What To Do if You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident
Falling victim to a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic, life-altering experience, and it’s essential to understand what steps to take immediately afterward to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and secure any compensation to which you may be entitled. Whether the injuries are minor or severe, taking the right action following your accident can make all the difference in your recovery and legal efforts.
In this blog post, the personal injury lawyers at Peters Law Firm explain what to do if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident so you can secure the best outcome for your case.
Seek Medical Attention
First and most importantly, it’s critical for you to seek medical attention immediately following any car accident — even if you feel your injuries are minor. Many times, serious injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage may not be immediately apparent and take time to reveal their true severity. A doctor can evaluate your condition and offer any necessary treatment.
Moreover, having a medical record of your injuries is important should you decide to pursue legal action or file insurance claims. Be sure to keep copies of all medical records, bills, and any prescriptions related to your accident for later use with your legal team.
Collect Information
If possible, collect as much information as you can from the driver involved in the accident and any witnesses who may have seen it occur. When gathering information, be sure to obtain the driver’s:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance details
- Vehicle registration
In addition to the driver’s information, be sure to request the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw your accident. Their testimony could prove valuable in determining liability during your personal injury case. The more information you acquire at the scene, the stronger your case will be if you decide to pursue legal action.
Document the Accident
Documenting the scene of the accident is imperative. Take plenty of pictures of the location, the vehicle involved, your injuries, and any relevant road signs or traffic signals. These photos can be included as evidence in your case. Along with photographs of the scene, it’s recommended that you write down your recollections of what happened while the events are still fresh in your mind. The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to support your case.
File Police Report
It’s important to contact the police to file a report following any pedestrian accident, no matter how minor. Having a police record on file can help further strengthen your case when pursuing legal action and dealing with insurance companies. Ensure you provide the police with as much detail as possible, including what you were doing before the accident, what actions the driver took, and any witness statements. Make sure to get a copy of the police report for your personal records.
Call Insurance
Even though you weren’t behind the wheel, it’s a good idea to contact your auto insurance company and notify them about the accident. Your policy may include coverage for pedestrian accidents, which could help cover the cost of medical bills and other expenses.
You may be asked to provide them with details about the accident, including the driver’s insurance information and any medical records or police reports, so be sure to have those handy when speaking with your carrier. The driver’s insurance company may also contact you, but refrain from speaking with them and leave these conversations in the hands of your attorney.
Call a Lawyer at Peters Law Firm
Dealing with the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The personal injury lawyers at Peters Law Firm are here to help you understand your options and guide you through the legal process. From negotiating with insurance companies to building your case, we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, reach out to a personal injury attorney in Council Bluffs to request a consultation today.
