Hitting a pedestrian while driving a car or being the pedestrian hit creates a scary occurrence, but it’s unfortunately, not uncommon. According to statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 150,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic accidents in 2013.
Hitting a pedestrian at a speed of only 10 miles per hour can severely disable a pedestrian with more serious injuries and fatalities occurring at speeds above 30 miles per hour. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you may be experiencing a mixture of painful emotions and physical injuries and symptoms. It is imperative that if you have been injured that you don’t risk your health. Be sure to take the immediate following steps.
- Stay calm and move out of the street. Your adrenaline is running, your stress and anger levels are at their highest but your safety is paramount. Take several slow deep breaths and make sure to calm down as much as possible and move out of the street to avoid any further injury.
- Keep the driver there and exchange information. Due to the shock of being hit, often pedestrians think they are ok and let the driver leave. Often your adrenaline will mask the severity of your injuries. Don’t feel badly for looking out for your best interest and ensuring that you all stay until the police come.
- Be sure to call the police and wait for them. You need to obtain the accident report. This can only be done at the time of the accident and it is a vital legal document that will help you get the care and support you need after the accident.
- Give Your Statement. Be sure to let the police know when the report is being taken exactly what happened from your view point. By not giving a statement, you can harm yourself and your ability to gain the care you may need resulting from the accident.
- Take photos of the accident and any injuries obtained.
- Say NO to social media. Do not share your images or story of the accident online. If you go to court or file a case, this could weigh negatively on you making it seem as if you were negligent and checking your phone, not pay attention and actually being the cause of the accident.
- File an Insurance Claim right away.
- Find an attorney that specializes in injury care so you can be properly represented.
- Seek immediate medical attention. This is key because some injuries, such as whiplash, can take several days or longer to result in symptoms. Don’t guess with your health, get the immediate care even if your symptoms are not fully present. When you seek proper injury medical attention, this early assessment will help to spot signs of trouble so you can be proactive and reduce your risk of long-term complications.
At Injury Doc, we understand that a pedestrian accident can impact every area of your life from your ability to work and family to your financial well-being. This is why it is important to not only seek the medical care you need but it is also important to obtain independent legal counsel after your workplace injury has occurred.
The proper documented medical care paired with legal advice will ensure that you get the care you deserve and your questions answered so you can protect yourself and your family’s financial security while getting back your health.
The team at Injury Doc is here to help you get paired with the injury team you need, contact us today to get started.