Being hit by a vehicle can cause serious injuries for a pedestrian because an individual doesn’t have much physical protection when struck. Even if a vehicle is moving at a slow speed, there could still be catastrophic injuries.
One of the first things that an injured pedestrian should do is to alert emergency services of the incident. Many pedestrians will need immediate medical attention, even if they don’t think they suffered catastrophic injuries. It’s possible that some injuries might not be evident at the scene of the crash. Medical attention is also critical because it can help to show the connection between being struck by a vehicle and one’s injuries.
What can the pedestrian do at the scene?
If it’s safe to do so, a pedestrian can try to take pictures of the scene, including any damage to the vehicle. They may also try to get witness information and contact information for the driver. Taking photos of the driver’s license, license plate and insurance documents can be beneficial. Of course, all of that might not be possible if the pedestrian suffered serious injuries.
What else should a pedestrian do after being struck by a vehicle?
Filing a personal injury claim may be possible. This allows the pedestrian to recover the financial damages associated with the crash. They can be significant, particularly for medical care expenses and lost income.
Personal injury claims must be handled swiftly because of time limits built into state law. Working with an attorney who can assist with getting the case together and filed may be beneficial so that a pedestrian who has suffered the injuries can focus on healing while their representative takes on the legal process.