Believe it or not, thousands of pedestrians are killed each year in traffic accidents.
Pedestrian accidents can occur at any time and can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial damage to the victims. It’s important to know what steps to take to protect your rights, obtain medical treatment, and receive the compensation you deserve.
Here we provide a guide to everything you need to know about the steps to take as a pedestrian accident victim. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, your first priority should be your health and safety. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal injuries, may not be immediately apparent, and seeking medical attention can prevent these injuries from getting worse.
Additionally, seeking medical attention can document your injuries and provide evidence that you were injured in the accident.
2. Call the Police
The next step is to contact the police and report the accident. Calling the police will create an official record of the incident, which can be used as evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
When the police arrive at the scene, make sure to provide them with accurate information about the accident, including the time, location, and circumstances.
When you’ve been injured in an accident, be sure to contact AlphaAccidentLawyers.com.
3. Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. This includes names, contact information, and insurance information. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene.
Having this information will help you when filing a claim with your insurance company or seeking legal action.
4. Take Photos and Videos
Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the location, the damage to any vehicles or property, and any injuries you sustained.
Photograph any street signs, traffic signals, or other important details that may have contributed to the accident.
These photos and videos can provide crucial evidence for your personal injury claim.
5. Keep Detailed Records
Keep a detailed record of all the expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs you may incur. Write down the names and contact information of all healthcare providers you see, and keep copies of all medical records, bills, and receipts.
Also, keep track of any pain or suffering you experience as a result of the accident.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident. Provide them with all of the information you have collected, including the police report, witness statements, photos, and videos.
If you have a personal injury attorney, they can help you communicate with the insurance company and guide you through the claims process.
7. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
The next step is hiring a lawyer. Consult with a personal injury attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents. They can help you to understand your legal rights and options and can assist you in filing a personal injury claim.
An experienced personal injury attorney can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.
8. File a Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To file a personal injury claim, you’ll need to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and that you suffered damages as a result.
Your attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and file your claim in a timely manner.
9. Medical Treatment and Legal Action
After filing your personal injury claim, it’s essential to follow through with medical treatment and legal action.
Attend all scheduled medical appointments, take all prescribed medications, and follow all treatment plans recommended by your healthcare provider.
Also, make sure to attend all scheduled appointments with your personal injury attorney and provide them with any additional information or documentation they need to strengthen your case.
10. Consider Seeking Emotional Support
Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic experiences that may leave you feeling anxious, scared, or depressed. It’s important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health after an accident.
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional or support group to help you cope with any emotional distress you may be experiencing.
11. Keep a Log of Your Recovery Progress
As you go through the recovery process, it’s important to keep a record of your progress. This can include notes on your medical treatments, appointments with doctors and specialists, and any changes in your physical or emotional well-being.
Keeping track of this information can help you and your personal injury attorney better understand the full extent of your injuries and how they have impacted your life. It can also serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury claim.
12. Be Cautious of Social Media
In today’s digital age, it’s common for people to share their experiences on social media. However, it’s important to be cautious of what you post online, especially if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your social media accounts and use anything they find against you to dispute your claim.
Avoid posting anything that could be construed as evidence of you admitting fault or downplaying the severity of your injuries.
Important Advice for an Accident Victim
Suffering injuries in a traffic accident can be traumatic and stressful. That’s why an accident victim needs to know the steps to take to receive the justice you deserve.
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