Although most people don’t like to think about it, the chance of being hit by a driver while walking on or near a roadway is actually pretty high. More than 7,000 pedestrians were killed on American roads in accidents involving a motor vehicle in 2020. In addition to these deaths, more than 100,000 pedestrians had to seek emergency care following an accident with a vehicle.
While you may not think it could happen to you, being hit by a car happens significantly more often than most people imagine. Various factors can contribute to this, including distracted drivers, speeding, and wet or slippery roadways.
Do you know what to do if you or a loved one are involved in a pedestrian accident in Tustin? Continue reading to learn what you should do if this unfortunate accident occurs.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Being hit by a car can cause significant injuries like contusions, concussions, broken bones, or worse. It can even lead to death or permanent disabilities like paralysis. The severity of injuries will depend on how fast the vehicle was going, whether it was a direct hit, whether you were flung into the air, and other factors.
Even if you feel fine, it’s best to seek medical attention by calling 911 right away. Due to the adrenaline rushing through your body following a traumatic event like an automotive accident, you may not feel pain in the same way you would otherwise.
Insurance adjusters, juries, and judges often assume you weren’t that hurt if you didn’t immediately seek medical attention following an accident. This can make it challenging to receive the settlement you deserve, especially if your case goes to trial.
Call the Police
If you’re injured in a car-pedestrian accident, call 911 immediately. The police will investigate and create a police report, which will be important in order to file a claim.
Don’t discuss who is at fault or anything else that may pertain to your legal options. Stick to the facts of the accident and speak to an attorney before answering any other questions.
Take Pictures
Take detailed pictures or videos of the accident scene and your injuries. These images can be used later if the question of fault comes into play. The right pictures taken at the accident scene can prove where the vehicle ended up, what injuries you may have sustained, and more.
If you decide to meet with an attorney, it is important to share the pictures with them. It’s crucial that your attorney has all information pertinent to the case so they can best represent you.
Exchange Contact Information
Exchange contact information with the driver involved in the accident. This includes your name, phone number, and insurance information. When exchanging contact information, avoid talking about who is at fault for the accident.
Call Your Insurance Company
A common question for those involved in a pedestrian accident is whether they should call their insurance company. The answer is yes. If you have car insurance, you should still call your provider, even if you weren’t in your vehicle at the time.
In some cases, your own insurance company can help cover your medical bills. Or, they might help reimburse your expenses through the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Contact A Pedestrian Accident Attorney
The best thing you can do after being hit by a car is to contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney. Since the legalities of a pedestrian-car accident can be challenging, having an attorney on your side will help tremendously.
A Tustin personal injury attorney can assist you with the settlement process and represent you in court if necessary. They can also ensure you receive a fair settlement and answer any legal questions you might have during the process.
If The Accident Was a Hit-And-Run
A hit-and-run pedestrian accident can be more challenging since the driver must first be found before any legal actions can be taken. You should still follow the information above. If the driver fled the scene and is not caught, detail as much identifying information about the person or vehicle who hit you, including the make, model, and color of the car, as well as details about the driver.
While it isn’t always easy to retain identifying information when you’ve been struck by a car, anything you can remember will help find the at-fault driver.
Additional Tips
Besides the crucial things you need to do above, here are a few additional tips for what to do after being hit by a car:
- Don’t go on social media to discuss the accident since this can look bad if fault comes into question.
- Follow up with your regular doctor after seeking emergency medical attention and discuss treatment for your injuries.
- Be truthful about the details of your accident.
If you follow this information, you can feel secure knowing that you’ve taken the right actions to protect your health and legal rights following a pedestrian accident.
Were You Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you or a loved one were hit by a car and injured, contact our experienced team of personal injury attorneys at Legacy Accident Lawyers today. Call (714) 922-0400 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to answer any questions you have and ensure you get the settlement you deserve after a pedestrian accident.