Getting hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk can disrupt your life in an instant. Shock, pain, confusion—all of these emotions may hit at once, making it tough to decide what to do. If you’ve been a pedestrian hit at a crosswalk in Rochester, your actions in the minutes and days after the accident can shape both your recovery and your ability to seek fair compensation. At Faraci Lange, LLP, we’ve supported injured New Yorkers and their families for decades. We’re here to provide you with clear, practical steps that protect your health, your rights, and your future after a pedestrian accident.
What Should I Do After Being Hit by a Car in a Rochester Crosswalk?
If you’re able to move to safety, get out of the street to avoid further harm. However, if moving worsens pain or causes new symptoms, wait for medical help. Prioritize your well-being and minimize risk from other vehicles or environmental hazards. If bystanders are present, ask someone to help keep you safe while you wait for emergency responders.
Call 911 or ask someone to make the call for you, even if you think your injuries are not severe. The Rochester Police Department will document the crash and emergency medical staff can check for injuries that might not be obvious right away. A police report creates an official record—this document supports your insurance or legal claims later. If you need to leave for the hospital before police arrive, try to give a brief statement or ask someone to share your contact information with first responders so you can file an official report later.
While you wait, gather the driver’s contact and insurance details if possible. Avoid discussing blame or apologizing to anyone, as these statements can be misinterpreted. Politely request names and phone numbers of witnesses in the area, as neutral witnesses often play a powerful role in pedestrian accident claims. Use your phone to photograph the scene, the vehicle, your visible injuries, surrounding traffic signals, and weather conditions. These images can help establish the facts when memory fades and prove crucial in disputed cases.
How Can I Document My Injuries & Medical Care After the Accident?
Always get a thorough medical evaluation after being hit by a vehicle, whether you arrive by ambulance or go to a Rochester hospital or urgent care clinic. Even minor symptoms—headaches, dizziness, soreness, or fatigue—can signal hidden trauma, such as concussions or soft tissue injuries. Immediate and ongoing documentation gives you the best chance at a strong personal injury claim, as insurers often dispute injuries reported days or weeks after an incident.
Ask your doctor to note every injury and symptom, no matter how minor. Request copies of your medical records and discharge instructions at each visit. Detailed notes from healthcare providers on pain, loss of mobility, emotional distress, and treatment plans help establish the nature and impact of your injuries. If you notice changes or new problems over days or weeks, schedule follow-up appointments promptly and ensure those additional issues are recorded by medical professionals.
Should I Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company After a Rochester Pedestrian Accident?
Insurance adjusters may call you soon after a crosswalk accident. While they appear helpful, their goal is often to minimize what they pay out. They may record your conversation, ask leading questions, or request written or recorded statements. Insurance agents can twist your words to dispute injuries or suggest you share some of the blame. Before speaking with any insurance company other than your own, consider consulting with a personal injury law firm—to avoid weakening your claim by mistake.
If you feel pressured or confused, you’re not alone. Many injured pedestrians don’t realize they can tell insurance representatives to direct questions to their attorney. A knowledgeable legal team knows how to handle these conversations, ensuring your version of events is preserved and that you don’t unknowingly make admissions that harm your case. Insurers often offer quick, low settlements—especially if your injuries appear minor or your documentation isn’t complete.
What Compensation Can a Pedestrian Receive After Being Hit at a Crosswalk?
If you’re hurt by a driver while walking in a crosswalk, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. Economic damages cover tangible costs such as ambulance and hospital fees, follow-up medical care, therapy, lost income, future earning potential, and property damaged in the crash. Keeping detailed records of every medical visit, bill, and work absence is key to receiving these benefits.
You may also pursue non-economic damages, including pain & suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of daily activities, and the long-term effects of injuries. Courts in New York consider how a pedestrian accident has changed your quality of life and use medical records, personal journals, and expert opinions to gauge the value of your claim. Full documentation strengthens your request and increases the likelihood of a fair outcome.
What Steps Should I Take If the Driver Leaves After Striking a Pedestrian in Rochester?
Hit-and-run accidents add another layer of complexity for pedestrians in Rochester. If a driver flees after a crash, your first move is to call 911 immediately. Give dispatchers every detail you remember: the car make, model, color, license plate digits, any bumper stickers, and which way the car went. These details help police mobilize quickly and may help investigators retrieve surveillance footage from city or private cameras.
If witnesses are nearby, ask them for contact information and whether they captured photos or videos. Record everything you can about the scene, weather, and location, even if you’re in pain—these notes can make a significant difference when tracing the at-fault vehicle. The Rochester Police Department aggressively pursues hit-and-run investigations, and quick action on your part keeps investigative leads fresh for law enforcement and your legal team.
How Can I Protect My Rights & Maximize Recovery After a Rochester Crosswalk Accident?
To preserve your right to compensation and strengthen your injury case, take these proactive steps in the days and weeks following a pedestrian accident in Rochester:
- Follow all medical instructions & attend every follow-up appointment.
- Document pain, symptoms, medications, missed work, & how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Save photos, bills, and records from the accident, including correspondence with insurers or legal representatives.
- Avoid social media posts about your accident or injuries, as insurance investigators may monitor your accounts.
- Limit conversations about your case to trusted family, doctors, & your legal team.
- Never rush into a settlement before you understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
Ultimately, early guidance can help you avoid mistakes that cost time and money. Even if you’re not ready to pursue a case, consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Rochester can clarify your legal rights, explain what to expect, and give you the support you need.
If you want professional guidance or just a chance to talk through your options after a pedestrian accident, reach out to Faraci Lange, LLP at (888) 997-4110. Let us help you move forward with confidence.