What Do I Do If I Was Hit by a Car While Walking

The severity of pedestrian accident injuries often depends on the speed of the vehicle involved, the nature of the collision, and your physical condition. 

Common injuries sustained in pedestrian accidents include:

• Cuts and lacerations ranging from minor scrapes to deep cuts.
• Bruises and contusions.
• Broken bones and fractures.
• Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Internal bleeding and damage to organs.
• Neck and back injuries.
• Pelvic injuries.
• Dental injuries, jaw fractures, and facial disfigurement.

If you’re hit by a car, your first priority should be your safety. Call 911 to report the incident to the police or ask someone to do it for you. The police report from the accident scene will be crucial for any subsequent legal claim.

It’s also critical that you get immediate medical attention, even if you feel perfectly fine. Some injuries take time to produce symptoms. This is common with internal bleeding or concussions. Plus, the shock and adrenaline of getting hit by a car can mask many injury symptoms.

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, consider the legal aspects of pursuing a pedestrian accident claim. These claims are usually based on proving that the driver's negligence caused your injuries.

Establishing who is at fault is critical. In some cases, the driver may clearly be at fault, but there could be shared responsibility. Gather as much evidence as possible. This includes the police report, medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the accident scene.

Consider hiring a personal injury attorney who knows how to investigate pedestrian accidents. They can gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and negotiate for fair compensation.

How much is my pedestrian accident claim worth?

The value of your pedestrian accident claim depends on the nature of the collision and your injuries. An attorney will need to add up your damages to determine how much money you’re eligible for.

Compensation for pedestrian accidents covers various damages incurred. These include:

• Medical expenses: This can cover past, current, and future medical treatments related to your pedestrian accident.
• Lost wages: If the injury caused you to miss work, you could claim compensation for current and future lost income.
• Pain and suffering: This is a non-economic damage and can be subjective. It accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Loss of quality of life: In cases of severe injuries leading to disabilities, compensation can include loss of enjoyment of life.

Negotiations for compensation typically require the help of an experienced attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts by downplaying your injuries or shifting the blame. They may even argue that your condition is pre-existent and unrelated to your car accident. Additionally, they may use delay tactics hoping that you’ll get impatient and settle for less.

If the driver’s insurance company contacts you, avoid speaking to them. Any statements you provide them can be used against you. That’s why it’s best to let a pedestrian accident lawyer handle all communications with the driver’s insurance company.

An attorney will present the evidence they find and use it to negotiate for a maximum settlement. If a settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to litigation. This involves filing a lawsuit and possibly going to trial. The process can be lengthy and complex, requiring detailed evidence and expert testimonies.

There’s a lot at stake when pursuing a pedestrian accident claim. The last thing you need is a lowball settlement offer from the insurance companies. That’s why you need a top-notch lawyer on your side who will fight to recover every dollar you’re entitled to in compensation.

With a Law.com Premier Pedestrian Accident Lawyer on your side, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. You don’t have to worry about any upfront costs. Premier Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.