What Pedestrians Should Do If They’ve Been Hit By A Car
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
Most of us live in Florida for the year round beautiful weather and we love spending time out in that weather. For many of us, that means taking advantage of the walkability of our state and heading out on foot. However, as a pedestrian in Florida we have to be extra careful on the roads. According to the Miami Herald has the highest rate of pedestrian accidents in the country. This shocking figure means that we all need to be cautious around vehicles and know what to do if we have been hit by a vehicle.Steps To Take After Being Struck By A Vehicle On Foot
Getting hit by a vehicle is a traumatic and disorienting experience. It’s hard to know how to act in the moment. However here is what to do if this ever happens to you:
• Get Out Of The Path Of Danger: Whether you are hit on a crosswalk or on the side of the street, getting hit by a car can put you further in danger. If you can physically move, get somewhere safe as soon as possible. Most drivers are not expecting an injured person to be in the street, so you may get struck a second time.
• Call 911: Call 911 as soon as you can. If you cannot call 911 try to get someone who can. If you are severely injured, go to the hospital immediately, your health is more important than anything. If your injuries are minor, wait for the police to arrive.
• Try To Keep The Driver At The Scene: After an accident most people will stop to see if you are okay. When they stop make sure that you keep the driver on the scene until the police come and you can file a report. If the driver leaves, try to get as much information about the car as possible such as the make, model, color, and license plate number.
• File A Police Report: When the police arrive describe what happened to the best of your ability. Stick to just the facts of the accident and do not admit to any fault. If you have been taken to the hospital, make sure that you contact the police as soon as you feel better to give them the details of the accident. Often times when a pedestrian has to go to the hospital, their account of the incident never gets collected.
• Collect Evidence At The Scene: While you are at the scene, make sure to collect as much evidence as possible. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicle, your injuries, and anything else you think may be relevant. The best part about nearly everyone having a smartphone now is that we can take a basically unlimited amount of photos. So go ahead and take more photos than you think you may need. You never know what might be evidence if you have to file a claim.
• Seek Medical Attention No Matter What: Even if your injuries do not seem bad enough to warrant medical attention, you still need to visit the doctor. Many times injuries don’t show up until days and weeks later. Going to the doctor right away will not only protect your health, but will link any injuries you have to the accident if you have to file a claim.
What Happens Next
A pedestrian accident can be a catastrophic event. However, if you know what steps you need to take, you will not only help protect yourself, but also your financial security. Healthcare is expensive and if you’ve been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, the person that caused the accident should have to pay those bills, not you. Unfortunately, even when a driver has deliberately hit a pedestrian, they will have an insurance company that will use a variety of tricks to get out of paying for your medical bills. Luckily, you have options.
At Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, and Walsh, we have over a century of combined experience protecting pedestrian accident victims from predatory insurance companies. We help you collect evidence, prove your injuries, and defend you from the insurance companies.