Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be a traumatic and confusing experience. It’s crucial to know the immediate steps to take not only for your health and safety but also to protect your legal rights. This guide aims to provide clear and concise advice on what to do following a pedestrian accident, from the moments right after the incident to the days and weeks that follow.
You Deserve Expert Legal Representation
The law firm of Doehrman Buba Ring is here to help you navigate through the aftermath of a pedestrian accident. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys have helped countless clients in similar situations and can assist you in securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What To Do if You Were Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian
If you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian, your immediate actions are critical for ensuring your health, safety, and the strength of any future legal claim you might have. It’s natural to feel shocked and disoriented, but try to remain as calm as possible and follow these crucial steps:
Ensure Your Safety and Call for Help
If you find yourself in a pedestrian accident, your first priority should be to ensure your immediate safety. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm. Once you are in a safe position, call emergency services to report the incident and request medical assistance if needed. It’s important to get a professional medical evaluation even if you believe your injuries are minor, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent. This step is not only critical for your health but also creates a documented record of the accident and your injuries, which can be vital for any legal actions you decide to pursue later.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor at the moment of the accident, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention. Go to the hospital, visit an urgent care facility, or see a physician as soon as possible to get a professional evaluation if you have injuries. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately noticeable but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Additionally, having a medical record of your injuries right after the accident can prove to be critical evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim for compensation. Always prioritize your health and ensure that all injuries are appropriately diagnosed and treated.
Determine If You Need to Go to the Hospital
After being involved in a pedestrian accident, you might not be sure if you need to go to the hospital. If you have any severe pain, feel confused, have ongoing bleeding, have trouble breathing, or think you might have a serious injury like a broken bone or concussion, please get emergency help right away. Sometimes, even if your injuries seem small, you should still seek medical treatment and see a doctor quickly. Some problems don’t show up right away but can get worse if you don’t get them checked out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
Document Everything at the Accident Scene
If you’re able, use your phone or a camera to take photographs of the accident scene, including any vehicle involved, your injuries, and the surrounding area. This visual evidence can be crucial for building a strong legal case. Additionally, contact information should be gathered from witnesses and the driver involved. Note down the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number. If the police arrive at the scene, ensure you give your account of the incident and secure a copy of the police report. Remember, documenting the details of the accident while they are fresh in your mind can significantly aid in your legal proceedings.
Obtain a Police Report
Obtaining an accident report is a crucial step after being involved in a pedestrian accident. While the report may not be immediately available, ensuring that the police are called to the scene guarantees that a report will be written. This official document can play a pivotal role when it comes to insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. The report often contains the officer’s observations, statements from the parties involved, and sometimes an initial assessment of who was at fault. Keep in mind that it may take several days for the report to be finalized and available for you to obtain. Once it’s ready, contact the local police department or traffic enforcement authority that responded to the accident to inquire about how you can get a copy of the report. It’s wise to secure this document as soon as possible, as it will provide an essential foundation for your case.
Get Contact Information from the Other Driver and Witnesses
In the wake of a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to collect the contact information of the driver involved as well as any witnesses. Ask for their names, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. This information will be invaluable as you or your legal representative begin the process of gathering evidence and building your case. Having direct contact information allows for easier communication and coordination when seeking witness statements or additional details about the accident. It also ensures that you have a way to reach the driver if further discussions or negotiations are required. Remember, collecting this information at the scene is much easier than trying to track it down later.
Do Not Discuss Fault on the Scene or with the Car Insurance Company
At the scene of the accident and when dealing with the car insurance company afterward, it’s crucial to refrain from discussing fault. What you say can be used against you in the claims process or in court. Avoid statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt or responsibility, such as apologizing or speculating about what happened. Instead, focus on gathering facts and documenting details. When speaking with insurance representatives, stick to the basic information without assigning blame. It’s also advisable to consult with your attorney before making any statements or accepting any settlements, as they can provide guidance based on your best interests and the specifics of your case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Informing your insurance company about the pedestrian accident is an essential step. However, it’s important to proceed with caution when discussing the incident. Initially, limit your communication to the fact that the accident occurred without providing extensive details or speculations about who was at fault. Before divulging any further information or engaging in discussions about the accident’s specifics, it’s highly advisable to consult with a legal professional. An attorney can offer crucial advice on how to communicate with insurance companies to protect your interests and ensure you’re well-prepared to address any questions or claims processes that may arise.
Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Consulting with a pedestrian accident attorney is absolutely crucial, particularly if you have sustained serious injuries. A skilled personal injury attorney specializes in navigating the complex landscape of personal injury law and can offer invaluable advice and representation, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. With the intricate intricacies of insurance claims, potential litigation, and the quest for fair compensation, an experienced legal professional becomes an indispensable ally. They possess the expertise to evaluate your situation, determine the full extent of your entitlements, and aggressively pursue the best possible outcome. Remember, time is of the essence; seeking legal consultation promptly can significantly enhance your ability to secure the justice and compensation you rightly deserve.
Pursue Compensation
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, securing fair compensation is not just a legal right—it’s a necessary step towards your recovery and financial stability. Such incidents often lead to serious injuries, emotional distress, and substantial financial burdens, including medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. It’s important to remember that you deserve to be compensated for these hardships. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney will diligently work on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. They are adept at quantifying both tangible and intangible losses, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing your interests in court. Through their expertise, they strive to secure a settlement or judgment that reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses. Pursuing compensation with the help of a dedicated legal professional can make a significant difference in your recovery and future well-being.
How Our Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Can Fight For You
Our team at Doehrman Buba Ring specializes in offering comprehensive legal representation to victims of pedestrian accidents. Our dedicated approach to each case ensures that your rights are vigorously defended while we strive for the compensation you deserve. Below, we detail how our experienced attorneys can assist you following a pedestrian accident.
Expert Legal Advice
From the moment you engage our services, you’ll benefit from expert legal advice tailored to the specifics of your case. We understand the complexities of pedestrian accident claims and will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you’re informed and prepared every step of the way.
Thorough Investigation
Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and, if necessary, working with accident reconstruction experts. Our goal is to build a strong case on your behalf, showcasing the responsible party’s negligence.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Navigating communications with insurance companies can be daunting. Our attorneys take on this task for you, ensuring that your interactions with these companies protect your interests. We handle all negotiations for your personal injury claim, striving to achieve a settlement that adequately covers your losses without compromising your rights.
Litigation Expertise
Should your case go to trial, rest assured that you have a team of seasoned litigators by your side. We’re prepared to present your case compellingly in court, utilizing the evidence we’ve gathered to advocate for the maximum compensation possible.
Personalized Support
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we believe in providing personalized support to our clients. We understand that this is a challenging time for you, and we aim to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide the reassurance you need.
By choosing Doehrman Buba Ring to represent you in your pedestrian accident case, you can focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights and the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Do You Need To File a Lawsuit If You Are an Injured Pedestrian in a Car Accident?
Deciding whether to file a lawsuit after being injured as a pedestrian in a car accident hinges on multiple factors and the complexity of your specific situation. Generally, if you’ve sustained injuries with significant medical expenses, lost wages due to being unable to work, or experienced a considerable change in your quality of life, legal action might be necessary to secure the compensation you require for recovery.
Not all cases demand a personal injury lawsuit; sometimes, insurance settlements offer sufficient support. Your own insurance company may be able to cover medical expenses, and the at-fault driver’s insurance provider may offer a settlement for damages. However, when insurance companies fail to provide fair compensation through the initial insurance claim, filing a lawsuit becomes a critical step towards obtaining the financial support you’re entitled to.
It’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer who can assess your case’s details and advise on the best course of action, whether that involves negotiating a better settlement or proceeding with litigation to advocate for your rights and needs.
What Compensation is Available to Pedestrian Accident Victims?
- Medical Bills and Expenses: Covers costs for current and future medical treatments, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work following the accident, as well as potential future earnings if the victim cannot return to work in the same capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Addresses non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation awarded to the spouse of the victim for loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, additional compensation may be awarded as a punishment to the responsible party and to deter similar future conduct.
Each pedestrian accident case is unique, and our Indiana pedestrian accident lawyer can offer guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, helping to secure comprehensive compensation that reflects the extent of your specific losses and suffering.
Contact Doehrman Buba Ring Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Today
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we understand the profound impact a pedestrian accident can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. Our dedicated pedestrian accident lawyers have the expertise and compassion needed to guide you through this difficult time. We’re committed to fighting for the rights and compensation of those injured due to someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been affected by a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you in your recovery and legal process.
