Hit By A Car? Your Step-By-Step Guide To Handling A Pedestrian Accident
Choosing to walk as your primary mode of transportation is one of the best things you can do for conserving our natural resources, and it definitely helps that it keeps you in shape. While you know all of the basics of pedestrian safety, it is still important to plan ahead for in case the worst should happen. Pedestrian accidents are surprisingly common, and modern day habits such as texting and driving increase your risk when you are walking on the roads. For this reason, you should know how to handle being hit by a car before it occurs so that your next steps will be second nature.
Assess Your Situation
Naturally, the first thing you will need to do is get to safety. Provided that the injuries are mild enough that you can move, make sure that you are out of the road or main driving area if you were in a parking lot. Then, check to see if you are in need of emergency help. If someone hasn't called 911 already, point to a person in the crowd and make sure the police are on the way. In the event that you do not feel hurt, keep in mind that seeking a medical assessment is important for having records to give your personal injury attorneys.
Gather Your Information
Immediately following a pedestrian accident, you are bound to feel a rush of emotions. However, you will need to have quite a bit of information on hand if you seek personal injury legal services. Make sure to get the driver's name, license plate number and insurance information. Note anything you saw before the accident such as the driver looking at their phone or GPS. You will also need a copy of the police report, and it is helpful to take pictures of the accident scene that show where the vehicle was at the time that it hit you. If injuries are visible, have someone take a picture of them as well.
Speak to a Qualified Attorney
When you have been hit injured in a pedestrian accident, you are not only dealing with the driver, but you are also dealing with a team of experts from their insurance company who may attempt to lowball the compensation you receive. It is also common to settle too early when you fear medical bills or lost work. For this reason, it is critical that you speak with personal injury lawyers right away that are concerned with your best interests.
Being hit by a car when you are walking is scary, but the next steps can even be harder when you find yourself trying to navigate through the unfamiliar world of medical bills and insurance claims alone. Make sure to avoid being a victim a second time around by seeking personal injury law services to help you cover the costs of your injury. For more information, contact companies like Lerner, Piermont & Riverol, P.A.
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