Mariano Contreras, 41, killed in hit-and-run pedestrian collision on College Point Blvd. in Queens, New York

After a serious or fatal pedestrian accident, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone is seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of injuries, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies in a collision with a vehicle, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal pedestrian collision, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Go here to learn how to protect the rights of pedestrian accident victims and their families.