What Do I Do After a Pedestrian Accident?

By Staff Reporter Jul 01, 2021 04:25 PM EDT

Walking might be a part of your daily routine. Whether for exercise, to run to the store, or to take care of some other errands, it is not uncommon to meet people daily enjoying their walks. The last thing you expect when out walking is to be hit by a car. Sadly, with the increasing number of inattentive drivers on the road, it is not surprising that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's statistics from 2002 to 2009 show an increase of 11% in fatal pedestrian accidents during that decade alone.

What are the leading causes of pedestrian accidents?

Among the main reasons for pedestrian accidents you may find:

Pedestrians walking in areas marked for cars
Unsafe weather conditions
Walking at night or in dark areas
Being either very young or very old
Walking under the influence
Inattentive motorists

Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

Get Medical Help

Understandably, a person being hit by a moving vehicle is at significant risk of suffering injuries. Call 911 to get an ambulance if necessary or get to your doctor or trusted medical facility as soon as you can. Besides the injuries, you may be in a state of shock or might even have lost consciousness. Document your injuries by keeping track of doctors' visits and treatments, and even save your torn clothing. Should you need to file a claim against the driver, all this will be considered evidence.

Call the Police

The police must come to the scene and prepare a report of the incident. Although it is crucial to get a copy of the report, write down your version of what happened to your lawyer as soon as possible. You don't want to risk your memories fading since it is natural to forget specific details with time. Write down where you were, where you were going, the time of day, weather conditions, and anything that might be relevant.

Get the Driver's Information

Obtain their name and address, phone and license number, insurance information, and the car's make, model, and plate. If there are any witnesses, get their testimonies and contact information should you need to call upon them in the future.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Your car insurance policy will most likely also cover a pedestrian accident. Let them know what happened as soon as you can and explain the situation.

If you get in touch with the driver's insurance company, remember that anything you say will be used against you and may result in having the claim denied or in you receiving a meager offer for your injuries. Only discuss the accident with your own insurance company, your attending medical personnel, or your accident attorney.

Get Legal Help

You need to focus on your health and on following any prescribed treatments. After being struck by a car, you will most likely be dealing not only with physical issues but with emotional and financial difficulties as well. These may have a prolonged impact on your life. Working with a law firm specializing in pedestrian accidents will help you get through this and receive the compensation you need now.