Founder
Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a frightening experience that can lead to serious injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma. Knowing what steps to take afterward can help you protect your health, rights, and potential compensation. Let’s look at what to do if you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first thing to remember after being hit by a car is to prioritize your safety. Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, injuries can sometimes be delayed. Here’s what you should do right away:
- Move to a Safe Area (If Possible)—If possible, get to the side of the road or another safe area to avoid further harm from traffic.
- Call 911 for Help—Request both police and medical assistance. This is essential for law enforcement to document the accident and for emergency responders to assess your condition.
- Follow Medical Advice–Allow medical professionals to evaluate you, even if your injuries seem minor. Internal injuries or concussions can go unnoticed without proper care and can worsen if untreated.
Taking these steps not only helps your health but also creates a record of the incident, which may be helpful if you need to pursue a legal claim later.
Gather Information at the Scene (If You Are Able)
While waiting for medical responders or if you’re not severely injured, try to gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. Documentation can be invaluable in a personal injury claim. Here’s what to focus on:
- Get the Driver’s Information–Ask for the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If possible, take a picture of their license plate.
- Collect Witness Contact Information–If bystanders witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact details. Witnesses may help validate your claim.
- Document the Scene–Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicle involved, any injuries you sustained, and anything relevant, such as crosswalk signals or road conditions.
If your injuries prevent you from gathering information, law enforcement typically includes this in the accident report. You can request a copy later.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report after the accident is crucial, even if it seems like a minor incident. A police report serves as an official record and can provide essential evidence if you need to seek compensation. It may include:
- The names and contact details of the parties involved
- Witness statements and contact information
- An initial assessment of fault by the responding officer
If police were not present at the scene, you can still file a report by visiting the nearest precinct. An official report strengthens your case when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a personal injury claim.
Seek Follow-Up Medical Care
Your health and safety should remain a priority even after you leave the scene. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can become serious later. After the accident:
- Visit a Doctor Promptly–Seek follow-up care to evaluate injuries that may not have been obvious at the scene.
- Document Your Injuries–Medical records serve as crucial evidence in a claim, helping demonstrate the accident’s impact on your physical health.
- Follow Through with Treatment Plans–Stick to any prescribed treatments or rehabilitation, as it shows you’re committed to recovery and can affect the compensation you may receive.
Proper documentation of injuries and treatment is essential if you decide to seek damages for your injuries.
Notify Your Insurance and Consider Legal Options
After the accident, you should inform your car insurance provider, even though you weren’t driving. Some policies cover pedestrian accidents, and notifying them promptly is essential.
When it comes to compensation, the following options may be available:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)–If you have this coverage, it may help cover medical bills, regardless of who was at fault.
- The Driver’s Insurance–Depending on liability, you may be eligible to file a claim with the driver’s insurance.
- Legal Action–If the accident led to significant injuries, lost wages, or emotional trauma, consulting a personal injury attorney may help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Exploring your legal options is essential, especially if insurance falls short in covering your losses.
Protect Your Rights with a Personal Injury Lawyer
In cases where the driver’s insurance or your coverage isn’t enough to compensate for your injuries, working with a personal injury lawyer at The Saul Law Firm can make a difference. Our team will:
- Assess Your Claim’s Value–Our experienced lawyers understand the full scope of damages, including future medical costs and lost wages.
- Handle Communication with Insurers– Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. Trust us to ensure your rights are protected.
- Gather Evidence and Negotiate–From obtaining accident reports to collecting witness statements, we will build a strong case to help you obtain fair compensation.
When faced with an uncertain recovery path, our guidance will provide peace of mind as we help you obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
Talk To A Pedestrian Accident Attorney Today
Being hit by a car can be traumatic, often leading to physical, emotional, and financial challenges. The Saul Law Firm is here to get the care, support, and compensation you deserve. With years of experience fighting for pedestrian accident victims, we know what it takes to secure a fair outcome. Don’t navigate this alone; Better Call Saul and let us help you confidently move forward.
The Saul Law Firm, LLP helps clients throughout Garden City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, Queens, Garden City, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Westchester County.