Each year, nearly 6,000 pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. Over 130,000 more are injured in collisions.
While all car accidents are dangerous, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to die in an accident than the passenger of a vehicle.
If you are a pedestrian hit by a car, keep reading to learn the 5 steps you need to take after your accident.
1. Reach Out to Witnesses at the Scene
A car crash involving a vehicle and pedestrian can turn into a game of he said, she said. You, the victim, may know that you were crossing in a safe place and that the driver made an error. But the driver may claim to police that they had a green light and you were instead at fault.
Witnesses can help clear up the confusion.
If you are able to, reach out to any witnesses at the scene of the accident. Ask them to stick around to speak to the police about what they saw. It’s also a good idea to get their contact information in case you need help proving your case in court at a later date.
2. Check the Police Record
The driver can tell the police at the scene any story they would like. This story will go in the police report, and there isn’t much that you can do.
However, you can check that other details about the scene of the accident are accurate.
Details about the location of the crash, the time of day, the names of witnesses, and other information need to be accurate in the report. These seemingly small details could be very important in proving that you are the victim when it comes time to file an insurance claim.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Whether you think that you were seriously injured or not, you need to see a doctor.
Adrenaline can keep you from feeling the pain of your injuries until hours later. If you think you weren’t hurt, you might think you can skip a hospital or doctor’s visit.
However, if you were hit by a car, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
4. File an Insurance Claim
As the victim of a car crash, you need to submit an insurance claim for the damages that you suffered. But you won’t be submitting this claim to your own insurance. Instead, you’ll submit it to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
The claim that you file should include any damages to your property, like if you were walking your bike across the road at the time and it was destroyed or damaged.
It should also include any medical bills that you received as a direct result of the car crash. Don’t forget the cost of the ambulance ride after the accident!
5. Contact a Lawyer
If you were seriously injured in an accident, the driver is claiming you were at fault, or the insurance company is refusing to pay, it’s time to lawyer up.
A car crash lawyer can help you build a case and get the compensation that you deserve for your suffering after being hit by a car.
Coping with an Accident as a Pedestrian Hit By a Car
Dealing with an accident as a pedestrian hit by a car can be confusing and stressful, especially when you’re also coping with serious injuries. But following these steps can help simplify the process and ensure that you don’t miss any important legal actions.
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