Getting hit by a car is sadly not that uncommon of an experience in New York City, especially at densely populated intersections throughout Manhattan and the other boroughs. With taxis, trucks, and cars (including Uber, Lyft, and livery cars) sharing the roads with dense masses of pedestrians and bicyclists, collisions are bound to happen. In the unfortunate situation you are hit by a car or other vehicle, here is a quick rundown of what to do after you have been hit by a car:
This should go without saying, but if you’ve been hit by a car you may be at risk of serious injury even if you feel like you are able to function properly. You may be suffering internal bleeding, a concussion, or some other serious injury. By calling 911 or your emergency health provider, you can speak with an operator who can assess whether you are safe to transport yourself to a medical facility or require an ambulance.
A police officer should come to the scene of the accident to assess the situation, gather information you, the driver, and other witnesses might have, and file a report. Having such a report can be valuable for your own insurance needs and for collecting compensation from the driver and/or his or her insurer. A police officer can also assess whether the driver was intoxicated or otherwise acted illegally.
If the driver has not left the scene, ask to see the driver’s telephone number, address, insurance information, license, license plate, and registration. Copy relevant information down if possible or, better yet, take a picture with your phone. If the other driver has fled the scene, attempt to recall as much information about the car and write it down as soon as possible: make, model, color, distinctive marking, and license plate number or partial number.
Some drivers may attempt to pay you cash on the spot, write you a check, or promise to pay you money at a later time. They may do this in an attempt to give you far less than you might get in court, to avoid effects to their insurance rates, or even to avoid being arrested for drunk driving or where they are engaged in a compromising position such as being with a prostitute or having contraband in the car. If you accept cash or other payment, you may well be giving up your right to collect greater damages later on and get full compensation for your injuries. Likewise, do not sign a waiver if presented with one.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their telephone numbers and addresses so that they can be contacted to give their account of the accident at a later time if necessary.
In most cases, a pedestrian hit by a car is entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages related to their injuries. Collecting that compensation can be a confusing process of dealing with insurers and lawyers, so do not hesitate to work with a car accident attorney who solely represents your interests and will work to get you the maximum amount of compensation available. Attorney Justin Brandel represents victims of car injuries across New York City, and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call his office today to set up a free consultation.
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