Pedestrian accidents top the list of accidents where victims have an increased risk of serious injuries. In a car accident, the victim at least has some sort of protection in the form of airbags. Pedestrian accidents, on the other hand, don’t involve any element between the colliding vehicle and the victim. This can often be devastating to the victim.
Everyone should know what they must do after a pedestrian accident. Awareness will help pedestrian accident victims react quickly and prevent their condition from worsening. If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, read the sections below to find out what you must do to get back on the path to normalcy.
Step 1: Check for injuries
Your health must be a priority immediately after an accident. If possible, move to a safer part of the street and check for injuries. If the injuries affect your ability to move, ask someone to call 911.
Regardless of the injuries, it’s best to visit a hospital as soon as possible. A health check-up after a pedestrian accident proves that your injuries were serious enough to warrant a visit to the hospital. Your medical records will also be updated after your hospital visit. This will come in handy when you’re seeking compensation for your injuries.
Step 2: Call the police
The concerned authorities must be notified immediately after the accident. The presence of the local police department is vital when it comes to pedestrian accidents. An officer will arrive at the scene and conduct an investigation of their own. Once their investigation is done, the officer will draft a police report. This report will contain information like
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Name and other relevant information of all the parties involved
- Statements from witnesses
- Injuries of the victims
- Information about the vehicle(s) involved
- The officer’s findings and conclusions
A police report is proof that an accident happened and you suffered injuries because of it. Be sure to visit the local police department and get a copy of the police report, as insurance companies consider it evidence.
Step 3: Collect evidence
As harsh as it sounds, it’s your responsibility to collect evidence after a pedestrian accident.
Almost every citizen who walks the streets of the US carries a smartphone that can snap pictures and record videos. Use that to your advantage.
Snap photographs or record videos of everything around you. This includes photographs of
- Your injuries
- The vehicle that caused the accident
- The license plate of the vehicle responsible for your injuries
- Elements that confirm an accident happened (tire marks, broken signs)
If possible, record witness statements. They’re pretty useful in proving who the liable party was in the accident.
Step 4: Inform your insurance company
The sooner, the better. This is because the insurance company conducted its own investigation into the accident. They will assign an insurance adjuster to do this.
The insurance adjuster will look into the facts of the case and analyze police reports and medical records to make sure that the insurance claim is a valid one.
Step 5: Lawyer up!
You’re not winning a pedestrian accident claim without a lawyer, period!
The services of a lawyer are invaluable in a pedestrian accident claim. You may think that you can handle the compensation claim on your own, but nothing can be further from the truth.
Trying to understand legal terms while tending to your injuries is difficult. As a victim, you’d rather focus on your recovery than search Google for legal information.
A lawyer, meanwhile, will take care of all claim-related formalities and issues. They will handle agents from the at-fault party’s insurance company, who will approach you relentlessly until you accept their offer.
Final Thoughts
Pedestrian accidents have increased the chances of serious injuries. One drunk driver is all it takes to destroy the life of a person, no matter how safe they think they are.
Pedestrians should be aware of the steps to follow after an accident, as the time period immediately after an accident is important. With proper awareness, they can increase the chances of a successful pedestrian accident claim.
Blog Received From Andrew
