New York pedestrian accident lawyer can use the number to track down the driver.

Collect Evidence and Witness Statements

Before leaving the scene, look around for evidence of what happened. Take pictures of any debris in the road, the car that hit you, its driver, and your injuries as part of your evidence collection.

If any witnesses saw the accident, ask them if they want to make a statement. Write down their phone numbers so your attorney can call them later.

See a Doctor

Pedestrian accidents have the potential to be much worse than regular car accidents. Unlike in a car accident, there’s nothing protecting you from the impact. You could have broken bones, spinal damage, or a head injury. Worse, you might not notice the injury until the next day because of the pain-numbing effects of shock and adrenaline.

That’s why seeking medical attention is important, even if you feel only mildly sore after the accident. Seeing a doctor will also provide proof of your injuries, which is helpful when working with a New York pedestrian accident lawyer.

Call Your Insurance Company

Because New York is a no-fault auto insurance state, you can use those insurance benefits to pay for medical care. No-fault insurance is exactly what it sounds like — you don’t have to prove the driver’s negligence to claim benefits.

If your injuries are serious and insurance claims alone aren’t enough to cover your damages, you may be able to file a legal claim against the driver. To file a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll need to meet one of these requirements:

• Your accident-related expenses exceed $50,000
• Your injuries are serious

Legally, serious injuries include:

• Permanent limitation or loss of a body member or organ
• Fracture
• Significant disfigurement
• Loss of a fetus
• An injury that prevents you from doing normal activities for at least 90 out of 180 days after the accident
• And other injuries.

Contact a New York Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for Legal Representation

Calling a lawyer experienced in representing victims of pedestrian accidents is critical for your case. They can tell you whether your claim meets the serious injury threshold, negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement, and represent you in court if necessary.

For a consultation with a New York pedestrian accident lawyer, call Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall LLC at (716) 848-8000 or contact us online.