Car Contact with Pedestrian: Seeking Community Advice
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out for some insights from the community regarding an incident involving my mother. A few days ago, while driving in Queens, NYC, at around 18 mph, she had an unfortunate encounter with a pedestrian who backed into traffic. Thankfully, my mother’s car sustained no damage, and she was unharmed. However, the pedestrian was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The NYPD arrived and filed a report, which included the pedestrian’s account of the situation. According to the report, the pedestrian claimed she had pulled over to a body shop, opened the hood of her car, and was startled when a splash of water came out, causing her to jump back. It’s worth noting that the police did not witness the incident and mentioned that the report doesn’t assign fault but rather offers details for reference.
To complicate matters, the other party seemed to have immediately sought legal representation, hiring an “ambulance chaser” the very next day. My mother unfortunately did not have a dash cam (a lesson learned), but she mentioned that someone may have seen security camera footage of the incident.
I’m concerned about the potential ramifications for my family, particularly since we have both car and home to protect. We have bodily injury coverage of 100/300k, which I recently increased to 250/500k.
Any advice or insights you can offer during this stressful time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your mother’s situation; that sounds really stressful. It’s good that she was not injured, but I can understand your concerns about the potential claims that may arise from the pedestrian’s actions.
Here are a few points to consider:
Insurance Coverage: With 100/300k BI (Bodily Injury) coverage, your mother’s insurance should handle medical expenses for the pedestrian up to that limit, assuming she is found not at fault. Increasing her coverage to 250/500k is a smart move for future protection.
Police Report: While the police report isn’t definitive in determining fault, it can still provide valuable context. If the pedestrian was indeed at fault for backing into traffic, that could play in your mother’s favor.
Witnesses and CCTV: If there are witnesses who can attest to what happened or if there is security camera footage available, these could be crucial pieces of evidence to support your mother’s case.
Ambulance Chaser Concerns: The fact that the pedestrian sought legal help immediately might suggest they are planning to pursue a claim aggressively. Ensure that your mother’s insurance company is fully involved and aware of the details; they can provide guidance and defend against any claims.
Legal Advice: Depending on how things develop, it might be wise for your family to consult with an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. They can help navigate the complexities of the situation, especially if any legal action is pursued.
Stay Calm and Cooperative: Encourage your mother to stay calm and cooperate fully with her insurance company. They are experienced in dealing with these situations.
Overall, while it may seem worrying right now, having the right coverage and supporting evidence can provide your family with some peace of mind. Make sure to keep all documentation organized and follow up with your insurance about the next steps.