With the heavy foot traffic of New York City, it is no surprise that pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence. Many people do not know what to do after they’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. After seeking medical attention if necessary, victims can write down as many details about the accident as they can. Accident victims can note their injuries, wage losses, and other losses they may have suffered because of the accident. If other people were involved in the accident, they may also take note of the conversations they have had with those other individuals.
In addition to writing about the accident, victims will often need to gather documents relating to the accident. These documents may include medical records and employment records. Victims may document the accident by taking photographs of the damages and collecting physical items relating to the damage.
The next step will involve finding and contacting witnesses to see if anyone can confirm the victim’s version of the events. Victims may also want to contact those who they feel are responsible for the injuries, whether it be a government agency or another civilian. Injured pedestrians may want to give these parties notice about any claims they wish to file in the future.
Keep in mind that every state has a statute of limitations which limits the amount of time that you have to file suit against those responsible for the accident. In some states, you will only have a year to file your claim. After getting hit by a car, seeking the advice of a legal professional may be beneficial to help you manage all the details of your case.
Source: FindLaw, “Pedestrian Accidents FAQ,” accessed on June 23, 2015
