There are lots of resources for what you should do after a car accident, but what happens when a pedestrian is hit by a car? While it is less common for a pedestrian to be involved in an accident with a car, the results can be much more severe. There are also occasions where a municipality may also be liable for an accident if conditions were unsafe for pedestrians.
What to do if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian.
Assess Injuries
Your first step in a pedestrian accident is to check for injuries. Call 911 for help whether the injuries seem minor or are obviously major. Get the medical help you need as soon as possible to prevent any further complications. If safe to do, move all parties to the side of the road and away from traffic and wait for help.
File a Police Report
It is important to document the facts of the accident with the officer so that it can be referenced as part of your claim. Take pictures if you are able so that there is visual evidence of the accident and the damages. Also get witness statements if there are people who saw the accident. Memories fade, so getting these at the scene is the best scenario.
Get the Information of the Driver
The driver who hit you should provide their license number, insurance, and contact information. If you do not have something to write with, use your phone to take pictures of the documentation. If you are too injured to do this yourself, the officers on scene will collect this information as part of the accident report.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your car insurance company may provide coverage to you as a pedestrian if you are hit by a car. This can also be true if you are on a bike. Call your insurance to determine your coverage as a pedestrian or a bicyclist.
Make a Claim Against the Driver
Much like you would file a claim against the at-fault driver in a car accident, a pedestrian hit by a car will also file a claim against the driver’s insurance. Before filing a claim, make sure you talk to a personal injury lawyer so they can help you assess all damages before making a claim. This includes any current or future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any property damage.
Make a Claim Against the City or Municipality
There are times when sidewalks, roads, crosswalks, or lights are not well maintained or working properly. If this was a factor in your accident, you may also have a claim against the municipality. An example could include a poorly marked crosswalk that was faded and hard for a driver to see, or a broken traffic light that did not provide adequate warning for the driver to stop. Your lawyer can help you determine if there is a claim to be made against the city or municipality.
