Pedestrian accidents in New York can be devastating. They often result in serious injuries that can change your life in an instant. When you’re walking down the street and a car suddenly hits you, it can feel like the world has turned upside down. Besides the physical and emotional pain, you will have to deal with the financial impact of the accident. Medical bills, lost wages, and the overall stress can be overwhelming. To add to the difficulty, navigating the process of dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. Insurance companies have their own goals, which might not always align with your best interests. Knowing how to handle them after a pedestrian accident can make a big difference in how your case unfolds. At,The Nicotra Law Firm, PC , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in New York, understanding your rights is important. When you’re injured because of someone else’s carelessness, you are entitled to compensation. However, insurance companies often try to pay the least amount of money possible. They may ask you to settle quickly before you even understand the full extent of your injuries. That’s why it’s important to know how to deal with them carefully and ensure you are treated fairly. Whether it’s the driver’s insurance or your own, the way you interact with insurance companies can affect the outcome of your case.
Why Insurance Companies Are Not Always On Your Side
Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums from their customers. When an accident happens, it costs them money to pay for claims. As a result, they might try to reduce the amount they owe by using tactics that benefit them, not you. This is why it’s important to be cautious when dealing with them after an accident. When you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you should expect that the insurance company will likely want to protect their interests. Their goal is often to settle claims for as little money as possible, even if it doesn’t cover all of your medical bills, lost wages, or future treatment costs.
Insurance adjusters are trained to investigate claims quickly and efficiently, often looking for reasons to deny or reduce the compensation offered. This could be by asking you tricky questions, suggesting you were at fault for the accident, or downplaying the severity of your injuries. In some cases, they may try to convince you that their first offer is the best you will get, pushing you to settle before you understand how much money you really need for your recovery. It’s important to be aware of these tactics so that you don’t get taken advantage of after your accident.
Founding Partner Managing Partner Associate Attorney
Richard Nicotra
Andrew Connelly
Emily Oczytko
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in New York
Immediately after a pedestrian accident, your main focus should be on getting the medical care you need. However, it’s also important to start documenting what happened so that you have evidence when dealing with the insurance companies. Taking pictures of the scene, collecting contact information from witnesses, and getting a copy of the police report are all important steps. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be when negotiating with the insurance company.
Once you’ve gotten medical treatment and are able to focus on the next steps, you’ll need to report the accident to the insurance companies. This includes the insurance of the driver who hit you, as well as your own insurance, depending on the circumstances. In New York, because of the no-fault insurance laws, your own insurance may cover your medical bills regardless of who was at fault. However, if your injuries are serious and your medical costs exceed a certain amount, you can pursue a claim against the driver’s insurance for additional compensation.
When you report the accident to the insurance companies, be careful about what you say. Insurance adjusters may ask you for a recorded statement or press you to give details about the accident before you’re ready. It’s usually best to avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents without speaking to a lawyer first. Once you give a statement, it can be used against you later, and any mistakes or misunderstandings could hurt your claim. It’s important to be polite but firm in your interactions with the insurance companies, and to keep communication to a minimum until you have legal guidance.
Richard Nicotra represented my husband for a motorcycle case. His professionalism and empathy during the case was exceptional. The professionalism Displayed by the firm and staff was truly appreciated.. I highly recommend Richard and his practice for any of your needs.” - Lisa Isenberg I used Andrew Connelly after I was in a car accident, and he has been my go-to for over 10 years when anyone has asked for a recommendation for a no-fault attorney. His knowledge, patience, and professionalism go a long way in making an often difficult and challenging situation easier. He is reliable, and someone you can trust to get the job done right. The 5 stars are well deserved." - Andrea Mccarthy Rick Nicotra from the Nicotra Law Firm PC is a very honest, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring attorney. Furthermore, he is very personable and always available for you whether it be a text, email, or phone call. Rick and his team are exceptional. They treat you like family and are second to none. I would recommend Rick Nicotra and his team from The Nicotra Law Firm PC." - Chad
The Importance of Medical Records and Documentation
Your medical records will play a huge role in your case after a pedestrian accident. Insurance companies will want proof of your injuries and how serious they are before offering any compensation. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention right away after the accident, even if you don’t feel hurt at first. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms until later, so it’s important to have a doctor examine you as soon as possible. Having medical documentation from the start will make it harder for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
You should also keep a record of any follow-up visits, treatments, medications, and therapy sessions you undergo as part of your recovery. This will help show the full impact of the accident on your health and your life. Insurance companies may try to argue that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim, so the more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
In addition to medical records, other documents like pay stubs or letters from your employer showing lost wages can be important. If your injuries have kept you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost. Insurance companies might try to downplay how much work you missed, so having clear documentation will help protect your claim.
What to Do If an Insurance Company Offers a Settlement
If the insurance company offers you a settlement, it may seem like a good idea to accept the money right away, especially if you are facing financial pressure. However, it’s important to remember that once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more money if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought. Before accepting any offer, it’s wise to talk to a lawyer who can review the settlement and make sure it’s fair.
Settling too quickly can leave you without the resources you need to fully recover. In many cases, insurance companies offer a low amount right after the accident in hopes that you will accept it without question. This is why it’s important to take your time, understand the long-term impact of your injuries, and make sure that any settlement you accept will cover all of your expenses, both now and in the future. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are not shortchanged.
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Why Legal Help is Important After a Pedestrian Accident
Dealing with insurance companies after a pedestrian accident can be confusing and stressful. Insurance companies have teams of professionals who are skilled at reducing payouts, and they often take advantage of the fact that most people don’t have experience handling these kinds of claims. If you try to navigate the process alone, you might not get the compensation you deserve.
Having legal guidance can make a big difference in your case. A lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance companies, review any settlement offers, and make sure your rights are protected. They can also help gather the necessary evidence, including medical records, police reports, and witness statements, to build a strong case. With a lawyer on your side, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. You can focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the legal details of your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. The Nicotra Law Firm, PC is here to help you through every step of the process. We understand the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize their payouts, and we will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether you are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of your accident, we are committed to helping you get back on your feet. Contact The Nicotra Law Firm, PC today to learn how we can help protect your rights and guide you through this difficult time.