In a city like New York, pedestrians are everywhere. Some people are walking to work, some are walking home, and some are just walking for fun. Whatever the case may be, every street has people on it. Unfortunately, the higher concentration of people there are, the greater the chance of a pedestrian accident occurring. If you were injured in a pedestrian accident, here are some of the questions you may have regarding financial compensation:
What are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents?
While the most common cause of pedestrian accidents is driver negligence, this is not always the case. Sometimes, pedestrian accidents may be caused by inclement weather conditions, such as sleet, snow, ice, or heavy rain. Additionally, poor lighting and poor road conditions also very often contribute to pedestrian accidents. Still, driver negligence, though the most preventable, is the greatest cause of pedestrian accidents.
How can I recover compensation following a pedestrian accident?
If you were injured due to another party’s negligence, then you will most likely qualify for compensation. First, however, you will have to prove it. Here are some examples of driver negligence in order for you to get a better idea as to what qualifies:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Speeding
- Smoking, eating or navigating directions while driving
- Disciplining children while driving
- Ignoring rules of the road
- Failing to comply with traffic signs or lights
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
If you can prove that the offending party was doing any of these things at the time of your accident, you should be entitled to financial compensation. There are many different ways you may go about proving his or her negligence. First, you should try to obtain any security camera footage that may have recorded the accident as it happened. Additionally, if you are able, ask any potential eyewitnesses for their name and phone number so they may vouch for you if need be. Also, since you were involved in a pedestrian accident, there is a good chance your injuries are severe. You must go to the hospital as soon as possible in order to get the treatment you need. On top of receiving treatment, a doctor will also provide you with medical documents that you may use to prove your case as well. After filing your claim, you must be extremely careful about what you are posting on social media. Insurance companies will do anything in their power to deny you of your compensation, so if you post anything that they may use as proof against your claim, there is a good chance you will get denied.
Contact our New York City firm
If you have been seriously injured as a result of another party’s negligence, contact Swerling Law today to schedule a free initial consultation.