It should come as no surprise that New York is ranked as one of the cities with the largest population of pedestrians. There are several reasons why people choose to walk rather than drive as a means of transportation, including the fact that walking is more environmentally friendly and is considered to be safer. However, choosing to walk comes with its risks. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents are a common occurrence as a result of negligence. It is common for pedestrians to sustain catastrophic injuries due to the lack of outside protection. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact our adept Westchester Pedestrian Accident Attorneys who can help you seek reasonable compensation for your damages. In addition, keep reading to discover what steps following an accident can maximize your chances of recovering compensation for your losses. 

What are the main causes of pedestrian accidents in New York?

Pedestrian accidents can happen for several reasons, but negligence is the leading cause. Motorists and pedestrians are both legally required to abide by the rules of the road. When motorists or pedestrians are distracted, it increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries. It is critical to pay attention when crossing the street or while behind the wheel to ensure everyone’s safety. Although pedestrian accidents can happen for a number of reasons, they are most commonly caused by the following:

• Distracted driving and walking
• Speedings
• Impaired driving
• Poor visibility
• Inclement weather conditions
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Failure to obey traffic signals

What should I do if I’m injured?

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, the steps you take after can make or break your case as you will be required to fulfill the burden of proof. Essentially, you must prove the other party’s negligence to recover monetary compensation for your damages.

Following this type of traffic accident, you should seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Regardless of whether your injuries are minor or severe, you still need to have them examined and treated by a medical professional to prevent further damage. Additionally, it is imperative to follow medical advice and a treatment plan. You should also keep track of all pertinent medical records and expenses. From here, you should capture pictures of the scene of the accident. You can also benefit from collecting any witness information such as their name and number as they can corroborate your claim later on. The most important thing you can do after an accident, besides seeking medical attention, is to acquire appropriate legal representation that can help you gather pertinent evidence to hold negligent parties accountable.

When injured in a pedestrian accident, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a skilled Westchester pedestrian accident attorney. Our firm will work tirelessly to help you fulfill the burden of proof. Allow our firm to represent your interests today!