Needless to say, you'll be in shock after being hit by a car or witnessing a pedestrian accident. However, if you're conscious and don't need immediate medical attention, the steps you take at the scene of the accident can make the difference between a long, drawn-out battle with various insurance companies and a quick, fair settlement.
What to Do at the Scene of a Pedestrian Accident If You Can
After determining that you don't need an ambulance, get to a safe location out of the road. If you're alone, call a friend or family member to come and help you. Then, try to do as many of the following as possible:
- Make sure the driver stays at the scene. If you're walking and talking, the driver might decide they're off the hook and try to leave the scene. It’s vital to do what you can to get them to stay. At the very least, don't give them permission to leave by stating you think you’re okay.
- Call the police and wait. An official police report is important, so be sure to call 911 and wait for an officer to respond. If the accident was a hit-and-run or the driver stayed long enough to see that you were okay and then left, you can give a description of the car to the police.
- Take pictures. While you wait for the police, take pictures of the location of the crash, the car that hit you, and your own injuries before getting cleaned up and treated. As the value of your claim is determined, pictures can serve as convincing evidence of the seriousness of the crash.
- Get medical attention. As soon as the police have finished with the scene, go to urgent care or an emergency room for a complete medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and even broken bones, may not be obvious to you right away.
- Call an attorney. From the hospital, or soon after, call a personal injury attorney who takes pedestrian accident cases. Even if you don’t end up filing a lawsuit—most people don’t—a skilled attorney can make a big difference with an insurance claim.
If you were hit by a car and injured, your medical bills will likely be covered by an insurance policy—such as the motorist’s auto policy, your vehicle coverage, or your health insurance—depending on the specific situation. If you've followed our advice, your claim will be that much stronger.
The personal injury team at Mahaney & Pappas is ready to stand up for you with the insurance company after you've been hurt in a pedestrian accident. We can make a difference—especially if you weren't able to take the steps we recommended above. Reach out to our team to find out how we can help.
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