A pedestrian-car collision occurs when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian. A pedestrian is any person who is on foot, running, jogging, or hiking and is in an accident with a vehicle. Most pedestrian accidents occur at intersections or crosswalks. However, they can also happen in parking lots, highways, or anywhere else people and cars meet.
What Pedestrians Should Do After Being Hit by a Car
You can protect your health and legal rights by taking the right actions immediately after an accident involving a car-pedestrian.
- If you or someone else in the accident requires immediate medical attention, dial 911.
- Get contact information and insurance information from the driver who hit your car. If the driver isn’t the car’s owner, you can get his contact information and insurance information.
- Do not discuss the accident or any other factors.
- Contact local law enforcement at the scene to get a report written by the police.
- If you are filing an injury claim, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to the car.
- Get the contact information and names of any witnesses who may have witnessed any aspect of the accident.
- If you have auto insurance, call your insurance company.
Get Medical Treatment
Get medical attention immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort following a car accident. Although going to the emergency room is the best option, it’s still a good idea that you contact your primary care provider immediately. Don’t wait. Insurance adjusters and juries generally believe that you aren’t really hurt if you don’t seek medical attention right away after an accident. It is important for your health as well as your legal rights to get medical attention immediately after an accident. Also, make sure you have documentation of your injuries and treatment.
What Legal Options Do I Have If I Get Hit by a Car?
You may be wondering who will pay your medical bills or cover your rent while your injuries heal. An insurance claim is the fastest way to receive compensation for accident-related losses. You can also file a civil lawsuit against the driver for damages if settlement negotiations fail. Pedestrians often file insurance claims against the driver that hit them, as well as the city, or state responsible for maintaining the road where it happened.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of Jenkins Law P.L. Kelly-Ann is a car accident lawyer in St Petersburg. She focuses on personal injury, car accidents, and bicyclist injuries. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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