If you have been hit by a car, your whole life can change in an instant. Not only will you now have to deal with devastating life-long repercussions, but the astronomical medical expenses that result can affect your whole family. Worse yet, you may have no idea what you are supposed to do next or who you need to contact to get the legal help you require. That is why we will go over the steps you should take after you’ve been hit by a car and show you how a pedestrian accident lawyer can help ensure that you and your rights remain protected.
Contact 911
Following a pedestrian accident, you need to call 911 immediately. This is the quickest way to get the accident on record and notify EMS that you or someone at the scene needs emergency medical help.
Once the police arrive, they can investigate the incident and write down their findings in their police report. When you pursue legal action, this report can provide you with evidence regarding what happened and who was at fault.
Gather Evidence
If it is safe and you do not require immediate medical help, try to gather as much evidence from the accident as possible. This should include pictures and videos of the cars involved, your visible injuries, skid marks on the road, traffic signs near the accident, the weather conditions at the time of the crash, and any other evidence that can help show what happened.
Get Driver Details
Make sure to exchange information with the drivers involved in the accident and get their names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers.
Get Witness Information
If people at the scene saw what happened, try to get their names and phone numbers. Witness statements can provide you with further evidence regarding the accident, as well as help back up your claims. However, if these individuals do not want to offer you their details, do not force them. Once you retain an experienced pedestrian accident attorney, they can obtain these details for you.
Be Careful What You Say
Although you may want to discuss the incident with the other drivers or people at the scene, make sure you watch what you say. Avoid definitive statements, taking the blame for anything that happened, or apologizing for the incident. These types of accounts can come back and hurt you, ultimately affecting the amount of money you can obtain.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly After Being Hit by a Car
Even if you believe your injuries are relatively minor, you still need to get looked over by a doctor. Serious medical injuries such as brain or head trauma can take days to even weeks to manifest, yet the longer you wait to get medical help, the more fatal the injuries can become.
Additionally, seeking prompt medical attention can be useful for your claim. Insurance companies are searching for any reason to deny your case and argue that your injuries are not that serious or are the result of a subsequent event. Fortunately, when you get examined by your physician, they will document your injuries in their medical report and provide you with a direct link between the injuries you suffered and the car accident.
Seek Legal Help From an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
In order to have a successful car accident claim, you need to be able to provide sound legal arguments and strong, relevant evidence proving what happened and who was at fault. However, if you have been hit by a car, these legal nuances are likely the last thing on your mind. Thankfully, with help from a skilled personal injury attorney, you will not have to tackle these car accident claims on your own. These lawyers can:
- Evaluate your potential claims, determine if you have a viable case, and go over your legal options
- Answer all your questions and concerns and provide you with the support you require during this difficult time
- Investigate the accident and secure the evidence needed to prove liability and damages
- Hold all the negligent parties accountable for the harm you sustained
- Handle all the negotiations and discussions with the insurance company, making sure to pursue a fair settlement on your behalf
- Bring in the experts such as economists, doctors, accident reconstructionists, and engineers to substantiate your claims
- Take your case to trial, if needed, and fight tirelessly to bring your case to a successful resolution
If you or a family member suffered injuries due to a car accident, do not wait any longer to seek legal help. Reach out to a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer and let them show you how they can fight for you and your rights and go after the justice and damages you deserve.
