What Should I Do after Being Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian? 3 Tips from a San Diego Accident Lawyer
Station wagons filled with families, trucks carrying heavy loads, motorcycles zipping between lanes – even the most patient and careful drivers have a lot to watch for on the road. But many motorists spend so much time keeping an eye on other vehicles that they overlook another kind of road user: pedestrians.
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Airbag exploded at a car accident.
Recent statistics show that more and more people on foot are being hit by drivers: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration counted 4,743 pedestrians killed in car crashes in 2012, and an estimated 76,000 people were injured. In San Diego alone, 68 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, according the state’s Medical Examiner’s Report – an increase from 52 in 2011.
According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pedestrian Safety Report, the people most at risk of being hit by a vehicle while walking are:
- Pedestrians aged 65 and older;
- Children on their way to or from school;
- And people who were alcohol-impaired while on the road.
If you were hit by a negligent driver in California, then you may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, time off work and other damages. Contact a San Diego personal-injury attorney from Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates to discuss your case.
Our accident lawyers have been litigating personal-injury cases on behalf of California residents for almost 30 years. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also read more about pedestrian injury claims by visiting USAttorneys.com.
If the worst happens and you are hit by a vehicle, keep these three tips in mind:
- Call the Police
NHTSA data shows that on average, a pedestrian was injured every seven minutes in traffic crashes in 2012. Being hit by car is a traumatic event that could throw you into shock – but it is important to stay calm at the scene and take steps to protect your interests. These include:
- Reporting the accident to the police;
- Taking as many photographs of the scene as you can;
- Recording the contact information of eyewitnesses;
- And calling your insurance provider.
- See a Doctor
Pedestrians are at greater risk of being injured or killed in a car accident than the passengers of vehicles. However, even if you do not feel injured, you should still visit a doctor after a pedestrian crash. The shock and adrenaline may be masking symptoms, and if you put off a medical evaluation, it may be difficult for your personal-injury attorney to tie your wounds to the accident.
- Consult an Accident Lawyer
If you were hit by a driver who was speeding, drunk or otherwise negligent, then you may have grounds for a personal-injury claim. However, recovering fair compensation may involve an uphill legal battle – especially if the insurance company refuses to cooperate. This is where an accident lawyer may be able to help.
Your personal-injury attorney will gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and evaluate doctors’ records and the police report to help you prove liability, negligence and damages. Your lawyer can also help you avoid mistakes such as unknowingly admitting fault to insurance adjusters or accepting a low settlement.
If the incident happened in California, contact a personal-injury attorney from Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates. A San Diego accident lawyer will help you navigate the claims process.
Our attorneys have recovered more than $150 million for our clients in successful settlements and verdicts. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free initial consultation.
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