Cases of pedestrian accidents are very serious and should be treated as such. This is because they can not only cause life-changing injuries but even death to those who are involved. A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) suggests that 2019 saw the highest level of pedestrian fatalities in the country in over 30 years. After these accidents take place, it is important for victims or their loved ones to recover the compensation they are owed for any damages. It is because of this that it is critical to contact a skilled New York personal injury attorney for help doing so.

What Does the Report Say?

The report, “Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State,” released by GHSA contains preliminary data from the highway traffic safety offices in every state and the District of Columbia. The numbers from 2019 show an increase in pedestrian deaths, reaching its highest level since the year 1988. These numbers also show a 5% increase from pedestrian deaths in 2018 to 6,590 deaths in 2019. Like other personal injury accidents, the causes of pedestrian accidents are often the negligence of others. This is seen in the GHSA report, as the accidents in 2019 were the result of unsafe road crossings, distracted or impaired driving, and large SUVs and trucks on the road. 

What Do I Do if I am Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?

When a pedestrian accident happens, the following steps should be taken care of in order to secure evidence for a successful future claim:

• Call the necessary emergency services (police and an ambulance)
• Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the incident
• Take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident
• Obtain medical documentation after receiving treatment
• Retain the services of a skilled personal injury attorney to recover additional evidence for a case

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

After an injury or death occurs in a pedestrian accident, it is important to be aware that legal action can be taken. This allows the injured party or the loved ones of the deceased to recover compensation as coverage for any damages. In doing so, they should not wait too long to do so. This is because there is a statute of limitations that places a deadline by which the individual is required to file a claim. In New York the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is three years from the date of the injury. When dealing with wrongful death cases, the statute of limitations is only two years from the date of the death.

Contact our Firm

A personal injury accident can have a great impact on your life and your bank account. At Katter Law Firm, we believe that everyone should be held liable for his or her own negligence; you should not have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistakes. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, visit us online or call us today!