A bustling city street in New York, featuring tall buildings, pedestrians, yellow taxis, and American flags. The sky is overcast and traffic lights are red, with vehicles and people crossing the zebra-pattered intersection.

Pedestrian accidents are a leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions in the state of New York. Follow along to find out why there is such frequency in these accidents and what proof you need to collect for a skilled Westchester pedestrian accident attorney to help you hold the negligent party liable.

What are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in New York?

Distracted driving, which includes using electronic devices without hands-free technology, is one type of driver negligence, but it is often the cause of pedestrian accidents in New York. Additional types of driver negligence are as follows:

  • Reckless driving, which includes failure to yield, running stop signs or otherwise disregarding traffic signs, excessive speed, etc.
  • Driving without headlights at night or in bad weather.
  • Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Driving while drowsy or fatigued.

Sometimes, the driver is not at fault if the roads or weather conditions produce obstructed visibility. Also, the pedestrian may be at fault if they failed to walk within a crosswalk or pay attention to the drivers around them.

What do I do if I have been injured in a pedestrian accident?

Victims of pedestrian accidents are often faced with very serious injuries, some of which may even be fatal, which may consequentially physically, emotionally, and financially burden them in the long term. Follow the below steps if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident:

  1. Call the police. They will conduct a police report and bring medical attention. Be sure to collect the police report from the law enforcement officer and the medical documents from the hospital afterward.
  2. Collect the personal information and insurance information of the person driving the vehicle. This should include their name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance company name, and insurance policy number. Additionally, collect any witnesses’ contact information.
  3. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, including injuries and damages.
  4. Contact an experienced Westchester County personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What is the statute of limitations for pedestrian accident claims in New York?

Generally, the statute of limitations in New York is 3 years. This means if you fail to file within 3 years from the date of the accident, you will most likely lose your chance to recover compensation.

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED WESTCHESTER COUNTY FIRM

Hausman & Pendzick effectively represent victims of negligence in Westchester County and across the state of New York. We understand how challenging life can be without financial compensation for serious injuries you have wrongly sustained. If you need a knowledgeable and skilled personal injury attorney to help you recover compensation after an accident, contact Hausman & Pendzick today.