4 Things To Do After Being Hit By A Car As A Pedestrian

Few things are more frightening than being hit by a car while walking across the street or waiting for walk signal to change. Even if your injuries are not severe, you will probably experience anxiety and fear after the accident. Here are four things you must do when you are hit by a car as a pedestrian in order to make this difficult time as comfortable as possible:

Call the Police

A police report will be very important later when filing an insurance claim or hiring an attorney for a negligence lawsuit claim. The police officer will interview you and the motorist, allowing you a chance to explain the chain of events that led to the accident from your perspective. It is crucial to do this right away before your memory of the accident begins to fade or become jumbled.  

Gather Evidence

For insurance and legal reasons, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible at the time of the accident. If you are too injured or shaken to do this yourself, call a nearby friend or family member or even ask the police officer to gather this evidence for you. Examples of important evidence include

• Photos of the car, the location of the accident, and your injuries.

• Witness names and phone numbers.

• Motorist's full name, insurance information, and a photo of both their driver's license and license plate.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you only seem to be scraped up, it's a good idea to call an ambulance after you've been struck by a car. You may be experiencing shock, making your injuries temporarily feel less severe than they are. The paramedics will be able to fully evaluate you to determine the full extent of your injuries and provide you with immediate medical treatment. If you find that you have more pain in the days following your accident, make an appointment with your doctor immediately so you can be treated before your symptoms become more serious.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

When you're hit by a car as a pedestrian, you may end up with expenses that go way beyond what you initially anticipate. Medical bills, counseling services if you experience anxiety or feelings of trauma, physical therapy, missed wages, and other expenses can quickly add up. The motorist who hit you may be uninsured, under-insured, or their insurance company may work on their behalf to limit their liability and the pay-out you receive. The best way to ensure a fair settlement is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer.

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