5 Critical Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Car crashes can be extremely dangerous, especially when a pedestrian is involved. Whether jogging on the side of the road, crossing the street, or simply standing on the sidewalk, being hit by a car or SUV can cause not only severe physical and emotional damage, but also often be financially overwhelming. In fact, according to […]
Car crashes can be extremely dangerous, especially when a pedestrian is involved. Whether jogging on the side of the road, crossing the street, or simply standing on the sidewalk, being hit by a car or SUV can cause not only severe physical and emotional damage, but also often be financially overwhelming.
In fact, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, in 2016 there were 70,000 pedestrians who were injured and 6,000 who were killed in car accidents. That’s why it is important to know what to do should you end up involved in this type of accident.
What you do after you have been hit by a car or SUV can greatly shape your recovery and ability to file a claim for damages. What follows are the steps you should take.
- Call 9-1-1/Seek Medical Attention
When you have been involved in an accident, it is extremely important that 9-1-1 is called as soon as possible. You should seek medical attention regardless of whether or not you think that you have been seriously injured. Having medical records of any and all injuries can help to prove your claim.
- Get a Police Report
When you call 9-1-1, the police will likely arrive with an ambulance, but in the case that they do not, be sure to contact them to come to the scene of the accident. This is important because the officer will establish a police report, which can help to support your personal injury claim.
- Obtain the Driver’s Information
If you are physically able to, obtain the contact information (such as name, phone number, and insurance information) of the driver of the car that hit you. It is imperative that you do this before the driver leaves the scene of the accident or it can prove difficult to follow through.
- Call a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
If you have suffered injuries after being hit by a driver, one of the most important things that you can do to recover for your damages is to consult with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney. A qualified attorney has experience working with insurance companies and can help get you the compensation that you deserve.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Provider
If the driver who hit you is underinsured or is uninsured, you may have to file a report with your own insurance company in order to obtain the necessary compensation to help with your recovery. Should you wait to report the accident and later decide to file a claim, it can complicate things.
An Experienced Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been hit by a car while you are a pedestrian, it can result in very serious – even deadly – consequences. Our experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at Daggett Shuler understand the serious nature of being struck by a moving vehicle. That’s why we want to help you to move forward. Call us at 336-724-1234.
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