What Should You Do If You Are Hit by a Car?

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What Should You Do If You Are Hit by a Car?

Few things can fill you with a sudden feeling of dread as quickly as being involved in a pedestrian accident — especially if you are the injured party. When you are involved in an accident, you will inevitably feel an adrenalin surge; you may feel confused, shocked, and angry.

What should you do if you are hit by a vehicle? What are the proper steps to ensure that your rights are not violated, and that you can remain financially stable after an accident? Here are the steps to follow if you ever find yourself in this situation:

What to Do Immediately After the Accident

First of all, remain calm. If you are able to safely move, get out of the street. Raging at the offending driver might be a good way to relieve some stress, but it will not improve your situation. In fact, doing so may be a liability.

Don’t assume that the driver has called the police. Call them yourself or ask a passerby to assist if available. Then, calmly and firmly insist that the driver remain at the location until the police arrive. Ask for witnesses to remain at the location as well. Even if you do not have any visible injuries, it is essential that they remain, since you may have more serious injuries than you might realize at first.

Then, your primary goal is to gather details. If you or a loved one are involved in an accident, record notes about the accident as soon as you are able. Include as many details as possible, including the driver’s information and the nature of the injuries sustained in the collision. If you can, take photos of the injuries, crash site, and of the vehicle(s) involved. You should even consider taking notes from conversations in the area with people who may have witnessed the accident. Be sure to gather the contact information of everyone you speak with.

Do not immediately post about the accident on social media. The fact that you are on social media may make it seem like you were negligent, and the content that you post can be used against you at a later time.

Finally, be sure that you speak with the police when they arrive. If you were taken to urgent care after the accident and were unable to speak with the police, contact the police to receive a copy of the report. Ensure that it is accurate. If it is not, you can argue for it to be changed; police reports are not set in stone.

Contact a Lawyer

After filing an insurance claim, there are steps you can take to further protect yourself. In order to afford medical expenses, make up for lost wages, and fix or replace damaged property, you must contact a personal injury lawyer. Many lawyers will refuse to give you information or advice until they are representing you, but keep looking. Some lawyers will offer a free initial consultation for a personal injury case. Even if your injuries do not seem severe, a lawyer will ensure that you do not suffer from unforeseen medical complications and that you are properly compensated.

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can range from being a minor hassle to being a life-changing event. By following these steps and seeking adequate representation, you can safeguard yourself against medical, financial, and legal problems. Be sure to keep these tips in mind, in case you ever find yourself in this situation.