According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4,735 pedestrians in the United States were killed in traffic crashes in 2013. This averages to one pedestrian death related to a crash every 2 hours. In addition, over 150,000 pedestrians visited emergency departments for injuries sustained in non-fatal car crashes. According to statistics, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car crash on every trip compared to passenger vehicle occupants.
Common Questions about Pedestrian Accidents
A lot of people have questions about pedestrian accidents and what they should do after being involved in one. Here is a list of some of the most common questions asked about this type of accident.
Q1: I have been injured in a pedestrian accident and want to file a claim. What is the first thing I should do?
A: There are quite a few things you can do in the first couple of days and weeks after getting injured in a pedestrian accident and ensure your right to compensation is protected, including:
- Document as much as you can about the accident, the injuries you have sustained as well as any other losses, like lost wages, you have suffered due to the accident;
- Make notes of conversations you have had with people who were involved in the accident or the personal injury claim;
- Make sure that you preserve evidence of the party responsible for the accident and the damage that was done by taking photographs and collecting physical items;
- Locate witnesses to the accident – they may be able to help you prove your case;
- Notify the party that you think might be liable for the accident and let them know that you intend to file a claim for the injuries and damage you suffered, especially if a government employee or agency is involved;
- Contact a personal injury lawyer so you can get your claim evaluated and pursued by an experienced professional.
Q2: What would happen if the accident was partially my fault?
A: If you are responsible in some way for the accident, it may result in a reduction of your eventual recovery. For example, if you were at fault by 50%, the compensation you recover may be lowered by 50%.
Q3: How soon after the accident do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: There are certain time limits in every state. Known as statutes of limitations, these limits govern how much time you have for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Some states give less than a year to file a suit for a car accident. In case you miss the deadline, the court can dismiss your claim. This is exactly why you should talk to a lawyer as soon as you discover that you have been injured in an accident.
RMFW Law will not Fail You
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury in a car accident, you should immediately seek the help of a personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. That is our number; we hope you call it! We have been around the legal block before, we know how to win cases. We want to hear what you have to say. We will know which direction to take your case. RMFW Law has won millions of dollars for past clients, you too can be on this valuable list.
