New York City is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. It has something for everyone. But it is also a place where tourist accidents, sometimes resulting in serious injuries, are not out of the ordinary. Construction scaffolding, crowded sidewalks, taxis and tour buses near popular attractions all pose potential hazards. Slip and fall accidents on unsafe sidewalks and roadways are especially common.

Know Your Rights

If you or someone close to you is injured in an accident while visiting New York, you have rights, and you are entitled to fair compensation from negligent parties. You can file a claim for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. You do not need to be a resident of New York or a U.S. citizen to file a claim. Every individual has this right.

Mark E. Seitelman Law Offices, P.C. has extensive experience with the special legal needs of people who sustain injuries while visiting New York from out of town. We will file a claim on your behalf, and ensure that every detail of your claim is handled expediently and professionally. In most cases, you will not even need to return to New York to complete the process or appear in court.

In Auto Accidents, File a Police Report ASAP

This point cannot be overemphasized. As soon as you’re out of harm’s way and your immediate medical needs are attended to, it is essential to get the police involved – preferably on the scene of the accident. If they are not present, call 911 to bring them to the scene to take a report.

You can file a police incident report at the hospital or local police precinct; however the police may refuse to take the report after the fact. If you report the incident on the scene, the police can substantiate your claim, which will greatly strengthen your case. This is particularly important in hit-and-run cases, as eyewitnesses cannot be relied upon to accurately identify the individual or vehicle involved.

Failure to report the accident to police within 24 hours can jeopardize your auto claim.

Find out more about the importance of filing a police report.

Sidewalk, Building and Non-Auto Cases

The police report is not as crucial in non-auto cases. However, it is most helpful if the client or family members take photographs of the scene with a focus on any defect that may have contributed to the accident. It is also important to collect the names and addresses of any witnesses.

If you have been involved in an accident, please call as soon as possible.