Nobody expects to get hit by a car. Unfortunately, in a city the size of New York City, it is incredibly common for individuals to be hit by other drivers while biking, driving, or walking. Car accidents are often incredibly traumatic events that result in medical injuries, so it is important you know what to do if this happens to you. Do you know what to do if you are hit by a car in New York City or elsewhere? Read on to learn what you should do.
Step 1: Check Yourself for Injuries
The most important thing you can do for yourself after being hit by a car is to check yourself all over for injuries. The adrenaline rush associated with being in an accident can sometimes mask the pain of an injury, so be thorough and check yourself head to toe. If medical assistance, such as that from medical personnel, is offered on-site, you should at least have them double-check you for injuries. This not only ensures your health and safety, but medical personnel can document any injuries that did result, which can later be used in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Step 2: Call the Police
Even if the damage to your car or person is relatively minor, it is important to give a statement to the police documenting what happened. Police accident reports are important evidence that can be used for insurance claims and lawsuits. Once you give your statement to the police, be sure to ask them to read it back to you to confirm it accurately reflects what you told them.
Step 3: Ensure the Driver Who Hit You Stays at the Scene
Even if the damage to your person or car does not seem significant, it is important that all people involved in this incident stay at the scene until law enforcement arrive. If the driver who hit you protests or argues that there is no reason for them to stay, you should remind them that leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Additionally, use your phone to take a picture of them and their license plate so that if they do leave, police can track them down.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Take as many pictures as you can, or if you are injured, have a non-injured party take as many pictures of the scene as you can. This includes things like their car, the intersection where they hit you, any street signs or traffic lights in the area, your own injuries, etc.
Step 5: Get the Driver’s Information
Before the driver leaves, make sure you get their contact and insurance information. To ensure they gave you a valid phone number, you can call them at the scene.
Hit by a Car? Contact a NYC Personal Injury Attorney
Being hit by a car is not only a scary experience, it can also cause significant injuries to you and your vehicle. If you are injured as the result of being hit by a car in New York City and beyond, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Scaffidi & Associates will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and pain and suffering. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Posted in: Personal Injury Law