A pedestrian accident can be traumatic for everyone involved, and they are more common than many people realize. Thousands die in traffic accidents each year, and many of these accidents involve pedestrian fatalities. Regardless of a pedestrian’s level of care, some accidents are unavoidable. If a person is hit by a negligent driver, their actions after the crash could affect their ability to gain compensation. Below are several tips to remember in the event of a pedestrian accident.
Stay Calm
It can be very tempting to lash out at a negligent driver after a pedestrian incident. Although such verbal responses may be perfectly justifiable, it is in a client’s best interest to remain civil and calm, as aggressive actions can adversely affect a personal injury claim.
Notify the Police
If there’s no immediate police response, involved parties should call 911 to make a report. Even if a pedestrian does not feel hurt, some injuries can take hours, days, or even weeks to appear. An officer will make a report containing important details on injuries, property damage, the location, and the people involved. A personal injury lawyer can use the report to prove negligence and liability.
Exchange Information with Others
The involved parties should exchange contact information after an accident. The victim should get the at-fault driver’s name, address, phone number, registration, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact info as well because pedestrian accident attorneys can use witness testimony to support a claim.
Take Photos
Almost everyone has a camera phone, and these can be used to gather evidence after a pedestrian accident. Take photos of the position of vehicles, skid marks, property damage, and injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
If a person is hurt at the accident scene, others should call the police and EMS. Even if the victim does not feel injured, they should still see a doctor as soon as possible. If an injury is discovered later, it may be hard for a personal injury lawyer to prove the injury is accident-related.
Pedestrian auto accident victims often face a lengthy recovery and lifelong effects. However, pedestrian accident attorneys can evaluate a case and determine grounds for a claim. More importantly, a lawyer with Autoaccidentattorneyhonolulu.com can help a victim avoid mistakes that may prevent them from making a recovery.
