Automobiles are heavy, fast moving steel objects that can cause serious damage to the environment around them. Automobiles crash into other cars, trees, guardrails, fences, homes, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The destruction after a car collision can vary between accidents, but typically the damages are extensive. As a pedestrian, crashes with automobiles can lead to the most severe types of injuries for the pedestrian, and not so much the automobile driver. Since there’s nothing between you and the vehicle during the impact, the damages to the pedestrian are much worse. To increase safety on walks, it’s imperative to know what to do after you are hit by a car in a pedestrian accident.
Assess Your Injuries
First thing’s first, is to address and stabilize your injuries. Although shock may initially set in, it is important to apply pressure deep wounds or address broken bones. If you are in the road, get out of traffic and onto the sidewalk, or ask for assistance in moving out of harms way. If you believe you may have suffered a head injury such as a concussion, try to remain calm and wait for help to arrive.
Call 911
The next thing you should do immediately after getting to a safe place is to call 911. Emergency medical services and a police officer should be dispatched to the scene to help assist victims and document the accident scene. If the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the officer will evaluate and make an arrest or issue citations.
Exchange Info with Driver
The driver of the automobile should provide the responding officer a valid copy of their insurance policy, but officer crash reports could take up to 10 business days to process. If you are able to, obtain a copy of the driver’s insurance policy yourself.
Document the Evidence
If you are able to, you should document the scene. Take photos, talk to witnesses, check for cameras: anything that can help you prove who was at fault will help make the insurance claims process smoother. If there are cameras, it could take a few days to obtain footage, and may require the assistance of a lawyer.
Seek Medical Attention if Needed
If your injuries are serious, the EMS will transport you to the hospital in an ambulance and you will receive the proper medical attention you require. If you are able to call for a ride and an ambulance is not required, it is still encouraged to seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible. There could be internal bleeding or an undiagnosed head injury that would get worse if not addressed immediately. A full health evaluation can put you at ease knowing all of your injuries are being properly addressed.
Speak to an Attorney
These are the basics of what to do after you are hit by a car in a pedestrian accident, but there is a lot that goes into making a claim for injuries and damages against a negligent driver. If you or a loved one have been hit by a vehicle in a pedestrian accident, our attorneys are experienced in handling pedestrian accident cases. A pedestrian accident lawyer at The Patel Law Firm, can help you through the process of recovering your damages and working towards a fair resolution. We hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and fight for our clients who have fallen victim. Contact our firm today for a free and confidential legal consultation.
