Many people walk about daily life without thinking or worrying about a car hitting them. But collisions involving pedestrians can cause severe and life-threatening injuries. Victims may need hospitalization and intensive physical therapy that can last for months if not years. It’s a serious and scary situation. But with legal help, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other financial hits. Here’s what you should do if you or a loved one have been involved in a pedestrian accident.
If you’ve been hit,
First thing’s first. If a car hits you, you need to report it to law enforcement and seek medical attention immediately. Even if you’ve only sustained superficial injuries like cuts and bruises, you still need to see a doctor. Serious injuries like concussions and brain damage may not be apparent for a few hours or even days.
Second, with pedestrian accidents, the driver must stop and help the injured victims. Obtain the name, insurance and vehicle registration information of the offending driver. If the driver refuses, do not get confrontational. Wait for the police to arrive, and they will obtain the necessary information for you.
If the driver tries to persuade you not to report the incident, do not consider any out-of-pocket payments or other arrangements. You will have little to no recourse should they change their mind or leave before the police arrive. Without an official police report, it’s simply one party’s word against the other’s. And that can make getting your just compensation more difficult.
Furthermore, you should always obtain legal advice before attesting to anything or signing anything from an insurance company.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, you need personal injury lawyers on your side. Lloyd & Lloyd Lawyers specializes in nearly all types of personal injury cases and has the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for immediate legal assistance.