If you were walking on a street, sidewalk, or crosswalk and were hit by a car, truck, or SUV, hopefully, you weren’t hurt badly. Pedestrian accident injuries are some of the most severe and catastrophic. Fatalities are not uncommon. If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel as if you’ve been hurt, you’re better safe than sorry.
Additionally, you need a medical record of your injury assessment and treatment if you’re going to file a personal injury claim against the negligent or careless driver who injured you. After you’re safe and your immediate medical needs have been addressed, contact an experienced pedestrian accident injury attorney. A review of your situation from a legal professional can help you understand your rights and learn how an injury lawyer can fight for your best interests.
In the Aftermath of Your Pedestrian Accident
Your accident injury attorney can work with the driver of the motor vehicle that hit you and their insurance company to attempt to negotiate a reasonable settlement. However, you can help to ensure a positive outcome by doing specific things in the days and weeks following the accident. These include:
► File a police report: If the police were called to the scene of your accident, this would suffice as a police report document. If the police were not there, you could still file a report through the DMV. Your attorney will need a copy of this report.
► Follow-up with medical care: Go to all the appointments and take all the treatments your doctor recommends. If you fail to follow your medical provider’s instructions, it can weaken your personal injury case. When you go to these appointments, be open and honest about how you are feeling. Your doctor will use what you say will be a part of your medical record. This medical record will almost surely be necessary to prove your personal injury case. Don’t keep health issues and symptoms to yourself. On the other hand, don’t play up your symptoms or how you are feeling either.
► Take a break from social media: Don’t post anything on any social media account that prompts the insurance company to question the extent of your injuries. This includes posting pictures of any recreational or other activities where you look healthy and fully functional. If you are claiming substantial damages, it is usually a good idea to avoid posting any personal photos at all until your case resolves.
Valuing Your Pedestrian Accident Injury Claim
After an accident, you can work with an injury attorney file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent or at-fault party. What you can recover will depend on many factors, including the extent and severity of your injuries. Typical costs in a pedestrian injury claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Medical equipment required
- Residential modifications necessary
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment
- Wrongful death
Indeed, it’s a lot to consider when you’re injured and overwhelmed. If you have questions or need help with your pedestrian injury claim, schedule a consultation with a pedestrian accident lawyer in Memphis, TN today to discuss your case.
Thanks to Wiseman Bray, PLLC for their insight into personal injury claims and pedestrian accidents.