Steps To Take When A Pedestrian Is Hit by A Car

Accidents involving pedestrians and cars can have devastating consequences, leaving victims with severe injuries and emotional trauma.

If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, knowing what steps to take immediately after the accident can be critical for the well-being of the injured pedestrian and the overall resolution of the situation. In this post, we will guide you through the essential steps to follow when a pedestrian is hit by a car. Remember, prompt and compassionate action can make a significant difference in assisting the victim and preserving important evidence for any potential legal claims.

Prioritize Immediate Safety

The safety and well-being of those involved should be your primary concern. If you witness a pedestrian being hit by a car, call 911 for police and emergency medical assistance immediately. If you are the driver involved, stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident, turn on your hazard lights, and summon medical aid if the pedestrian is injured. Avoid moving the injured person unless it’s necessary to prevent further harm.

Contact The Police

Call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. Having an official police report on record can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Cooperate fully with the responding officers and provide them with accurate information about what transpired. However, refrain from admitting fault or making assumptions about the cause of the accident.

Preserve The Accident Scene

While waiting for the authorities to arrive, if it is safe to do so, it is always best to preserve the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the scene and area, capturing the position of the parties involved, traffic signs, any visible injuries and any damage to property. These visuals can serve as valuable evidence later on. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information, as their statements could be crucial in determining liability for the accident and even damages.  If you are a witness, take photographs of the scene, of the injured party and vehicle involved and offer to provide them to police and to the injured parties.

Exchange Contact and Insurance Information

If you are the driver, you are required to exchange contact and insurance information with the pedestrian and any other parties involved in the accident. Obtain their name, contact details, license plate and driver’s license information and insurance policy information. Provide your information as well. Avoid discussing fault or the circumstances of the accident beyond what is necessary for exchanging details.

Assist the Injured Pedestrian

Offer comfort and support to the injured pedestrian while waiting for emergency medical help to arrive. Refrain from administering any medical treatment unless you are trained and qualified to do so. Encourage the pedestrian to stay as still as possible until paramedics can assess their injuries.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

As the driver involved in the accident, promptly report the accident to your insurance company. Provide them with accurate details of the accident and cooperate with any investigation they may conduct. Be cautious about admitting fault, as this can impact your insurance claim and legal liability. Let your attorney and insurance company determine fault.

Seek Legal Advice

If you are a pedestrian who was hit by a car, seeking legal advice from an experienced California pedestrian accident attorney is advisable. An attorney will guide you through the claims process and legal process, assert your legal rights, and pursue and secure financial compensation for your injuries and losses. After a pedestrian accident, your priority should be getting evaluated and receiving immediate emergency medical treatment for your injuries, followed by hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer to handle your personal injury claim.

Conclusion

Accidents involving cars and pedestrians are distressing events that require immediate and compassionate action. By prioritizing safety, contacting law enforcement, preserving the accident scene and documenting it, exchanging information, and seeking medical and legal assistance, you can support the injured pedestrian and ensure the proper handling of the situation. Remember, being proactive and caring in the aftermath of a pedestrian accident can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.

We offer injured pedestrian accident victims a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee unless we recover financial compensation for you.

We understand that attorney’s fees are a leading cause of victims not seeking the legal representation they desperately need. That’s why we handle our client’s cases on a contingency fee arrangement. Clients pay nothing upfront.

Our legal fees are calculated based on a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If there is no compensation recovered for you, there is no fee, and you owe us nothing.

We want everyone who has been seriously injured to be able to access high-quality legal counsel for their personal injury case, and we have helped countless injured pedestrians recover compensation for their injuries.

Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Read Next: Can A Pedestrian Sue If Hit By A Car In California?

The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.