Pedestrian accidents are on the rise across states. Statistics revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggest that 6,283 pedestrians died in traffic crashes in 2018, and it was three percent more than the previous year. These accidents can cause severe injuries and lifelong disabilities in many cases.
You might find it a little too much, but there are some basics that you must know of in case you get hit by a car. You can’t wait for the licensed attorneys in your area to come over and tell you what to do in such a situation. So, here are some tips that’ll help you out in an unfortunate pedestrian accident, and the ways you can prepare for any compensation claims through your lawyer later on.
Find a safe place
You might be in trauma and have your senses blurred for some time after getting hit by a speeding vehicle. But you need to move out of the road immediately. Staying on the road might block it, bring chaos, create long jams, and increase the chances of another accident. Moving away from the road will protect you from getting hit by another vehicle. You should do it carefully without exacerbating your injuries.
Check Your Injuries
Once you move to a safe place, take a look at your injuries and analyze your condition. You will likely have more severe injuries than you can see if you are hit by a speeding car. Attend to any bleeding or severe cuts immediately by wrapping your handkerchief, scarf, or any other piece of cloth around the wounded area. Protect your wound from any dirt or grit, as it can substantially increase the risk of infection.
Call 911 Immediately
Calling 911 is the fastest way you can seek medical help and report the accident. Even if you find your injuries minor, you should stay on the spot and wait for the police and paramedics to arrive. Police will investigate and find out what caused the accident. They will note details of the accident, driver’s and witnesses’ statements. You can ask for a copy of this report later while seeking compensation for your injuries.
Seek Medical Help
Try to get medical care as soon as the paramedics arrive on the spot. It’s more likely that you will be injured more than the driver. If you have any broken bones, signs of internal damage, or brain injury, you may take the ambulance to the nearest hospital.
But, if you feel you can manage, you can go to the hospital yourself. Only a full body examination at the hospital can truly analyze the severity of your injuries. This preliminary medical report is an essential document for your personal injury case.
Record Your Statement
The police can wait till you are in a condition to give your statement. So, don’t rush into giving any statement that can put you at fault and not the driver. Try to answer what the police ask calmly without making any random statements.
Mostly, the police collect evidence from passersby, witnesses, or nearby CCTV cameras. This helps them establish a chain of events. However, you can also gather some information of your own, such as photos of the accident scene and your injuries, to later support your personal injury claim.
Follow The Instructions
Make sure you follow what is told by the police and paramedics. They may ask you to move to some other location or ask you questions about how you feel. The paramedics can also suggest proceeding to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. You should do what they ask you to do to prevent any difficulties.
Once you feel a little better, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. Negotiating with insurance companies can be taxing. Your lawyer will help you deal with the insurance companies so that you can focus on your health.
