Car vs. Pedestrian Incident
Hi everyone, I’m seeking some advice from the community regarding a recent incident.
A few days ago, my mother was driving in Queens, NYC, at around 18 mph when a pedestrian unexpectedly backed into traffic and collided with her car. Fortunately, there was no damage to my mother’s vehicle, and she was unharmed. The pedestrian had to be taken away by ambulance, and the NYPD arrived shortly after to file a report and gather information for my mother’s insurance.
Interestingly, the day after the incident, the pedestrian hired an “ambulance chaser.” According to the NYPD report, the pedestrian claimed that after pulling her car into a body shop for inspection, she opened the hood, which caused a splash of water to startle her, leading her to jump back. I understand that the police report does not assign fault but serves as an important reference.
Unfortunately, my mother did not have a dash cam to document the incident (a lesson learned), but she mentioned that someone may have seen security camera footage of what occurred. We’re now concerned about the potential implications for my family, especially concerning my mother’s car and home.
It’s worth noting that my mother works for USPS and was on the clock at the time of the incident. She was simply driving to a central location on her route before starting her walk. I had anticipated that State Farm would deny the claim because she was working at the time, and they have since advised the other party to file a tort claim with USPS.
I’m apprehensive about how this process will unfold, especially since USPS is not very transparent with employees or customers.
Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about this difficult situation your mother is facing. It sounds quite complex, especially since she was on the job at the time of the accident. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions:
Document Everything: Make sure your mother keeps all documentation related to the incident, including the NYPD report, any correspondence with her insurance company, and any medical records related to the pedestrian. This will be crucial if there are further developments.
Gather Evidence: If there is surveillance footage of the incident, it could be very beneficial. Ideally, you or your mother should get a copy as soon as possible before it’s overwritten or deleted. Witness statements can also be valuable if anyone saw the incident unfold.
Communicate with USPS: While it may seem like they aren’t transparent, it’s important to stay in touch with USPS. They should have protocols in place for handling incidents like this, especially since your mother was on the clock.
Legal Advice: Considering the other party has already hired legal representation, it might be wise for your mother to consult with her own attorney who specializes in personal injury or auto accidents. They can provide guidance tailored to her situation and help navigate the complexities of dealing with USPS and the other party.
Insurance Follow-Up: If State Farm denied coverage, it might be worthwhile for your mother to ask for a detailed explanation of the denial. Sometimes, understanding the reasoning can help in dealing with further claims or appeals.
Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel anxious about the situation, but try to remain calm and focused. Having a clear plan will help you and your mother deal with this step by step.
I hope this helps, and I wish your family all the best as you navigate this challenging situation.