Pedestrian accidents are typically severe and involve a high risk of death or serious injury, and damage is usually limited to a specific area. It’s important to know which steps to take after a collision and how quickly medical personnel may arrive. Below are a few ways to minimize the risk of serious injury and death after a pedestrian accident.
Get Out of the Street
After a person has been hit by a car, the responsible driver should move away from the road to reduce the risk of additional collisions. If the victim is in the roadway, the driver should wait for medical help to arrive. Emergency medical technicians will offer additional assistance and advice once they arrive.
Memorize Important Details
When a driver hits a pedestrian, they may take time to ensure the person’s safety. Pedestrians, if able, should write down or memorize the driver’s details, including their name, address, license information, and insurance data. If the driver doesn’t stop after hitting a person, the victim may be able to file a claim if they gather sufficient evidence from traffic cameras and eyewitnesses.
Notify the Authorities
Accidents involving the injury or death of a person require that the authorities be notified. If the at-fault driver doesn’t stop, the pedestrian or an eyewitness may have to call the police. Law enforcement officers will create an incident report, and emergency medical technicians will provide assistance and support.
If there’s suspicion that the at-fault party is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the authorities may arrest them after the report is filed. The report itself may serve as evidence of a driver’s negligence, which makes it easier for a victim to win damages in a civil suit.
Retain Receipts and Records
If the victim can get the driver’s information, they should retain records of their driver’s license and plate numbers, insurance policy information, registration data, and contact details. This information will be useful when an insurance company becomes involved in the case.
If the pedestrian is responsible for the incident, or the insurance carrier tries to prove the victim’s negligence, they’ll need this information for their attorney. Defending against allegations of negligence is important after a pedestrian accident.
Once the victim is no longer in danger, they should get a copy of the incident report, either on the scene or at the local law enforcement agency. For post-accident medical care, victims should keep records related to the medications, therapies, and treatments they receive. While it may seem tedious and time-consuming to keep all these records, doing so will help a victim build a stronger claim against an at-fault driver. In cases involving negligence, victims need every bit of evidence they can get.
Contacting an Attorney After a Pedestrian Accident
The final step before filing a claim is to consult an accident attorney. A lawyer will serve as the point of contact with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, gather evidence, and interview eyewitnesses afterward. Once they’ve gathered the necessary information, the attorney will calculate an appropriate level of damages for the victim’s injuries and losses.
Whether you’re the at-fault driver or the victim of a pedestrian accident, it’s important to have the right legal representation after such an event. Request additional information online or call today to book a consultation with an accident attorney.
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