Hit by a Car? Here is Your Step-by-Step Survival Guide

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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!

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