Pedestrian Accident Injury Attorneys
Tens of thousands of pedestrians are injured by motor vehicles each year. These accidents typically occur when a person is crossing the street; they’re either not seen by a motor vehicle or are crossing illegally against a traffic signal. To avoid being a victim, be in charge of your safety. This means paying attention as you cross the street! Look both ways, be sure that you’re crossing with the traffic lights, cross only in a crosswalk, and be especially vigilant about cars making turns as they’re less likely to see you.
Pedestrians can experience serious injuries from their clash with a car, simply because they do not have the protection offered by a vehicle. Common injuries from pedestrian accidents include broken bones, internal injuries, and head, neck and spine injuries. If you are in this situation, here are some tips to stay calm and move forward after a pedestrian accident:
- Find a Safe Place. Since most pedestrian accidents happen in the street, it’s important to find a safe place — if you are able to move. Find the nearest sidewalk to rest on in order to avoid a second accident if another driver doesn’t see you in the road.
- Don’t Let the Driver Leave. Even if you just have bruises and soreness after a pedestrian accident, do not let the driver leave the scene. Oftentimes, these early symptoms lead to more serious injuries, like broken bones or internal injuries. So, it’s important to always gain the insurance and contact information of the driver. This is also a time to gather witnesses. If a witness cannot stay, ask for their contact information so they can provide a statement to the police at a later time.
- Call the Police. Even if you think your injuries are minor, you need official documentation of the accident. Call the police and provide a statement to them for inclusion in an accident report. This report is valuable for insurance companies — and especially if attorneys need to get involved.
- Take Photos. Take photos of your injuries and the car that hit you — including the license plate. Also photograph the intersection, street signs, traffic lights and any other aspects of the scene.
- Get Medical Help. Again, even if your injuries are minor, you need to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident. Many injuries don’t show up right away. If you do move forward with a lawsuit, you will need documentation of your injuries to support your case. Also, it’s in your own best interest to make sure you are healthy!
- Call the Insurance Company. Insurance companies will reimburse you for your injuries, but only if they determine it is necessary. Don’t give them too much information without consulting with an attorney, as they could hold your own words against you if they deny your claim. Instead, work with an attorney and document your expenses related to the accident.
- Contact an Attorney. The attorney’s job is to get you what you deserve to cover your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. The personal injury attorneys at The May Firm are experienced in pedestrian accidents and have the knowledge to know when an offer from an insurance company is fair or not.
The pedestrian accident injury attorneys at The May Firm offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the details of your case. Call today at 1-844-MAYFIRM.