As a pedestrian, getting hit by a car can be a terrifying
and life-altering experience. Whether you're walking to work, crossing the
street, or simply taking a stroll in your neighborhood, being struck by a
vehicle is something that no one ever wants to experience. However, accidents
happen and it's vital for anyone to know what steps to take in order to survive
and recover from such a traumatic event. In this guide, we will go through the
necessary steps to take if you are ever hit by a car as a pedestrian.
Assess the Situation
The first and most important thing to do after being hit by
a car is to assess the situation. Take a moment to check for any injuries, both
visible and internal. If you are able to move, try to get yourself out of
harm's way and onto the sidewalk or a nearby safe area. If you are unable to
move, try to stay as still as possible and wait for help to arrive.
Some common injuries that pedestrians may sustain after
being hit by a car include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and
internal bleeding. Be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of these injuries
and seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine in the moment,
some injuries may not become apparent until later on so it's always best to get
checked by a medical professional.
Call for Help
Once you have checked things over, the next step is to call
for help. If you are able to, call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. The
sooner emergency services arrive, the better chance you have of receiving
proper medical care and potentially preventing further injuries or complications.
If you are unable to call for help on your own, try to
attract the attention of someone nearby by yelling or waving your arms. If
there are people around, ask them to call 911 and explain what happened. Try to
stay calm and clear when communicating with others in order to get the help you
need as quickly as possible. Remember that every second counts in an emergency
situation, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
In case there are no people around, try to use your phone or
any other means of communication at your disposal to call for help. Many
smartphones also have a feature that allows you to quickly contact emergency
services with just a few clicks, which can be useful if you are unable to make
a traditional phone call. If you are unable to communicate at all, try to make
noise or move any objects around you in order to attract the attention of
someone passing by.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not think you have any injuries, it's advised
to seek medical attention immediately after being hit by a car. Some injuries
may not be noticeable at first and can worsen if left untreated. Call 911 or
ask someone to call for help. If there are other people around, ask them to
check on the driver of the car as well.
It's natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious in a situation
like this, especially if you have sustained injuries that require medical
attention. However, try and remain as calm as possible during this time. Take
deep breaths and focus on staying still until help arrives. If you are able to
communicate with emergency services or bystanders, let them know about your
injuries and any relevant medical information. Remember that help is on the way
and try to stay positive and hopeful for a full recovery.
Document the Accident
If you are able to, don't forget to document the accident.
Take photos of the scene, including any damage to the vehicle and your
injuries. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information. This
will be helpful when filing a police report or insurance claim.
Once you have documented the accident, be sure to keep this
information safe and organized. Make sure to save any photos or videos taken at
the scene in a secure location, such as on your phone or computer. If there
were any witnesses who provided their contact information, be sure to keep that
safely stored as well. In addition, make copies of any medical reports or bills
related to the accident. It's important to have this information on hand for
insurance purposes and legal proceedings, if necessary. Keep all documents in a
folder or file that is easily accessible so you can refer back to them when
needed.
File a Police Report
Contact the police and file a report as soon as possible.
This will provide an official record of the accident and can also help determine
who is at fault. Be sure to accurately report what happened and any injuries
you have sustained.
Try to include as many details as possible. This can include
the location and time of the accident, weather conditions, any traffic signals
or signs involved, and a description of what happened leading up to the
accident. It's also crucial to mention any injuries sustained and if there were
any witnesses at the scene. The more information included in the police report,
the better chance there is of accurately determining fault and receiving proper
compensation for damages.
Gather Information
If the driver of the car stops and remains on the scene, be
sure to exchange information such as names, contact information, insurance
information, and vehicle registration. If the driver flees the scene, try to
remember as many details about the vehicle as possible, including make, model,
and license plate number.
In some cases, it may not be possible to gather all the
necessary information from the driver after being hit by a car. This can happen
if the driver flees the scene or is unable to communicate due to their own
injuries. In such situations, don't forget to contact your own insurance
company and provide them with as much information as you have.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once the initial shock and panic has subsided, don't forget
to contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident. This will
allow them to start processing any necessary claims for medical expenses or
damages. Be sure to provide them with all the information you have gathered
from the driver and police report. Your insurance company will also be able to
guide you through the next steps and provide you with any necessary resources.
Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting and
confusing experience, especially if you have never had to work with them
before. Know your rights and understand the terms of your insurance policy in
order to effectively communicate and negotiate with them. If you are unsure
about anything, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or seek legal advice.
It's also important to provide all necessary information and documentation to
your insurance company in a timely manner, as this can expedite the claims
process. Remember to communicate openly and honestly with your insurance
provider in order to ensure you receive proper compensation for any damages or
injuries sustained.
Seek Legal Help
If you have sustained serious injuries or significant
damages, it may be necessary to seek legal help. A personal injury attorney can assist you in receiving compensation for medical bills,
lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you have never worked with a lawyer before, the process
can seem intimidating. However, it's good to remember that your lawyer is there
to help you and guide you through the legal proceedings. Be sure to communicate
openly and honestly with your lawyer about your expectations and concerns. Ask
questions if you don't understand something and provide them with any relevant
information or evidence. Trust in their expertise and rely on their advice when
making decisions about your case. Working with a lawyer can greatly increase
your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Take Care of Yourself
You need to take care of yourself both physically and
emotionally after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. Make sure to follow any
medical advice given by doctors, attend necessary appointments and
rehabilitation sessions, and give yourself time to heal. Be sure to seek
emotional support if needed, whether it's from friends and family or a
professional therapist. Recovery from such a traumatic event can take time, so
be patient with yourself and remember to prioritize your well-being.
Being hit by a car is an unfortunate event that can happen
to anyone. However, knowing what steps to take in the aftermath can greatly
improve your chances of survival and recovery. Remember to always assess the
situation, seek medical attention, document the accident, file a police report,
gather information, contact your insurance, seek legal help if necessary, and
most importantly, take care of yourself. Stay safe and vigilant when walking as
a pedestrian and always be aware of your surroundings. Be careful out there!