Steps To Take If You Are Hit By A Car While Walking
Posted on: 28 August 2019
When a person is walking in a city, he or she most likely does not spend a lot of time thinking about getting hit by a car. Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents do happen, and it can be incredibly stressful and scary to be walking through a crosswalk or strolling through a parking lot and see a car approaching. Unfortunately, car-pedestrian accidents can also lead to serious injuries for the pedestrian. If you are ever hit by a car as a pedestrian, it is important to know what to do. Take the following steps in the event that you are hit by a car while walking:
Try to Remain Calm
In most cases, pedestrians have the right of way and drivers should know to watch carefully for pedestrians that may be crossing the street in a crosswalk or traveling through a parking lot on foot. So, when you get hit by a car, it is easy to get very upset and angry. However, yelling at the driver of the automobile will not help the situation. Your best bet is to try to remain as calm as possible.
Immediately Contact the Police
In the event of a pedestrian-car accident, it is essential to call the police right away. Even if you do not think that you are seriously injured, it is very important to make sure that the driver remains on the scene until the police arrive. Do not accept the driver's contact information--he or she will need to talk to the police so that they can create a comprehensive accident report.
Seek Out Medical Attention
If you are seriously injured after being hit by a car, the police will arrange to have you transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. However, even if your injuries do not appear serious, you still need to see a doctor. Ideally, you should see a doctor as soon as possible after being hit by a car since this type of accident can cause internal injuries that can be life-threatening if not treated right away.
Hire an Attorney
When a driver hits a pedestrian, he or she is usually held liable. If you are hit by a car, you are entitled to a settlement that covers the cost of your medical bills and lost wages. Some settlements also include extra money to account for pain and suffering. If you want to maximize your settlement and not have to deal with the stress of dealing with the driver's insurance company, hiring an attorney who specializes in pedestrian accidents is your best option.
To learn more, contact a law office like Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, LLC.
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