What to Do When a Pedestrian is Hit by a Car: A Comprehensive Guide

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What to Do When a Pedestrian is Hit by a Car: A Comprehensive Guide

By Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers
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June 7, 2024
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Accidents involving pedestrians and cars can be traumatic and confusing. If you witness or are involved in such an incident, it’s essential to remain calm and take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Pedestrian accident cases are only increasing, with a 13% rise in pedestrian fatalities from 2020 to 2021 in the United States.

Therefore, it’s crucial to know what steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, including seeking medical assistance, contacting authorities, and documenting the incident.

Considering the complexity of pedestrian-car accidents and the potential for significant injuries, seeking legal assistance from a personal injury attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Ensure Safety First

The first priority in any accident is ensuring the safety of those involved. If a pedestrian is hit by a car, immediately assess the situation and determine if anyone requires immediate medical attention. If so, call emergency services right away and provide any necessary first aid until help arrives. Move to a safe location like a parking lot to the side of the road if possible, to prevent further serious injuries.

Call Emergency Services

Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to call emergency services to the scene. They can provide medical assistance, assess the situation, and document the incident. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with details such as the location of the accident, the number of people involved, and the severity of injuries.

Stay at the Scene

It’s essential to stay at the scene of the accident until authorities arrive. Leaving the scene could result in legal consequences, and it’s crucial to cooperate with law enforcement and provide accurate information about the incident.

Document the Incident

While waiting for emergency services to arrive, document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos or videos of the area, including any damage to the vehicle, injuries sustained by the pedestrian, who had right of way, and any relevant road conditions, traffic signals or signage.

If there are witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. If at all possible, write down the license plate number of the driver, as hit-and-run pedestrian deaths occur in 1 out of every 4 crashes involving pedestrians. Hit-and-run crash statistics are steadily rising.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident. This information will be necessary when filing a claim with insurance companies or seeking legal assistance. Be sure to obtain the driver’s name, phone number, address, license plate number, and insurance policy details.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential for the pedestrian to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The injured pedestrian will likely have adrenaline and endorphins pumping through their system immediately following the car crash, which means that some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Prompt medical evaluation can ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated which increases pedestrian safety. Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments to document injuries and treatment.

Report the Accident

In addition to calling emergency services, it’s essential to report the accident to the appropriate authorities. This may include local law enforcement, the department of transportation, or other regulatory agencies.

Reporting the accident helps ensure that it is properly documented and investigated. Call the location police station on your cell phone to get a police officer to the scene. Whether you were involved in the crash, or just witnessed it, you’ll likely be asked to fill out a police report.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you or the pedestrian involved in the accident have sustained injuries, it’s crucial to seek legal help from a personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights, navigate the legal process, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Finding a law firm that specializes in pedestrian injury can help you maximize the compensation you receive from the at-fault driver for your injuries.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian-car accident can be complex and overwhelming, especially if injuries are involved. A personal injury attorney specializes in representing individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or misconduct of others. They can provide invaluable assistance in several ways:

  • Legal Expertise: Personal injury attorneys have a thorough understanding of personal injury law and can help you navigate the legal process with ease.
  • Investigation: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case on your behalf.
  • Negotiation: Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your rights and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
  • Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court and litigate your case to seek maximum compensation for your injuries.

The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian can be a traumatic experience with long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In such situations, seeking legal assistance from a personal injury attorney can be invaluable.

These professionals specialize in helping individuals who have been injured due to the negligence or misconduct of others. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney after being hit by a car as a pedestrian and why it’s essential to seek legal help.

Understanding Your Rights

One of the primary benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney is gaining a thorough understanding of your legal rights. Laws surrounding personal injury cases can be complex and vary from state to state. A knowledgeable attorney can explain your rights and help you understand the legal process, including what to expect and what steps to take to protect your rights.

Advocating for Your Interests

A personal injury attorney serves as your advocate throughout the legal process. They work tirelessly to protect your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, an attorney is committed to fighting for the best possible outcome on your behalf.

Conducting a Thorough Investigation

Pedestrian accident lawyers have the resources and expertise to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident. This may include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, obtaining accident reports, and consulting with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. By uncovering key facts and evidence, an attorney can strengthen your case and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.

Maximizing Compensation

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney is their ability to maximize compensation for your injuries and damages. They understand the full extent of the damages you may be entitled to, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. An attorney will work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation for all of your losses, both now and in the future.

Handling Communication and Negotiation

Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when you’re recovering from injuries. A personal injury attorney can handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, relieving you of this burden and ensuring that your rights are protected. Additionally, an attorney is skilled in negotiation and can advocate for a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and damages.

Providing Peace of Mind

Navigating the legal process after being hit by a car as a pedestrian can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and recovery. Hiring a personal injury attorney provides peace of mind knowing that you have a knowledgeable and experienced advocate on your side.

Throughout the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, your attorney-client relationship gives a sense of confidence so you can focus on healing. They handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.

Access to Medical Treatment

In some cases, personal injury lawyers can help facilitate access to medical treatment and care for your injuries. They can work with medical providers to ensure you receive the necessary treatment, even if you don’t have health insurance or the means to pay for medical expenses upfront. This ensures that you receive the care you need to recover fully from your injuries.

No Upfront Costs

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you receive compensation for your injuries. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses, making legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. This allows you to pursue your legal rights without worrying about legal fees or expenses.

Contact Parker and McConkie For a Free Consultation Today

Choosing Parker and McConkie personal injury attorneys to represent you in your pedestrian accident case ensures you have dedicated and experienced legal professionals fighting for your rights. With a proven track record of success in handling personal injury cases, our attorneys understand the complexities of pedestrian-car accidents and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

At Parker and McConkie, we prioritize client satisfaction and provide personalized attention to every case. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. We handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiate aggressively to maximize your compensation.

With our attorneys by your side, you can rest assured that your legal rights are protected, and you can focus on your recovery with peace of mind. Contact Parker and McConkie Personal Injury Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and discuss your pedestrian accident case.

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Schedule a Free Consultation Now By Contacting Our Team at (801) 980-9708

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