Have You Been Injured as a Pedestrian? Here Is What To Do Next
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a recent accident, there are some essential steps that you should take to simplify the aftermath. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to know what to do or how to proceed after an injury from a pedestrian accident.
The most important thing is to ensure your safety and get the medical care that you need. Also, if you decide to seek legal action against the at-fault party, gather evidence. Document the accident scene and collect documents related to medical expenses and other costs related to the accident.
Where To Start?
In the current day and age of constantly-connected technology and booming industry, walking has become less and less of a common form of transportation or mode of exercise. This lack of walking has increased the likelihood of accidents involving pedestrians while decreasing the urgency for drivers on city roads.
The unfortunate result is that while there are a lot of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road, there is an increasing lack of respect shown between these groups.
Step 1: Determine If You Were at Fault
If the accident was your fault, making sure that the police have access to the information they need will be a top priority. You should also make sure that you take time to evaluate the damages and injuries.
In some cases, even if you do not think that you were at fault, it is good to consult with an attorney to get their advice and help with the investigation. To save on cost, you should hire a local attorney. For instance, if you reside in Carmel, CA, you ought to discuss with a Carmel personal injury attorney to handle your case.
Step 2: Take Pictures of the Accident
People often take pictures after an accident with their phone, which is excellent for documenting the scene for insurance purposes. Therefore, if you have time and can take photos before police or other officials arrive at the accident location, these shots will be most beneficial.
Taking pictures before or soon after an accident is also a good idea if it is your fault so that you can have documentation of your injuries (unintelligible) to later submit to your insurance company.
Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
As important as taking pictures at the scene of an accident is, it is more important to seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible after an injury. Make sure that the injuries are not more severe than they appear and prevent additional damage. You should not delay seeking medical care for your injuries, even if you feel no pain.
Step 4: Cooperate With the Police
Always cooperate with the police; this shows that you have nothing to hide. Answer any questions they may have for you, but try to stay succinct. Remember that whatever you tell them could be used against you later in the court of law.
When telling your side of the events, stay objective. Do not pass on the fault to other parties involved or take the blame on you. This is not up to you.
Step 5: Determine Fault of Other Parties
If the accident involved another party, make sure you gather as much information as possible. You can do this by:
- Contacting insurance companies
- Police authorities
- Taking the time to investigate online and in local publications
Ensure that you can determine who was at fault for the accident so that your next steps can be appropriately taken. If a driver was at fault, it might help to gather evidence for your claim if you know where they lived, worked, and where they were coming from before the accident. Many times, the police will not be able to get this information immediately after an accident.
Step 6: Consider Legal Action
This may involve hiring the service of a personal injury attorney. The lawyer may assist you in filling out forms or obtaining medical documentation and may help with the accident reconstruction process.
This step is crucial because it will give you peace of mind that your legal rights are protected and allow you to request compensation for any damages you have suffered from the accident.
Continue To Stay Alert
Suppose you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is essential to follow these steps to properly document your injuries (even if it is not your fault) and ensure that any damages you suffer from the accident are compensated.