Do you know what to do if you are the victim of a pedestrian accident? Do you know what steps to take if you are injured by being hit by a vehicle? Read on to learn about the steps you should take and how to increase your chances of recovering compensation for your damages. If you have already been injured in this type of accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Move to a Safe Area if Possible
If you can possibly move to a safe area, do it. Do not stay on the road unless you must. Remember that if you have pain in your head or otherwise think that you might have a head injury or spinal cord injury, then you should not move unless you must do so for your safety. If you can safely move, do so and go to the closest sidewalk or shoulder of the road to avoid additional injuries.
Attempt to Keep the Driver and All Witnesses at the Scene
It is likely that the driver is not going to want to remain at the scene. Remain calm and tell them that they need to stay so that their contact information can be on record with the police. Likewise, ask witnesses to stay to give statements to the police and/or their contact information. The statements from witnesses can make or break your case.
Contact the Police
You should call the police as soon as possible. This will help with any insurance or legal claims you have. Any accident that involves any injury or damage of more than $950 must be reported to the police, per California law. In the event that you were not hit hard and believe that you were not injured, it is still wise to contact the police. Some injuries are not immediately clear, and without a police report, it is much harder to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Take Photos of the Scene
Once again, only do this if it is safe to do so. If you are injured, ask a witness or other party to take pictures of the scene of the accident. This includes pictures of any damage to the vehicle, your injuries, any traffic lights or signs, skid marks, and anything else you believe might be relevant. Remember that if the driver contests the facts, an accident reconstruction expert can use these photos and other evidence to piece together what happened.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
It is essential to talk to a personal injury attorney who can assess your case and determine what legal actions are available to you. If you are ready to talk to an attorney today, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
