If you’re hit by a car as a pedestrian, the most important thing to do is protect your health and make sure the incident is documented. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a medical professional is important, and documentation of your injuries can also help you build a stronger claim.
Questions about fault and insurance could also come up after your accident. In this case, it’s helpful to speak with a Charlotte pedestrian accident lawyer. An attorney can guide you through what steps to take while also protecting your rights, ensuring the right party is held accountable, and that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
The First Things You Should Do After Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian
The initial steps you take after being hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian are critical to protecting your health and your personal injury claim.
Your health and wellbeing should always be your number one priority, but it’s also important to make sure the accident is adequately documented. The more evidence you have to support your claim, the more likely you are to recover the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Care, Even if You Don’t Feel Injured Right Away
Pedestrian accident injuries are often quite severe due to the force of impact. That said, if you weren’t hit that hard or feel fine initially, it’s still important that you get checked out by a medical professional, either by calling an ambulance to the scene or going to the ER or urgent care after.
Some injuries, such as head injuries or internal bleeding, don’t always show up right away, but if you wait too long to get medical attention, it could make the injury worse and put your health at risk. Having a record of being evaluated by a doctor can also help support your claim, should you decide to pursue compensation for the damages you suffered.
Make Sure the Accident is Reported
It’s important that your pedestrian accident is formally documented. Even if the incident seems minor, you should always call the police and wait for them to arrive. When they do, make sure they file a report and ask them to provide you with the incident number so you can request a copy later.
If you aren’t able to get the report info at the scene for some reason, you can contact the local police department later to request a copy. If you are unsure how to handle this or are having trouble getting a copy of the report, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help.
Having the report as evidence is crucial, especially if the insurance company or driver tries to deny fault or responsibility. It’s always best to have a police report that can back up your claim.
Evidence That Can Help Support Your Injury Claim
In addition to the above, another important thing to do after being struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian is to try to gather evidence at the accident scene if it is safe for you to do so. If you are too injured, but have someone with you, see if they can gather the evidence instead.
Evidence from the accident scene will also play an important role in your case if you file a claim. Unfortunately, a lot of accident evidence can disappear or be hard to track down if it’s not gathered right away.
The most important pieces of evidence to focus on gathering include:
- Photos of the accident scene, including where you were hit, traffic signs and signals, vehicle damage, skid marks on the road, and the lighting and weather conditions.
- Photos of your injuries.
- Driver information, including their name, contact info, insurance information, and the vehicle make, model, and license plate number.
- Witness information, including names and contact info for anyone who saw what happened and would be willing to give an official statement.
- Video footage of the accident scene (make note of any nearby businesses or homes that might have security cameras that caught what happened).
Understandably, gathering all of this evidence at the scene can be difficult, especially if you are seriously injured. Do as much as you safely can, but if you are having trouble, make sure you get in touch with a lawyer right away.
A pedestrian accident lawyer can act quickly to help gather evidence that you were not able to obtain yourself. Hiring the right Legal Team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Be Cautious When Communicating with the Insurance Company
If the driver’s insurance company contacts you, it’s okay if you confirm basic facts with them, such as the location of the crash, but avoid giving them any other details until you have spoken with a lawyer. You should also avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents, such as a medical release or settlement paperwork.
The insurance company could try to use what you say against you to reduce their responsibility or how much they owe you in a settlement. If you aren’t sure how to respond when they contact you, you can simply tell them that you need to speak with your attorney first.
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How CR Legal Team Can Help After You’re Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian
At CR Legal Team, We Stand Up For You® by focusing on your case and the way the accident has disrupted your life. Through Whole-Person Legal Care™, we look at the full picture, including your medical needs, lost income, and the emotional stress that happens when you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident.
With over 35 years in business and more than 600 years of combined legal experience, we can guide you through each step of the legal process and help you make informed decisions.
If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian and are unsure what to do next, contact us for a free consultation.
