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Busy Streets: What To Do After A Pedestrian Accident

Stay alert. At some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high.


If you’ve ever been involved in a pedestrian accident, you already know how stressful it can be. You may have been injured with no idea what to do next. Several issues must be addressed after an accident, and knowing what to expect can help make the process more manageable.

Here’s a look at general tips for handling pedestrian accidents.

 

What is a pedestrian accident?

A pedestrian accident occurs when a person is hit by a vehicle while walking. These accidents can be especially dangerous, as they involve moving cars and pedestrians who are not in vehicles.

Pedestrian accidents are often fatal but can also cause serious injuries requiring medical attention. The victim might suffer from broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other serious problems. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your damages.

Here are some ways to handle pedestrian accidents.

 

1. Stop immediately and move to a safe place

While the incident may emotionally shake you up, you must stay calm and try not to add fuel to the fire by panicking or getting angry at other drivers or pedestrians involved in the accident.

Next, check to see if you have any serious injuries that may prevent you from moving. You should be able to determine your mobility fairly quickly. If you are unable, ask someone to dial 911, then wait for assistance.

 

2. Call the police

There’s a good chance the driver or witnesses have already reported the incident to the police. If they haven’t, ask somebody to call them. Whether or not you are hurt, you still need the police to come to the scene so that you can report the accident.

Emergency services will typically be alerted by calling the police to ensure no one has been hurt. Because of the shock, you may subconsciously mask an underlying pain – you might actually be hurt and not even be aware of it.

 

3. Get medical attention

Even if you do not think you are injured, it is important to get medical attention immediately. You may have internal injuries that are not visible, spinal injuries that are not visible, broken bones that are not visible, or internal bleeding that is not visible.

 

4. Document everything

First, take pictures of the scene and the people or vehicles involved. Next, write down the time, date, and location of your accident. Lastly, get names, addresses, and phone numbers from witnesses at or near the accident scene. If they’re not willing to give you their information immediately, ask them if you can get back in touch with them later. The more people you have on board during this process, the better your chance of getting a fair outcome.

 

5. Contact an experienced attorney

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to get in touch with an experienced attorney who can help make sense of what happened and recover damages from any negligent parties.

Experienced pedestrian accident lawyers like those at Varner Faddis Elite Legal can help navigate these issues and explain your legal rights and options so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

 

While it may seem like an accident, the truth is that you may be entitled to compensation if another person’s negligence caused the crash. If this is true in your case, you must take the necessary steps immediately. Contacting an attorney who understands pedestrian accidents and how they affect your rights can help you get back on track after a traumatic experience like this!

 

Jeremy Biberdorf is a long-time internet marketing pro turned online entrepreneur and blogger. Check out his investing blog at Modest Money.

 

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