Steps For Pedestrians To Take After Being Struck By Vehicles
by Sumona Automotive 19 November 2022
Being involved in an auto accident as a motorist is no picnic – particularly if the accident is purely the fault of another driver.
However, being involved in a car accident as a pedestrian can be even more stressful. After all, without the protection from personal injury that a vehicle offers, pedestrians who are struck by cars are liable to find themselves in serious condition.
Should you ever find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, keep the following tips in mind when navigating the aftermath.
Top 5 Steps For Pedestrians To Take After Being Struck By Vehicles
1. Get Yourself to Safety
Your first step should be getting yourself to safety, especially if you’re able to do so without hurting yourself or exacerbating any injuries.
After all, if you’re still in the middle of the road, it stands to reason that other vehicles are going to be a concern – and the last thing you want is another accident on your hands. So, before proceeding to make any calls, make sure to get yourself out off the road and to a location where you feel perfectly safe.
2. Document Any Injuries You’ve Incurred
Since you’ll want there to be a record of any injuries you’ve incurred, take care to promptly photograph any scrapes, cuts, bruises, or other ailments that resulted from the accident. Having accurate records of the event and its aftermath can be invaluable not only to you but also to the pedestrian accident attorney that may be consulted when seeking physical and/or financial repercussions related to the incident. Keeping track of witnesses and details related to the pedestrian accident provides attorneys with a detailed timeline of events that can be examined to determine if negligence was at play and better advocate on behalf of the pedestrian involved.
Of course, if doing so causes you any pain or stands to make your injuries worse, you’re better off waiting for emergency services to arrive. Pictures of your injuries can prove extremely helpful when making your case to the police, your insurer, or a judge.
3. Call the Police and Emergency Services
In most states, citizens are required by law to alert the police of any auto accidents that result in personal injury and/or property damage.
So, by failing to do so, you may be in violation of the law. Additionally, alerting law enforcement will help ensure that a police report of the incident exists, which can prove helpful should you ever decide to take the responsible party to court or file a claim with your insurer.
Furthermore, having emergency services present will ensure that any injuries you’ve incurred are promptly and professionally treated, and should you require additional treatment, they’ll be able to transport you to the proper facilities.
4. Alert Your Car Insurance Provider
If you’re struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian, it’s easy to see why you might assume that this incident needn’t be reported to your auto insurance provider.
However, unbeknownst to many policyholders, a sizable number of car insurance policies cover accidents of this nature. So, if you’re unclear on whether your policy is among them, take care to review the terms or get in touch with your car insurer.
If your policy does indeed cover this type of accident, make a point of alerting your insurer of the accident as quickly as possible. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a difference between making your insurer aware of the accident and filing a claim.
Although the amount of time you’ll have to file a formal claim varies by state, many insurers encourage policyholders to make them aware of accidents at their earliest possible convenience.
5. Don’t Let the Responsible Party Sway You
There’s nothing wrong with being averse to conflict. However, not wishing to come into conflict with someone shouldn’t prevent you from seeking the appropriate restitution in the wake of being hit by a car.
So, if the responsible party tries to convince you to abstain from alerting the police and/or your insurer, make it clear that this isn’t an option. Furthermore, if you feel uncomfortable around this person, put some distance between them and yourself until law enforcement arrives.
By the same token, you shouldn’t allow anyone to talk you out of seeking legal counsel. A good attorney can be an invaluable ally to an accident victim seeking compensation. Floridians who have been struck by vehicles and are in search of solid representation should reach out to a knowledgeable Bradenton personal injury lawyer.
Even as a motorist, being struck by a vehicle can be an intensely frightening experience. Needless to say, the experience can prove even scarier and conducive to personal harm for pedestrians.
So, if you ever find yourself struck by a vehicle, there’s no reason you shouldn’t seek proper restitution, regardless of how severe your injuries are. Pedestrians looking to collect the compensation they’re owed in the timeliest possible manner would do well to remember the pointers outlined above.
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