Pedestrian car accidents are common even on the safest of the roads. You may be walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street while following the traffic rules. Still, getting hit by a drunk or negligent driver is the worst thing that can happen to you. The fact that victims often suffer serious injuries in pedestrian accidents makes them even more complicated. Still, you can take solace in the fact that you can claim compensation under the personal injury law if you get into such an accident. However, you should be aware of the law and the right process to follow if you want to get the rightful compensation in such a situation. Here are the steps that you should take right after a pedestrian-car accident.
Get to a safe place
Obviously, you will be shocked if suddenly hit by a vehicle while walking on the pavement or crossing the road. The injuries may be minor or even serious and you may fall right in the middle of the road. More than anything else, your personal safety should be the biggest concern in this situation. After all, you cannot just sit or lie in the middle of a busy road waiting to be hit by another vehicle. So the first thing that you should do is to get to a safe place.
Ask for help
If you are not in a position to move on your own, you absolutely ask for help. Bystanders and passers-by will probably be more than willing to help but you should still call the emergency and law enforcement authorities first. Ask someone else to do it if you cannot find your cell phone or are too confused to make a call. Prioritize immediate medical attention for your injuries and get proper documentation of medical evidence as well. Keep the bills and reports at hand because they are important proofs. When the police arrive, answer their questions but make sure that you don’t take responsibility for the accident.
Gather as much information as you can
The more details that you have about the accident; the better it will be at the later stage. Gather as much information as possible, right from the license number of the vehicle, to its make and model. These details will be of great help for your car accident lawyer in case you need to file a lawsuit to claim compensation later. Unless it is a hit-and-run accident, you should also note down the name and contact details of the driver.
Get witness information as well
While any information about the driver is important, you should not miss out on recording the details of the eyewitnesses. Their testimonies can strengthen your personal injury claim to a significant extent. Get names and contact information of each witness in case your lawyer needs them to appear in the court during the lawsuit. Also, make sure that you stay in touch with them later as well. The police will also gather this information when they write a report of the accident but taking notes yourself is always a good idea.
Take photographs of the accident site
Almost everyone carries cell phones these days, which definitely serves an advantage when accidents occur. Using your phone to take pictures of the accident spot is a good idea because they make solid evidence for your case. Obtain the photos of your injuries, the surroundings, and the vehicle if possible. Click every shot that you think maybe relevant evidence to make your case stronger. Ask someone else to do it if you are hurt or shocked.
Call the driver’s insurance company
As a victim, you have the right to claim compensation from the driver’s insurance company. They will want to manipulate your statement to avoid paying compensation or paying an amount less than what you deserve. For this reason, you should be extra careful while giving them your statement. Rather, you should avail the services of a personal injury attorney to handle the negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. In case the lawyer is not happy with the settlement amount offered, they can also help you file a lawsuit and get you a deserving amount.
A pedestrian-car accident may have serious implications and you must go the extra mile to get the compensation that you deserve. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should not let the driver go unpunished. Instead, make sure that they are reprimanded for their negligence and their insurance company pays up the compensation you deserve.
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