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In 2023, 7,314 people died while walking. Did you know that pedestrian deaths make up 18% of all deaths in vehicle crashes? According to Money Geek, about thirty-three percent of pedestrians hit by vehicles driving at twenty-five miles an hour suffer serious injuries, while one in ten pedestrians hit by vehicles at thirty-five mph are killed.
A pedestrian accident is when someone walking has been struck by a vehicle, motorcycle, or even a bicycle. Usually, a pedestrian accident occurs on a sidewalk, busy roadways, parking lots, or crosswalks.
According to the personal injury law firm website https://www.amendtlaw.com/, when a driver hits a pedestrian, the injured pedestrian has the right to seek compensation for their losses from the at-fault driver.
Right after a pedestrian accident, it’s important to stay calm and focus on your safety and health. Learn more below!
Ensure Your Safety and Assess the Situation
Check the safety of the environment. Take a deep breath and work out how to extricate yourself from broken glass or passing cars. There are risks in the environment that could make it hard to help others. You should aid people who need it, but only if you can do so safely.
Avoid stressing yourself out. If your vision is hazy or you feel faint, sit down in the safest location you can until you know it’s safe to stand. It’s fine to ask anyone nearby for aid. They may help you understand the situation.
Seek Medical Attention
Go to see a doctor regardless of how you feel after the accident. Adrenaline will mask any pain from the injuries, so you may not notice symptoms until they fully develop. Getting checked will show your family and loved ones that you care about yourself.
A medical professional can find and treat subtle problems that exist. This step may also be necessary later if you decide to make any claims. Taking care of oneself is a significant part of getting better. You want to be with your friends and family who will help you in your recovery.
Document the Accident Scene
Compose yourself while documenting the scene. Recording relevant details is an important step, especially in potential claims or legal actions. Photograph each vehicle, visible damage, road condition, and traffic sign in clear shots. Take shots from different angles to give more context about the accident. Even the slightest detail could be helpful.
According to pedestrian accident lawyer Marc Bleaman, your legal team can help secure evidence, such as traffic camera footage from where your accident happened.
Start writing down the time, date, weather, and any other things that could have led to the event. Write down the names of all the witnesses since they might all be called to testify.
Check for any surveillance cameras that may have recorded this scene. The visual proof they provide can serve as strong evidence. Every detail counts, so stay calm and thorough.
Gather Information From Involved Parties
Gather information from all involved parties after documenting the accident scene. Check with the driver and any witnesses. Politely request their names or contact information. Obtain the insurance information from the other driver involved. Obtain the permission of witnesses to take their statements regarding the incident.
Manage your temper, but keep a cool head while pursuing and examining the matter at hand. If police are present, inquire about their names, badge numbers, and report numbers. Afterward, obtain a copy of that report.
You should take pictures of the insurance and identity cards and keep all of this information in a neat and tidy way. Sufficient documentation will be the basis of your claim, report, or future lawsuit.
Contact Legal Assistance and Report the Incident
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you must seek legal assistance and report the incident to the appropriate authorities. A pedestrian accident lawyer can give you the support you need to understand your rights and handle the hassles of the legal process.
File a police report regarding the accident, as it serves as your official record. This will strengthen your case, along with being good for community safety. Give them the information you compiled; the evidence will help them with the task of figuring out what really took place.
Photograph IDs and insurance cards, and keep them in an organized file. Friends and family provide solace and may even help in finding legitimate representation for you.
Joining support groups can increase motivation and make you feel less isolated.
