If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the negligent driver who caused it. What you do in the moments and days after the collision will have a direct impact on whether you recover the maximum amount you are entitled to or must accept less from the insurance company in your settlement. Here are important steps you need to take to build a winning case.
Step #1: Seek Immediate Medical Care
It is crucial to be treated by a doctor immediately if you know you suffered injuries. However, it is also important to be examined by a doctor within 48 hours of your accident, even if you do not believe you were hurt, in case you suffered a hidden injury. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain, back, or spinal cord injuries, have symptoms that do not develop until days or weeks after your pedestrian accident. You protect your health and avoid disputes with the driver’s insurance company about the cause or seriousness of your injuries by taking this critical step.
Step #2: Call the Police
You should call the police at the scene of the crash. The officer will investigate its cause and prepare a police report that will contain information that can help you prove the driver’s negligence. This includes:
- Contact information for the driver, their insurance company, and witnesses
- Details of how the accident occurred
- Motorist and witness statements
- Officer’s conclusions as to how the crash happened and who caused it
- Any traffic citations issued
Step #3: Get Contact Information
You should obtain the contact information for the driver and their insurance company and any witnesses to your accident. While the police will get this information for the motorist, they may not obtain it for witnesses that can help you win your case.
Step #4: Take Pictures
Pictures at the accident scene can be compelling evidence to prove the driver caused your injuries. You should take pictures of any damage to the vehicle that hit you, road and weather conditions, and your injuries. Have a bystander take pictures for you with your cell phone camera if you are too hurt to do this.
Step #5: Retain a Lawyer
You need to hire an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after your pedestrian accident. They can conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your collision, collect the evidence you need, and negotiate your settlement so that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Were you or a family member injured in a pedestrian accident? Call our Norfolk office to schedule your free consultation with a member of our car accident legal team to learn how we can help protect your rights and fight for a fair settlement with the insurance company.
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