When it comes to pedestrian accidents, several dangers can occur. One of the biggest dangers is that pedestrians are often very vulnerable road users. They are not protected by a vehicle like drivers and passengers are, which means they can suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. In 2020, 6,526 pedestrians died while around 55,000 were injured due to accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
You should do certain things to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you if you are ever involved in a pedestrian accident. Here are the things you should do if you are involved in a pedestrian accident.
Stay calm and ensure you are safe.
When involved in a pedestrian accident, staying calm and ensuring you are safe is essential. If possible, you should look for a safe place to stay. If you are unable, you should at least try to move away from the road.
If you cannot move, you should try to make yourself as visible as possible to oncoming traffic. Once you have ensured your safety, you can assess the situation and decide what to do next.
If you were injured, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, it is always best to be more cautious and get checked out by a medical professional. You should remember that the symptoms of some injuries only become apparent hours or even days after the initial accident. Often, adrenaline can mask pain and other signs of injuries. A doctor can properly assess your condition and give you the treatment you need.
Call for help.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is crucial to call for help. This will ensure that you receive the medical attention you need and that the authorities are notified. If you are injured, calling for help is the best way to ensure you get the care you need. If the accident was caused by someone else, calling for help will also ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
You should ask someone to call the police if you cannot do it yourself. Once the police arrive, they can investigate the accident and determine who is at fault. The police report can also be used as evidence if you decide to take legal action against the responsible party. So, you should ask for a copy of the report when it is finished.
Collect evidence at the scene.
You should also try to collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes taking pictures of the scene and keeping any clothing or other items damaged during the accident.
You should also take pictures of where you got hit and speed signs in the area. Taking pictures of the driver’s vehicle is also a good idea. If necessary, all of this can be used as evidence in a court hearing.
You should try to write down everything you remember about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. This includes what happened before, during, and after the accident. It is also a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. These witnesses can provide valuable testimony if you decide to take legal action against the responsible party.
Get information from the driver.
When you are hit as a pedestrian, it is important to get as much information from the driver as possible. This can help with insurance claims and legal proceedings down the road. Make sure to get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. This information can help make the process much smoother if you need to take further action.
If there are any witnesses, get their information as well. Having eyewitness testimony can be pivotal in a pedestrian accident case. These people can provide valuable insight into what happened and who is at fault.
Keep records and receipts.
The records and receipts are useful for filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit. They help to establish the cost of damages incurred. Include all medical bills, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses.
Contact a legal professional.
It’s important to have an experienced team of personal injury attorneys on your side who can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better, as they can begin working on your case right away.
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. This includes getting medical attention, collecting evidence, and contacting a lawyer. With the right help, you can get through this difficult time and receive the compensation you deserve.
