Car Accident Lawyer

On any given day, scores of pedestrians walk the streets and sidewalks. Walking is excellent exercise, it is cost-effective, it doesn’t produce carbon emissions, and may be the only means of transportation some people have.  However, a personal injury attorney can remind you that sidewalks, crosswalks, and streets are not always a safe place for pedestrians.

Often, pedestrian injury accidents result in serious injuries or death. A two-ton passenger vehicle exerts a significant force upon impact with a human body. If you were injured while being hit by a car, truck, or SUV while on foot, you might be eligible for compensation from a personal injury claim. 

I’ve Been Hit by a Car. Now What?

Pedestrian accidents can be overwhelming, stressful, and confusing. Unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents, you may not know where to turn for help. However, it helps to know that a pedestrian hit by a car may have the same rights as a motor vehicle hit by a car. You might have personal injury protection coverage through your own auto insurance policy, and the other driver’s insurance policy, as well. 

This means is that you can file a personal injury claim against the driver who was negligent or at fault for your pedestrian accident. However, the steps you take immediately following your injury may play a significant role in the outcome of your lawsuit. 

What to Do Immediately Following Being Hit By a Vehicle as a Pedestrian

Being hit by a car, truck, or SUV can be a traumatizing experience. Your personal health and safety should come first. Therefore:

► Move to a safe location: If you have been hit by a car and are still on or near the road or street, other drivers may not be able to see you. Therefore, you are at risk of being hit again. Move out of the roadway as soon as possible, if you can

► Call for help: Pedestrian accidents often involve injuries, sometimes they are extremely serious or life-threatening. If there is no one else around to call 911, do it yourself.  If you have injuries, an ambulance can take you to get the required medical care. Plus, you’ll likely need law enforcement to file a report documenting the accident.

► Get medical attention: Don’t put off getting medical care. You may have injuries that are not apparent to you. Or, you may have symptoms that show up hours or days after the incident. Your medical provider needs to document all of this on your medical record. It will be a substantial part of proving the extent of your injuries. You should get a medical evaluation even if you don’t think you’re hurt. A medical professional can rule out serious injuries and document any symptoms you are experiencing following the accident.

► Contact a personal injury attorney: A pedestrian accident personal injury attorney can help you prove the fault of the motor vehicle operator, which provides the opportunity to recover damages after an accident. Don’t delay—contact a catastrophic injury lawyer in Trenton, NJ as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can gather evidence while it’s still fresh, investigate the details of the accident, and build a strategic case.

Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into personal injury claims and what to do if you’ve been the victim of a pedestrian accident.