Pedestrian accidents are dreadful and can cause immediate and lasting physical and legal implications. You must know which steps to undertake after a pedestrian accident to secure your health and legal rights.
Here is a guide for handling post-pedestrian accident problems, including immediate health measures, documentation procedures, and legal actions.
Prioritize Immediate Medical Attention
Health comes first in a pedestrian crash. Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents, such as concussion, internal bleeding, or soft tissue injuries, may not show until later. Immediate medical attention ensures that hidden injuries are detected and documented early on.
Call emergency services to assist if injuries are apparent or the pedestrian is immobile. The medical personnel can engage in on-the-spot assistance for the pedestrian and decide whether hospital treatment is necessary.
Pain, dizziness, or general discomfort might develop hours or even days after the event, especially with whiplash or head trauma. See a doctor to investigate and record any developing signs.
Seek Legal Assistance
Legal proceedings following a pedestrian accident can prove highly complex. Lawyers assist in negotiations with insurance companies to ensure the victims receive fair compensation covering hospital bills, lost wages, and other damages.
You can contact a lawyer at The Bradley Law Firm specializing in personal injury law or pedestrian accidents. They will help file insurance claims, settle claims, and represent you. Most states restrict the duration allowed for filing a claim in pedestrian accident proceedings. The lawyer will advise you about these dates and handle the legal proceedings.
Document the medical expenses incurred, rehabilitation costs, loss of wages, and other losses directly due to the accident. This information will assist your lawyer in calculating appropriate compensation for losses.
Document the Accident Scene and Collect Information
Gathering information from the accident scene is essential to forming legal claims with an insurance company. Documentation will uphold claims and serve as evidence in disputes.
Get a picture of the accident scene from all angles. Document the vehicle’s location with the pedestrian, nearby road signs, traffic signals, and any skid marks observed. Document injuries as well.
Witnesses offer a very objective description of the event, which can be instrumental if different reports about the accident arise. Take down the names and contact info of any onlookers. Ask for the driver’s name and phone number, the number on their driver’s license, and insurance details.
File a Police Report
A police report is fundamental for the official documentation of the crash, and in most cases, the insurance company may request a copy to look it over. Police reports include details deriving from the law enforcement’s investigation of the accident scene, crediting the truth for any following legal or insurance claims.
If possible, stay on the scene for the arriving police officers. They will take statements from both parties, interview witnesses, and guarantee an impartial account of events. Once the police have filed their report, request a copy. This will weigh heavily when it comes to supporting either legal or insurance procedures.
Inform Insurance Providers
Although pedestrians usually do not file claims through their insurance policies, they must notify their insurance company of the accident. Getting the insurance providers involved early establishes a paper trail, making the process much easier later.
Usually, the driver’s auto insurance pays for medical expenses and damages arising from the accident. Go ahead and file a claim through the driver’s insurance using all documents supporting the claim.
Endnote
Taking the appropriate steps after a pedestrian accident assures both physical and legal well-being after an accident. Prompt medical assistance, detailed record-keeping, and legal advice will help you manage the complexities that can follow a traumatic event.
The journey to medication could be challenging, but following these steps can help victims secure the support and compensation they need to rebuild and recover fully.
