In a single year, 7,388 pedestrians died in auto accidents. Fatal pedestrian accidents have increased by 80% since 2009. If you’re ever hit by a car, you need to act with your best interests in mind. Otherwise, you might not receive compensation for your injuries.
Here are the steps you need to follow after getting hit by a car as a pedestrian. Follow these tips to gather evidence for a lawsuit.
Table of Contents
Request Medical Assistance
If you’re conscious after getting hit, call for medical assistance right away.
You could experience some physical or emotional shock following a pedestrian accident. Don’t allow shock to cloud your judgment. Only a medical professional can assess your injuries.
Call 911 if you sustained serious injuries. Otherwise, visit a medical professional immediately after the police clear you to leave.
Visiting a doctor will create an official record of your injuries. While you wait for medical help, consider:
- Where it hurts
- What injuries are visual
- If your clothes are torn
- If there’s blood
Make a record of your injuries and any pain you experience. Try photographing your visual injuries before cleaning up. You can provide this evidence to your auto accident lawyer as they build your case.
Call the Police
Call the police as soon as possible. Your insurance company and lawyer will need the police report as official documentation of the accident. The police report will include a record of:
- Who was involved
- Where the accident took place
- Witness statements
Ask the police officers for their names and badge numbers before they leave.
Document the Scene
Gather evidence of the road accident while you wait for the police to arrive.
Take photos of the driver’s vehicle, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Ask the driver for their:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license
- License plate
- Car make, model, and year
- Insurance information
Don’t discuss fault at the scene or with the motorist’s insurance company. Instead, allow your lawyer to speak with the insurance company on your behalf.
Don’t accept cash from the driver or any settlements the insurance company offers you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your car insurance company and let them know you were in a pedestrian accident. Most insurance policies cover these incidents.
They’ll walk you through filing a medical or disability claim following the crash.
Call a Lawyer
Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer can help you fight for damages.
Look for a lawyer who specializes in auto or pedestrian accident cases. They’ll protect your legal rights. They’ll also fight with your best interests in mind.
You can find the best auto accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
Hiring an experienced lawyer will ensure you maximize your claim. Otherwise, you might have to pay for some losses out of your own pocket.
Know What to Do After Getting Hit by a Car
Knowing what to do after getting hit by a car will allow you to fight for compensation. Follow these steps and rely on your auto accident lawyer. They’ll fight on your behalf.
With their help, you won’t have to cover your losses alone. Searching for more tips? Check out our latest articles for more advice
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