As a pedestrian, you never plan to get hit by a car. So you probably have notthought about what to do after a pedestrian accident. However, the moments after a pedestrian-car accident are critical, both to your health as well as your ability to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Thus, if you’ve been involved in an auto-pedestrian accident, it is imperative that you take the following steps.
Report the Accident
Regardless of who was at fault or how serious your injuries are, call the police to report the accident. When you report the accident, the operator will send out emergency responders to determine if you need medical attention.
Additionally, the 911 call can serve as evidence that may help you recover financial compensation from the at-fault driver.
Obtain Medical Attention
When emergency responders arrive on-scene, they may offer to take you to the hospital. If you are hurt, it is always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor immediately after an accident.
This ensures you receive the necessary medical treatment and can help you prove pedestrian accident liability in a case against the driver.
Gather Evidence
If your condition permits, it is wise to conduct a mini-investigation before leaving the scene. This includes taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred and obtaining the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Be Cautious Whom You Talk to
After a pedestrian accident, the other driver’s insurance company will reach out to you to talk about the accident. They will ask what happened and want to know about your injuries.
You should always contact an attorney before talking to someone from the driver’s insurance company.
Don’t Take an Insurance Company’s Word
In many pedestrian accident cases, the insurance company will extend a settlement offer. However, an insurance company’s initial offer is usually inadequate to cover all of your expenses. Thus, be wary of what an insurance company representative tells you about your rights and ability to recover.
Contact a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Accident victims interested in obtaining maximum compensation for their injuries should contact an experienced attorney to attorney for assistance. Your lawyer will help you gather all necessary documentation and evidence and prepare a claim.
They will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. In the event the insurance company is not willing to extend a fair settlement, your attorney can litigate your case in front of a judge or jury.
Were You Injured in a California Pedestrian Accident?
If you or a loved one recently suffered serious injuries in a pedestrian accident, reach out to Wells Call Injury Lawyers for immediate assistance.
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we have provided accident victims with aggressive, dedicated representation in all types of personal injury cases since 1980. We take an individual approach to each case we handle, ensuring we meet our client’s unique needs at every step of the way.
To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a California pedestrian accident lawyer today, call 707-264-1102. You can also reach us through our online contact form.