- Stay calm, wait for help if you get hit by a car, and call emergency services.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Hire a reliable personal injury attorney if you sue the driver for compensation.
- Collect evidence such as photos, witness statements, and video footage.
- Notify your insurance provider if you have an insurance policy.
Getting hit by a car is a terrible experience that can cause severe pain and injury. It’s especially true for pedestrians, who usually bear the brunt of the accident. If you are in a situation where you’ve been hit by a car, you need to know what to do next. This blog post provides practical advice on what to do when hit by a car as a pedestrian.
The Prevalence of Car Accidents with Pedestrians
As a pedestrian, you venture out into the world on foot, getting from one point to another. But a single moment of inattention from a driver can change your life forever. People are always at risk, regardless of age, gender, or location, regarding car accidents with pedestrians. Statistics show that every year, thousands of pedestrians are struck by vehicles worldwide.
In some unfortunate cases, the outcome could even be fatal. The causes of such accidents vary, from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving, and speeding to simply failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. It is important for drivers to be alert and aware of their surroundings, especially when approaching pedestrian areas.
How Will This Affect You?
You may feel scared and confused when you’re a car accident victim. Depending on your situation, you could have sustained physical injuries ranging from minor bruises to broken bones or worse. In some cases, these can be permanent and life-altering. You might also be dealing with mental trauma such as depression or anxiety – though these are less visible than physical injuries, they are just as accurate.
Aside from the physical and mental pain, you may also face financial losses due to medical bills or lost wages. In this case, you need to ensure that you receive proper compensation for your injuries and losses.
What To Do After Being Hit By a Car
Once you’ve been hit by a car, it is essential to stay calm and follow these steps:
Stay Calm and Wait for Help
The first thing you should do when you get hit by a car is to stay calm and avoid panicking. It’s essential to keep a clear head and wait for help. Call the emergency services and provide them with your location and other pertinent information. Often, medics will arrive on the scene almost instantly and try to stabilize you before transporting you to the hospital.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should seek medical attention. Internal injuries can take time to manifest, and sometimes, the symptoms don’t show up until hours or even days after the accident. Make sure you visit a hospital or a clinic to get yourself checked out by a doctor.
Hire a Lawyer
If you decide to sue the driver for compensation, you must hire a reliable personal injury attorney. The lawyer will help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and will provide critical advice on how to proceed with your case. They will also help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Collect Evidence
If you can, collect as much evidence as possible. This will help you speed up the process of claiming compensation if you decide to sue the driver for negligence. Take photos of the accident scene, get the driver’s details, and talk to any witnesses. You can also get video footage from any nearby CCTV cameras.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
If you have insurance, you need to notify your provider as soon as possible. Most insurance policies have guidelines on what you should do when involved in an accident. Ask your provider what you should do next, and they will guide you on processing your claim.
Wrapping Up
Getting hit by a car is an unfortunate event that can have long-lasting physical and emotional consequences. The most important thing to do is stay calm and seek help immediately.
Collect as much evidence as possible for insurance or legal claims. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible and consider hiring a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process thoroughly. Remember that your safety is a priority; you should always seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
