According to the CDC, almost 6,000 pedestrians are killed each year due to being hit by vehicles while walking. Moreover, approximately 140,000 pedestrians are treated for non-fatal car accident-related injuries each year. Furthermore, per car trip, it’s estimated that pedestrians are almost two times more likely to be killed when a car accident occurs.Â
Pedestrian accidents can be incredibly traumatizing as they often result in some form of injury. Besides being injured, a pedestrian can also be faced with financial stress and emotional trauma because of the car accident. If you are ever hit by a car, it would be imperative to know what steps you should take when involved in a pedestrian accident, and a California pedestrian accident attorney can provide further guidance.
Should a pedestrian be struck by a car, a few steps should immediately be followed when possible. Some of these are below.
Should you be a pedestrian who has been hit by a car, the first step must be for the emergency services to be contacted. Contacting 911 will ensure that medical attention is sent to the scene and that the police are also notified. It is imperative that the parties involved in the accident stay at the location until the police arrive. The police will collect statements, relevant evidence and potentially establish who is at fault at the scene and fill out a police report. This police report is crucial if you wish to seek compensation for the pedestrian accident.Â
Being hit by a car regardless of its speed can lead to severe injuries. If you have been hit by a vehicle, it’s crucial to immediately evaluate your injuries to determine how serious they are. While waiting for medical personnel to arrive at the scene, you should try to care for your injuries as best you can. A pedestrian who has been hit by a car should seek out further medical attention at a hospital. Moreover, it is crucial that the injured party keep all medical records.Â
When you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian and are not too severely injured, you should try to attain as much information as possible. This will include taking numerous photographs of the scene and any injuries you sustained. You will also want to obtain a copy of the police report, statements from witnesses and their contact details, the driver’s information, including insurance details. If you cannot get the information yourself, it is okay to ask a witness to obtain the information, but you must be careful of what you say. Additionally, be sure to observe the driver and note if he or she seems impaired in any way. If you conclude they are, you should immediately tell the police upon their arrival at the scene.Â
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, you should seek help from a California pedestrian accident lawyer. Injured pedestrians must contend with significant physical, emotional, and financial strain, so you want professional legal help as soon as possible. The quicker you hire or contact your lawyer, the faster they can begin preserving and documenting evidence for your case. Essentially a lawyer will obtain all necessary reports and documentation to conduct their own investigation and get a clearer picture of what happened.
At the Law Offices of Scott Righthand, we strive to alleviate some of the burdens you face after your pedestrian accident. A lawyer can help you gain compensation for the injuries you suffered due to being hit by a car. If you decide that you would like some assistance with your case, you can contact us as soon as possible if you want to achieve the best results.Â