Pedestrians can be severely injured or even killed when struck by vehicles, and it is very common for pedestrian accidents to result in lengthy medical treatment and lost wages from missed work. Having a knowledgeable and dedicated Pedestrian Accident Lawyer proficient in pedestrian injury claims is an important step in protecting your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
New York City is a densely populated city with busy streets and intersections, and one moment of reckless driving by an impatient or distracted driver can be catastrophic for a pedestrian. Pedestrians who are walking to and from their homes, shops, schools, and offices in the City’s bustling neighborhoods and business districts are often in danger of being hit by drivers who fail to pay attention, disregard traffic laws, or speed to beat red lights. In some cases, the at-fault driver may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Injuries to pedestrians are quite severe and can include head trauma (trauma caused by direct impact with the vehicle or by being thrown from the collision), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, disfigurement, psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”), and other serious health problems. A seasoned Pedestrian Accident Lawyer can help you determine the full extent of your losses and seek maximum financial compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
A Pedestrian Accident Attorney can also evaluate your case to see whether punitive damages are appropriate. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault party committed a particularly egregious act such as drunk or reckless driving, or when their actions demonstrated an utter disregard for human life.
Following a pedestrian accident, you should immediately seek emergency medical care to ensure your injuries are properly assessed and treated. After you have received the care you need, it is a good idea to report the incident to police so that an official accident report can be made. This will provide valuable evidence for your pedestrian accident claim in the future.
After a crash, it is also important to keep track of any documents, data, and other information related to your injury. It is a good idea to start an accident folder so that all of your information is in one place and can be easily accessed. Creating this file early on can make the entire process much easier later.
Victims who have been involved in a pedestrian accident have a limited amount of time to file an insurance or personal injury claim. It is best to consult with a Manhattan Pedestrian Accident Lawyer as soon as possible to begin the legal process.