7 Steps Pedestrians Should Take After Being Hit and Injured By a Negligent Driver

7 Steps Pedestrians Should Take After Being Hit and Injured By a Negligent Driver

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We all have been taught since childhood to be careful while crossing roads. However, we sometimes have to deal with the negligence of others, no matter how careful we are. 

Some drivers, in a hurry, often forget that even a single moment of carelessness can put someone’s life at stake. Negligence while driving puts other drivers in danger and can harm nearby pedestrians.  

Being hit by a car while crossing the road is even more dangerous. This is because you don’t have the safety of the vehicle you’re in to cushion the impact. Therefore, you are more likely to suffer serious injuries. What should you do when facing this kind of situation? 

Every pedestrian should know their health, safety, and legal rights if they are hit by a car. It can be difficult to think rationally in such situations, but knowing your rights beforehand helps you stay alert and take the right measures to recover from your losses.

A significant number of pedestrians are injured in Port St. Lucie every month. Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyers can guide you regarding all the legal complexities of the cases where pedestrians are hit by a car. 

Below, are the steps pedestrians should take after being hit and injured so that you have an overall idea of what you should do if you ever find yourself in this kind of situation:

1. Try to Remain Calm but Alert

There are two possible outcomes when you are hit by a car while walking on the road: you either suffer minor injuries or are severely injured. In either case, you need to remain calm. It’s okay to feel angry, confused, or even terrified after such an incident – but try not to panic. 

Panic will not allow you to think clearly. Try to relax so that you can analyze and handle the situation the best that you can.

2. Go to a Safe Place 

Remember that you might still be on the road after the accident, where other cars are passing by. If you have suffered minor injuries, move out of traffic, and get to a nearby sidewalk. This might sound too obvious, but some people can freeze in these kinds of situations, forgetting that they aren’t out of harm’s way just yet.

3. Call for Medical Assistance Immediately 

Call emergency services immediately to seek medical help. If you are not in a condition to do it yourself, ensure that a companion or bystander does that for you at once.

  • If you are severely injured but conscious, do not try to move or let anyone else move you until the emergency responders arrive at the scene to help you. You might injure yourself even more if you move (for example, you could possibly break a bone).
  • Even if you have only suffered minor injuries, do not refuse medical help. Not all injuries become painful or visible immediately. Trauma often stimulates adrenaline levels which blocks the pain in the moment. Such injuries become worse over time and start showing effects later.

Despite the severity of injuries, being checked by a doctor immediately after the accident is crucial for every pedestrian. This is because doctor reports are an important document for your case. It proves that you were injured and whether you deserve compensation for it.

4. Make Sure the Driver Stays at the Scene

Some pedestrians allow the driver to flee or leave the scene. They may think the accident was no big deal or are too stunned to ask them to stop. However, this can soon become a regret when the damages turn out to be much more than they expected. Filing a claim can become very complicated if the other party leaves the scene.

5. Collect all Possible Evidence

This is one of the most crucial steps for pedestrians after being hit by a car. This can determine the success of a legal case.

Firstly, make sure you collect all the information of the driver that hit you, including the name, insurance details, and contact number. If the driver tries to leave or escape the scene, act quickly and take a photo of the car and its license plate.

Secondly, take photos of the entire scene of the accident, including the car, place, road, and intersections. These photos enable you to show the authorities what exactly happened and become solid proof for your case.

Thirdly, try to record or note down the statements of people who witnessed the accident. Witness statements can make your case even stronger.

6. Inform the Police

If someone at the scene hasn’t informed the police yet, do it yourself. They will ask you for relevant details about the accident, observe the scene, and collect evidence. After analyzing the entire situation, they create an accident report that you can use to negotiate with the insurance companies and other legal authorities. 

7. Contact Experienced Injury Lawyers

Dealing with legal matters after the trauma of being hit by a car can be difficult to handle. Fortunately, you don’t need to go through the whole situation by yourself. Port St. Lucie Car Accident Lawyers can guide you regarding Florida’s pedestrian accident claims and lawsuits. 

You have rights to be compensated for the medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses resulting from the accident when you were not at fault. However, negotiating with insurance companies is no easy task. They often try to minimize your claim to avoid paying the deserved compensation. The expertise and experience of professional lawyers are crucial in such situations when you decide to seek compensation.

Final Words

If you ever face such a situation in Port St. Lucie, you should contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation (by appointment only). You can then speak with a team of expert lawyers who know how to investigate a case and deal with insurance companies. Frankl Kominsky can help you build a strong case when it is merited and guide you through every step of the way.

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