It is without a doubt that New York roads have a reputation for being crowded. Between the cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and mass transit that share the road, pedestrians are left in a vulnerable position. What’s more is that pedestrians have no physical protection against these outside elements. Read on to discover what you should do in the unfortunate event of an accident and how a seasoned Queens pedestrian accident attorney at The Law Offices of George Poulos can work on your behalf in fighting for the compensation that you require.
What are the common causes of pedestrian accidents in New York?
Put simply, pedestrian accidents are commonly caused by either unsafe road conditions or negligent drivers. Below are just a few examples:
- Unsafe road conditions:
- Potholes or otherwise uneven surfaces.
- Debris or otherwise spills.
- Sidewalk closures.
- Roads with obstructions (i.e., parked motor vehicles, overgrown foliage, inadequate overhead lighting, etc).
- Negligent drivers:
- Speeding.
- Driving recklessly or carelessly.
- Driving drugged or drunk.
- Driving while using electronic devices illegally.
- Driving while ignoring crosswalks, streetlights, and/or stop signs.
Though rare, pedestrians themselves may be at fault for their accidents. Examples of this include if a pedestrian fails to pay attention while walking, to cross within the crosswalk lines, and to check streetlights before proceeding, among other things.
What should I do if I am involved in a pedestrian accident?
If you can positively rule that your accident was due to no fault of your own, but rather due to the negligence of another driver on the road, then you possibly have a pedestrian accident claim on your hands. With this, you must satisfy the burden of proof to confirm such negligence. To do so, follow the below steps:
- Call 911: a law enforcement officer will arrive on the scene to conduct an official police report and dispatch an ambulance. Request a copy of this report afterward.
- Document the scene: take photos and videos of your injuries, damages, any contributory hazards, and the overall scene of the accident. Request that witnesses do similar.
- Collect contact information: request the driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company name, insurance policy number, etc. Request similar items from witnesses.
- Receive medical treatment: see medical attention at the scene and the hospital afterward. Request copies of your medical bills, medical documents, and doctor’s notes afterward. These documents should note the origin, extent, and costs of your injuries.
- Hire one of the competent Queens personal injury attorneys: we can help collect surveillance camera footage of your accident occurring, among other things. Give us a call today.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today.
