Do I Need to See a Doctor After a Pedestrian Accident in New York City?
New York City is designed for foot traffic, but collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles are far too frequent. If you were involved in a New York City pedestrian accident, it is vital that you seek medical attention right away. Failure to do so will make any future litigation very difficult, if not impossible.
Even more critically, not going to the doctor promptly can mean further damage to the body. In the aftermath of an accident, adrenaline courses through your system, and you may not feel the full extent of your pain. Within several hours or by the following day, you could be in considerable pain.
The New York City pedestrian accident lawyers at Douglas & London will help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our dedicated attorneys have recovered more than $18 billion for clients in verdicts and settlements.
Seek Medical Treatment
A car striking a person often results in serious injuries or death. If you are able, call 911 so the police and emergency medical technicians will arrive on the scene. Get the name, address, and contact information of the driver, along with their driver’s license number and insurance information.
Problems arise when a vehicle hits a pedestrian, but the individual does not think they were seriously injured. In some cases, days or weeks may pass before the full extent of the injury is revealed. That can also mean a much longer, and not complete, recovery.
While you can make an appointment to see your doctor, many physicians do not want to get involved in treating injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents because of possible litigation. If you do not want to go to the emergency room, visit an urgent care center as soon as possible.
Based on the nature of the injuries, the victim may need to see a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or neurologist.
Insurance Companies
If a pedestrian accident victim does not go to the doctor right after the accident, the driver’s insurance company will argue that the injuries were not serious. The insurance adjuster may even allege that the injuries were not the result of the accident but happened due to another reason or were a pre-existing condition.
Insurance companies want to pay out as little as possible or deny claims completely. This is their business model. Good medical records and strong legal representation are crucial to winning a personal injury case.
Keep a Journal
While recuperating, keep a daily journal listing your pain and mobility levels. Record what parts of your body are hurting or disabled, as well as any changes in functioning. The more specific evidence you have, the stronger your case.
Pedestrian Accident Damages
Compensation, or damages, for a pedestrian accident may include:
- Medical expenses, current, and future
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In addition to filing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against the driver’s employer– if they were working at the time of the accident. If the pedestrian succumbs to their injuries, family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit.
New York City personal injury lawyers know a reasonable settlement amount based on the client’s injuries and prognosis. Although most cases are settled, we will take your case to trial when necessary.
Contact us at Douglas & London for a free consultation
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident due to driver negligence, you need the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer at Douglas and London. Schedule a free consultation by completing our online form or calling or texting us 24/7. We will review your claim and let you know your options. Since our lawyers work on a contingency basis, there is no fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Español.
