What to Do After A Pedestrian Accident in Philadelphia

The risk of becoming a victim of a pedestrian accident is ever-present. Distracted driving and driving while impaired are unfortunately becoming more common. Learn the essential actions to take after a pedestrian accident to protect yourself or your loved ones.

Five Immediate Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident:

The commotion and aftermath following an accident make it difficult to know what to do and what is important. During this frightening and confusing time, just focus on these 5 basic steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately.

Don’t hesitate to prioritize medical care. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a pedestrian accident. A professional evaluation can uncover hidden injuries and ensure proper treatment, minimizing the risk of long-term complications.

Moreover, a comprehensive medical record is vital for any potential legal claims. By documenting your injuries, you strengthen your case for fair compensation.

2. Call the Police and submit an accident report

An official police report is critical in documenting your pedestrian accident. Police reports include documentation from the scene such as statements, fault, and other essential evidence for insurance claims and possible legal actions.

3. Get witness contact information and accounts

Most often police reports will include witness statements and contact information from the accident. In instances where you are able to collect contact information, eyewitness statements are extremely valuable to present for potential legal proceedings to strengthen your case.

4. Gather photo and video evidence of the scene

A picture can tell a thousand words. Take as many photos and videos as possible. If you are injured and cannot take photos immediately following the accident, have a friend or family member return to the scene and take photos and videos as soon as possible.

Medical documentation, which includes records, treatments, and expenses of injuries sustained from your pedestrian accident are key components in potential litigation.

5. Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer

Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident can prove to be an overwhelming task for victims as they try to recover. Expert advice from a veteran pedestrian accident attorney can assist in navigating insurance settlements, filing claims, and ultimately enabling you to prioritize your recovery while your attorney protects your rights.

Other Actions to Take After Being Hit by a Car

After following the five steps above, several other actions will support your physical, emotional, and financial recovery from a pedestrian accident:

• Adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations to accelerate your recovery process.
• Schedule and keep future medical appointments to build a strong record of your injuries and medical costs.
• Get a copy of the police report. These are credible accounts of the incident and will include details of the accident, statements of individuals involved and witnesses, visual diagrams, and a preliminary assessment of fault. Police reports are a critical element in establishing liability, assessing responsibility, and determining compensation in personal injury claims.
• Limit social media posts as they could be used against you in a legal case.
• Report the accident to insurance companies but be cautious with what you say. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim. If you have any questions about what you should or should not say, consult with your personal injury lawyer first.

What to Do if the Driver Flees the Scene After a Pedestrian Accident?

Unfortunately, a pedestrian accident can go from bad to worse, especially when the driver flees the scene of the accident. First and foremost the victim must exercise their best efforts to remain calm in such instances. Victims of a hit-and-run accident should never attempt to chase or apprehend the fleeing driver. Instead, the victim’s best recourse is to gather as much evidence as possible of the vehicle including make, model, color, and any parts of the license plate number. Next, call 911 to report the incident to the authorities. Finally, collect contact information from witnesses.

What to Do if the Driver Does Not Admit Fault for the Accident?

If the driver doesn’t admit fault, the situation becomes more complex, similar to a hit-and-run. Instead of arguing with the driver, focus on gathering crucial evidence. This includes collecting the driver’s information, vehicle details, and contact information for any witnesses. In these cases, consulting a personal injury attorney is especially important to navigate the legal complexities of proving fault. Rest assured that the victim of a pedestrian accident is rarely at fault and often collects damages to help with their recovery.

Why Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer?

When it comes to protecting your rights during the difficult times following a pedestrian accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can be your greatest asset. Before accepting settlements or attempting to navigate the complexities of the law, contact Stuart Carpey. He will guide you and advocate for you. Contact Carpey Law today and put the area’s most skilled personal injury lawyer to work for you.