In 2020, 6,500 pedestrians were killed and 5,500 were injured in the US, according to the NHTSA. A scary statistic considering most people feel a sense of security walking down the street. So, what happens to you if you are injured as a pedestrian?
The first thing you should do, if you can, is to get out of the way of any further danger. Move to a safe location. If you cannot move, or be moved, ask someone to stay with you until help arrives.
Call the police. This can not be stressed enough. Even if you think your injuries are minor, or you think you have not been injured at all, filing a police report is a necessity. Your injuries may not seem apparent to you at the time of the accident but can evolve later that day, week, or even a month down the line. You should get checked out, either at a hospital or by your personal physician. Regardless of fault, your medical bills will be covered by the vehicle that struck you.
Make sure the driver of the car that hit you stays at the scene until the police arrive. The same goes for any witnesses. Make sure to collect the driver’s personal and insurance information. Since this would not go through your auto insurance, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. All they need from you are the basics – your name, location of the accident and a police report number if you have one, or the precinct where the police report was filed.
If your accident was the result of a hit-and-run, try and get as much information as you can from your observations and from those of witnesses. Even the color and make of the car can help police when they arrive at the scene. It is imperative that you file a police report within 24 hours of a hit-and-run accident. Failure to do so will jeopardize your ability to seek a financial recovery.
No matter what, you should always contact an attorney. We will be able to guide you through insurance, medical and financial-related matters stemming from your accident.
If you have questions about any type of accident, give us a call.