Starting: When you're walking, you don't anticipate to get hit by a car. It's scary, unpleasant, and hard to grasp, and after the upheaval, it might be hard to figure out what to do next. Staying calm and doing the correct things can help you stay healthy and defend your rights. If a car hits you while you're walking, here's what you need to do to be safe and sure that you can continue on.
Check Yourself for Injuries
Make sure you’re safe first. If you can, get off the road, but don’t push yourself if you’re hurt badly. Call 911 straight away or have someone close by do it.
Even if your injuries don’t look bad, you should get medical care straight away. Adrenaline can help with pain, and what feels like a bruise could be a more serious damage later. If you need to submit a claim with your insurance or the law, it’s also very vital to have medical documents from the start.
Stay where you are and call the cops
If you need aid, wait for the cops to get there. If you elect to file a claim, the officer who comes will write down what happened and produce a report for the police. This is one of the most essential pieces of proof.
When you talk to the police, be honest and transparent. Don’t make guesses about stuff you don’t know. All you have to do is tell them what you saw and how you feel. The report will have details about the driver, witness statements, and anything else that happened at the scene.
Get proof if you can
Take pictures or videos of the scene if you can do it safely. Find out things like:
- The automobile that hit you and its license plate
- Trash or skid marks on the road
- Street signs, lighting, and crosswalks
- The damage you can see
Get the driver’s name, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance details. Also, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
These early details can help a lot later on when you need to talk to insurance companies or figure out who is to blame.
Don’t say who is to blame or who should accept the blame
It’s common to feel stunned and even remorseful after an accident, especially if you didn’t notice the car coming or stepped into the street without looking. But don’t say anything that makes it sound like you’re taking blame.
Even brief sentences like “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later. Stick to the facts and let the police and your lawyer figure out who is to blame based on the evidence.
Let your insurance company know
Many people don’t know that their personal insurance policy could cover incidents that happen while they are walking, even if they weren’t driving. After the collision, call your insurance provider soon away to tell them what happened.
If the driver’s insurance company calls you, be careful. You don’t have to provide a recorded statement straight away. It’s advisable to go to a lawyer first. Insurance firms can look for ways to pay less than what they owe.
Call a lawyer who works with people who have been hit by cars
Cases of pedestrian injuries can grow complicated quickly. It can be hard to handle everything, such finances, missing job, and emotional pain. A lawyer with a lot of experience can help you with:
- Get proof and read the police report.
- Speak with your insurance adjusters
- Learn the true cost of your injuries and losses.
- You may have to go to court if you can’t come to a fair agreement.
A lot of folks we’ve helped who were hit by cars thought they had no other choice. We assist you understand your rights, talk to insurance companies, and focus on getting better while we take care of the legal stuff.
The Bottom Line
Getting hit by a car while walking might transform your life, but what you do in the hours and days after the accident can have a huge effect on your recovery and your case.
Take care of your health first, learn as much as you can, and get legal counsel as soon as you can. You don’t have to go through this alone; the Pyramid Legal team is here to help you at every turn.
