Pedestrian accidents can cause serious injuries as well as possible death to those who are involved. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released a report that suggests pedestrian fatalities in the country reached its highest levels in 2019 in over 30 years. After these accidents, it is important for victims or their loved ones to recover the rightful compensation they are owed. If your loved one died in a pedestrian accident, it is critical that you contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney for assistance.
What are the Facts of the Report?
In the GHSA report, titled “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State,” there is preliminary data from all 50 states’ highway traffic safety offices as well as the District of Columbia. The 2019 data showed the increase in pedestrian deaths reached its highest level since 1988. The numbers show a 5% increase from the 6,283 pedestrians killed in 2018 to 6,590 killed in 2019. Unfortunately, personal injury accidents, such as pedestrian accidents, are caused by the negligence of another party. The report states that the accidents that occurred in 2019 were a result of unsafe road crossings, distracted or impaired driving, and large SUVs and trucks on the road.
What Do I Do if I am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
When a pedestrian accident happens, it is important that the following steps are implemented to secure evidence for a future claim:
- Call the necessary emergency services (police and an ambulance)
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the incident
- Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident
- Obtain medical documentation after receiving treatment
- Retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney to recover additional evidence for a case
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
When a person is either injured or dies as a result of a pedestrian accident, it is important to know that legal action can be taken to recover compensation. In doing so, victims or their loved ones should not wait too long to do so, as there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline by which the injured party or their loved ones are required to meet in order to file a claim. In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is three years from the date of the injury. However, the statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is only two years from the date of the person’s death.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a New York City car accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.
