What to Do If You’re Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are injured in accidents involving vehicles. The aftermath of such accidents can be devastating, leading to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens. Whether you’re in a crosswalk or simply walking along the sidewalk, knowing what to do is essential if you find yourself injured due to a pedestrian accident.

This guide will answer some of the most pressing questions pedestrian accident victims face, helping you take the proper steps to protect yourself.

The moments following an accident are often filled with confusion and stress, but knowing how to respond can significantly affect your recovery and legal case. Here’s a step-by-step approach to follow immediately after a pedestrian accident:

If possible, move out of the roadway to a safer location to avoid further harm. However, if you suspect that you’re severely injured, it’s best to wait for medical professionals to assess your condition. Even minor movements can exacerbate injuries.

Calling 911 ensures the police and medical professionals arrive at the scene. A police report will create an official accident record, which is invaluable when pursuing a claim later. Even if the accident appears minor, having a police report on record provides documentation of the event and can help substantiate your compensation claim.

Some injuries, especially internal injuries or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. It’s essential to be checked by a medical professional to ensure your well-being and to document any injuries. A medical report linking your injuries to the accident will also be crucial in establishing your case if you seek compensation.

If you’re able, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including your injuries, the vehicle involved, street signs, skid marks, and any other details that could be relevant. Also, contact information must be gathered from any witnesses who saw the accident. Witness testimonies can strengthen your case by providing independent accounts of the incident.

Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. This information is essential for filing an insurance claim and, if necessary, pursuing legal action.

It’s natural to want to talk about the accident but avoid making statements to the driver, their insurance company, or anyone else on the scene. Statements like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m okay” could be misconstrued later. Limit conversations to exchanging necessary information, and save any discussions about fault for your attorney.

Even though you were the pedestrian, notifying your insurance company is essential as it keeps them informed. Refrain from giving a recorded statement until after consulting with a lawyer, as insurance companies may use your words to reduce your compensation.

In most pedestrian accident cases, victims can seek financial compensation for their injuries. This compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. Depending on the state, you may be able to claim compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident.

You can file a personal injury claim if another party’s negligence caused the accident. This often means filing a claim against the driver’s insurance. Still, you may also be eligible to file claims against other entities (e.g., a city government if poor infrastructure contributed to the accident).

Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex, especially when insurance companies try to minimize their payouts. Hiring an experienced attorney ensures that you have professional support throughout the process, increasing your chances of a successful claim.

While many pedestrian accident cases are resolved through insurance claims, some require a lawsuit for fair compensation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, you can take your case to court and pursue justice through litigation.

The financial impact of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, especially when medical expenses and time away from work are involved. Knowing the types of compensation available can help alleviate these burdens.

Medical bills can quickly add up after a pedestrian accident, covering emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. Victims may claim compensation for all past and future medical costs related to the accident.

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible to recover lost wages. Additionally, if your injuries result in long-term disability or limit your ability to earn in the future, you may receive compensation for lost earning capacity.

Pain and suffering damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. Factors like the severity of the injury, recovery time, and long-term effects on your quality of life are considered when calculating this amount.

In addition to personal injuries, property damage may also be a factor in pedestrian accidents. For example, if you were carrying a laptop, phone, or other valuable items, you might be eligible for compensation for these losses.

In cases where the driver acted recklessly (e.g., driving under the influence or speeding), you may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

The statute of limitations varies by state. For instance, in many states, the deadline to file a personal injury claim is two years from the accident date. However, exceptions may apply. In cases involving government entities, the time limit might be much shorter—sometimes as little as six months.

There are specific circumstances where the statute of limitations may be extended. For example:

Filing a claim within the statute of limitations is essential to protect your rights. Consulting with Roxell Richards Law Firm soon after your accident helps you navigate the deadlines and ensure that your case is filed promptly.

Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be challenging, especially when facing aggressive insurance adjusters and complicated legal processes.

Our team has years of experience handling pedestrian accident cases, and we know the common tactics insurance companies use to reduce settlements. We’ll work to counter these strategies and protect your interests.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, offering victims low settlements. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who understand the value of your case and will not settle for less than you deserve.

At Roxell Richards Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis. You won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. This policy ensures that legal representation is accessible to all accident victims, regardless of their financial situation.

We understand the emotional and physical challenges that follow a pedestrian accident. Our team takes a compassionate approach, working closely with clients to ensure their needs are met throughout the case. Each client deserves personalized attention and a dedicated strategy for their unique circumstances.