Pedestrians vs. Cars: What to Do if You’ve Been Hit

Pedestrian-car accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. While the majority of people have never been involved in this type of accident, reports show that these accidents are increasing faster than all other traffic fatalities.

In 2022 alone, at least 7,508 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes, which was a continuation of upward trends in recent years. This number signifies the most pedestrian deaths in over 40 years, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GSHA). For this reason, it is more important than ever to make sure you are aware of what to do if you are a pedestrian involved in a car accident.

What To Do at the Accident Scene as a Pedestrian

If you or someone you know is injured in any type of pedestrian-car incident, it is important to take immediate action to protect both your health and legal rights. Here are some things you should remember:

• Seek medical attention. Impact from a vehicle can be incredibly damaging, and you should seek medical help even if you initially feel fine.
• Call the police. With the police involved, they will create an official accident report documenting details of the incident. This can be helpful when dealing with insurance claims or when filing a lawsuit.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with those involved in the accident.
• Refrain from discussing who was at fault for the accident, especially staying away from using the word, “Sorry.” While it may feel polite to say something along these lines, this can be seen as an admission of guilt and can be used against you when seeking damages.
• Gather as much evidence from the scene as you can. Use your phone to take pictures of your injuries, the vehicle, and anything else that would be relevant. These pictures can later be used in an injury claim, however if you forget to take any then you may run into more problems getting the help you are entitled to.
• Get the names and contacts of any eyewitnesses who may have seen the accident, and look around to see if there may be any security cameras in the vicinity that could have captured what happened.
• Call an experienced Personal Injury Attorney, who will be your best resource for understanding your legal options and serving as your advocate throughout the legal process.

In keeping these steps in mind, you can be proactive in helping your chances at a safe and healthy recovery.

Call Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law if You Were a Pedestrian Hit by a Motor Vehicle

At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, our compassionate team of pedestrian accident attorneys are here to support you during this difficult time. If you or someone you know has been injured, first seek medical attention. Once your immediate needs are addressed, turn to us for legal assistance.

We believe in putting our clients first, and that is why we operate on a contingency fee basis: if we do not recover compensation for you, you owe us absolutely nothing. It will not cost you a penny to see if we can help. To discuss your case, call today and schedule your free consultation.