Do’s And Don’ts For Pedestrians Who Are Injured In A Motor Vehicle Accident
Posted on September 2nd, 2017 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Pedestrian accidents are on the rise in the United States today. According to the Center For Disease Control or CDC, most pedestrians are hit by vehicles in urban areas at night. While some pedestrian accidents are not serious, others leave accident victims with injuries that will affect them for the rest of their life. The following is an overview of personal injury law and how it relates to pedestrian accidents. If you have been injured by a driver while walking, it may be helpful to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Do
There are some important steps you can take to increase your chances of obtaining a settlement after a pedestrian accident. Below are some “Do’s” to keep in mind:
- Do Get The Driver’s Contact Information
If you are physically able to after your accident, request the driver’s contact information. Drivers are legally obligated to stop after being involved in an accident, so this gives you a chance to obtain the name, phone number, driver’s license information, and insurance information. Your options may be limited if the driver did not stop and you are the victim of a hit and run accident.
- Do Report the Accident
It is important to report the accident to the police after being hit by a vehicle. Report the accident to the police, no matter how minor your injuries may seem at the time. Many injuries will gradually worsen over time. For this reason, it is important to have a record of the accident so you can file a claim for your injuries.
Don’t
There are also things you should not do after being involved in a pedestrian accident. Some of the “Don’ts” include:
- Don’t Admit Fault
Obtaining compensation in a pedestrian accident hinges on you being able to prove the driver of the vehicle was negligent and caused your injuries. Some cases are easy to prove who was at fault, while others may not be as clear cut. No matter the circumstances surrounding the accident, it is important to never admit fault to anyone at the scene. Doing so may result in your statements being used against you later on in court.
- Don’t deny yourself Medical Treatment
You must seek medical treatment after being hit by a car. Even if you do not feel you are seriously hurt, it is important to seek treatment and keep copies of your medical records. Many people refuse medical treatment immediately following an accident only to find their pain suddenly increase a day or two later.
If you have been injured by a negligent driver while walking in a public place, contact a personal injury attorney for advice. After a brief consultation, an attorney will offer an opinion on whether or not you have a strong case and possibly how to move forward with it. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can count on to represent you may help you obtain a fair settlement for the injuries you sustained as a pedestrian from the at-fault party.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
