[AD] It is scary to think you could get hit by a car as you cross the street. Unfortunately, many pedestrians have fallen victim to rogue or drunk drivers, losing their lives or sustaining severe injuries. You never know when this unfortunate ordeal could happen to you or your loved one. Therefore, you must understand the correct steps to take. Here are a few things you should do when you are hit by a car while crossing the street.
[Photo by Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash]
What to do if you are hit by a car.
Get to safety
The most crucial action after being hit while crossing the street would be to protect yourself. Remember that nobody else has your best interest at heart except you. If you can move, get away from the road or pavement and wait in a safe area. However, if you are in extreme pain or cannot stand up, lay where you are until the paramedics arrive.
Call the police
The next step would be to call the police while you are still at the accident scene. If you wait too long to report the accident, law enforcement will tell you there is nothing they can do to help. Common mistake pedestrians and cyclists make after being involved in a car accident is neglect to involve the police, especially if their injuries seem minor. A police report is an essential document you will need to provide if you intend to file a claim with your insurance company.
Get urgent medical attention
If you are unconscious, you will probably be rushed to the hospital by the driver or bystanders. However, if you remain conscious throughout the ordeal, it is your responsibility to seek urgent medical care, even though you feel fine. The adrenalin coursing through your veins during the accident could prevent you from noticing you got hurt until a few days or weeks after the event. The doctor will perform a complete medical evaluation to reveal the full extent of your injuries.
Tell your side of the story
When the police arrive at the accident scene, give a timeline of events. Ensure you narrate what you were doing before getting hit or where you were going. Studies reveal that 40% of pedestrians and cyclists involved in accidents do not get to tell their side of the story because they need urgent medical attention. However, if you were rushed to the hospital, the police could come to you to collect an official statement. After a few days, you could request the officer to let you confirm whether your statement is accurate.
Speak with your lawyer
A car accident is a traumatic experience that could wreak havoc on your mental, physical and emotional state. Therefore, you might not be able to handle the case independently. Insurance companies also have many tricks to ensure you get less compensation than you deserve. Therefore, it would be wise to let a pedestrian accident lawyer help to fight for your rights. Ensure you speak to a lawyer with a proven track record working on similar incidents. A local lawyer will be more suited given that they are more conversant with country, regional, or state laws pertaining to pedestrian accidents.
Take many photos
You will require solid evidence to prove you were involved in a car accident that caused you harm or injuries. If you are still conscious and able to move, ensure you take pictures of the accident scene and any debris in the area. It would also be wise to take photos of your torn and bloody clothes and any injuries to your body. If your phone memory is full or your hands are still shaking, ask a bystander to take the photos and ensure you get their contact information.
Gather witnesses
Witnesses are people who were present when the accident occurred. It would help to speak to the witnesses and collect their contact information before leaving the scene. Their testimony will come in handy when filing a claim against the driver comes.
File a claim
The last step would be to file a claim against the driver. With the help of your attorney (like those you can find on a site like https://www.warforindy.com/indianapolis-pedestrian-accident-lawyer), your efforts will be successful, and you can collect the compensation you deserve. Avoid giving too much information when you call the insurance company, as anything you say could be used against you. We suggest you disclose only facts such as the accident's date, time, and place.
Now that you know what to do if you get hit by a car as you cross the street, we hope you will take the proper steps to protect yourself and get the compensation you deserve. Remember to stay calm and follow your attorney's instructions as you fight for your rights.
