If you are in a car accident involving a pedestrian, there are things that can help you down the road. During the accident, your mind is not clear. Even if you were a witness, chances are, seeing a car accident involving a pedestrian has left you shaken. Depending on the severity of the accident, it can be very upsetting.
Whether you are a witness or a victim you want to make sure you do not put yourself or another into harm’s way. For example, if you are in a position to assist someone else who was injured, it’s ok to do so as long as you will not make his or her situation worse. Moving someone from a roadway to prevent being struck from oncoming traffic is fine. However, moving someone who may have a spinal injury when it’s not necessary to life and death can result in their paralysis and may cost you in the long run even if you were not initially involved in the accident.
PEDESTRIAN HIT AND RUN
If you are involved in a hit and run, that is, the driver keeps driving and does not stop, there are a few things you can do.
Call 911 and ask for the police and medical personnel immediately. Notify them of your location. Remain calm. The injured party (pedestrian) should seek medical treatment immediately as injuries can be internal. Adrenaline can mask effects of pain so there may be broken bones, head injury or even a spinal injury that is not known at the time.
If you are with the injured party, note that he or she may be embarrassed about the attention they are receiving. Make the victim comfortable and wait with them until emergency personnel arrives. If people must leave the scene request their names and contact information to include address, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, etc., as you may never see that person again in the future otherwise. This is also important even if the police are on the scene. Sometimes even the police forget or miss witnesses and those independent witnesses could be important to your claim.
It’s always a good idea to take pictures of the vehicle, the pedestrian’s location, the intersection, crosswalk, traffic, the scene in general and the street layout if at all feasible. When the victim goes to the hospital, full records can be established as to the extent of the injuries but photos of the actual location will still be necessary.
Do not discuss who was at-fault, blame or yell or argue with anyone at the scene. Things you say on the scene can be used later. It’s best not to discuss details with anyone at the scene other than to exchange contact information or answer basic questions. It is an emotional time and you may not be up to your best. The wrong responses will only make the situation much worse.
Hire legal counsel to protect your interests and take control of the claim. Hire the right one, not the first one you see on TV. You do this by speaking with several attorneys who have experience in the area of a car accident involving a pedestrian. Find one you are comfortable with as your claim may take some time while you are recovering. Emotional recovery can take longer than physical in some cases.
Every case is truly unique and should be reviewed by a pedestrian accident lawyer with experience and compassion.
If you have been injured in a car accident involving a pedestrian, Ty can help you. Ty is well established in the Savannah Georgia court system and he knows the law. Contact us for more information and for a free consultation.
