What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident

Are you a pedestrian who has been involved in an accident? If so, this can be a difficult situation to navigate. You may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take and whether or not you have legal recourse available. While accidents unfortunately do occur, it is important that those affected know their rights and understand the best ways to proceed.

Here, we will discuss what to do if you’ve been injured while crossing the street as a pedestrian, as well as provide some general guidelines for handling any type of pedestrian accident. Let’s dive into it!

Contact a pedestrian attorney

Experiencing a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming when faced alone. Those with expertise in the field of law, such as the team at the Beverly Hills Pedestrian Accident Lawyer & Law Firm, highlight the importance of retaining an attorney in these situations. A pedestrian attorney can provide you with valuable guidance and support, as well as handle all legal aspects of your case. They have experience dealing with insurance companies and can help you get the compensation you deserve for any injuries sustained. Don’t hesitate to contact a pedestrian attorney for legal advice and support during this difficult time.

Seek medical attention immediately

Being involved in a pedestrian accident is a terrifying experience, and it’s one that you don’t want to take lightly. Even if you feel physically okay after the accident, you want to seek medical attention as soon as possible. There may be underlying injuries that you’re not aware of, and getting prompt medical attention could prevent further complications down the road.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health, so don’t hesitate to visit a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Bear in mind that seeking medical care right away after a pedestrian accident could be crucial to your long-term well-being.

Collect evidence

When tragedy strikes and a pedestrian is involved in an accident, the first priority is ensuring medical attention is provided. But it is equally crucial to collect evidence from the scene. This evidence plays a pivotal role in determining the cause of the accident and holding the responsible party accountable.

Gathering this evidence requires a keen eye and attention to detail. Skid marks, debris, and traffic signals can all provide valuable information to investigators. Photos and video footage can also paint a picture of what happened, and eyewitness accounts can fill in any gaps. Once you properly and thoroughly collect evidence, we can bring justice to those affected by pedestrian accidents.

Take pictures of any visible injuries

In pedestrian accidents, injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious and long-lasting effects. It’s a wise choice to document any visible injuries you may have sustained in the accident by taking pictures. These photos can serve as evidence of your injuries and their severity, which may be crucial in obtaining proper compensation for medical expenses.

If a vehicle was involved in the accident, be sure to document any damage it sustained. Take pictures of the vehicle from various angles and get an estimate for repairs if necessary. This documentation can also serve as evidence in legal proceedings or negotiations.

Contact the police to file a report

After seeking medical attention and collecting evidence, you need to contact the police and file a report: this step documents the incident for your own records and provides an official record of the accident. The police report can also serve as evidence in any legal proceedings that may take place.

When filing a police report, be sure to provide all relevant details about the accident, including the date, time, and location. You should also include any injuries sustained by yourself or others involved in the accident. This report will be essential in determining liability and holding the responsible party accountable.

Write down all the necessary contact information

When we are involved in a pedestrian accident, our adrenaline is high and it can be hard to think straight. However, one of the most important things to do is to gather information from all involved parties, including their names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. It may seem tedious at first, but it can greatly benefit you in the long run.

Having this information at hand can make filing an insurance claim or even a lawsuit much smoother. So, we recommend taking a deep breath and taking the time to collect all of the necessary information at the scene of the accident.

Get contact information from witnesses

Arguably, the most valuable sources of information can be the witnesses who saw the accident happen. These individuals can provide first-hand accounts of the event that may help clarify details and fill in any gaps in understanding.

To make sure you have access to these valuable witnesses later on, approach them with a calm and friendly demeanor, asking for their name and phone number or email address so you can follow up with them later if needed. After all, every bit of information can make a difference in piecing together the puzzle of what happened in the accident.

Be sure to keep track of your expenses

In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, expenses can quickly accumulate. This could include medical bills, transportation costs to and from medical appointments, and the cost of any necessary long-term treatments or therapies. The best solution? Save all your receipts, invoices, and paperwork associated with these costs.

This documentation will be essential in demonstrating the financial impact of the accident and can contribute significantly towards making a strong case for compensation in legal proceedings. You don’t want to be left with the burden of these expenses on top of dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident.

Surviving a pedestrian accident is a daunting journey that involves not just physical recovery but also legal battles for rightful compensation. By following these steps, you place yourself in a strong position to get the justice and the compensation you deserve. Don’t forget to consult with a knowledgeable pedestrian accident attorney who can navigate the complexities of the law on your behalf. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and remember that you’re not alone in this battle.