What should you do if you get hit by a car, even if the injuries don’t seem life-threatening and you feel fine? It’s essential to understand that symptoms may not appear until hours or even days after the accident, potentially revealing more severe injuries. These injuries can sometimes be life-threatening, particularly if they involve internal bleeding, head trauma, or organ damage. Therefore, pedestrians and cyclists must take crucial steps to protect themselves medically, financially, and legally. It’s crucial to visit an emergency room, outpatient clinic, or your family doctor’s office for an examination and any necessary x-rays or other tests. This not only ensures your safety but also provides essential medical records that can support a future legal claim for compensation.
Below is a guide on what to do when hit by a car, along with a FREE and Comprehensive Pedestrian Accident Checklist available for download from Howard Injury Law to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Or What If Was Hit By A Car While Walking, And The Driver Sped Away. How Can I Identify Them?
Hit-and-run pedestrian accidents occur, and when they do, the driver is in serious trouble. Not only have they caused injury, but they have also fled the scene. You may have both civil and criminal cases against this negligent driver. The best course of action is to hire us at Howard Injury Law if it happened in Nevada, California, or Arizona, as we can handle the civil claim on your behalf. We utilize extensive resources to help identify, locate, and sue the driver.
If possible, try to take a photo of the car’s license plate, or at least make a mental note of its make and color and write it down. Additionally, be aware that if you have auto insurance, you may be covered by an Uninsured Motorist clause in your policy, even if you weren’t driving at the time.
Immediate Actions to Take When Hit By A Car
- Call The Police Immediately
- The police are trained to investigate accidents and usually determine fault, which heavily influences insurance decisions. However, they can sometimes make mistakes, so it’s crucial to gather your own evidence as well.
- Seek Emergency Medical Attention
- Emergency medical attention is often required. Often, it’s witnesses or uninvolved parties who call for emergency assistance.
- Look for Witnesses
- If you are the victim and are able to, collect names and contact information from witnesses. Their statements can be vital, especially if the police report doesn’t fully reflect the event from your perspective.
- Take Photographs
- Use your cell phone to take comprehensive photos of the scene, including all vehicles involved, damages, and injuries. Continue to document your injuries over time and at different angles to provide a clear picture of your recovery process.
When You Witness Someone Else Get Hit By A Car
Assist the victim even if they appear to be okay, it’s a moral imperative to help, assuming you’re not putting yourself in danger. Here are the actions you should take:
- Stay Calm and Provide Support: Be a calming presence to diffuse the situation.
- Ensure the Driver or Witnesses Remain at the Scene: Make sure the driver and withnesses stay until the authorities arrive.
- Call the Police: Immediately contact the police to report the accident.
- Collect Driver’s Information: Gather the driver’s details, including name, contact information, and insurance details.
- Assist the Victim in Seeking Medical Attention: Help the pedestrian or cyclist get medical help as needed.
- Provide Your Testimony to the Police: Your account of the events can be crucial for the victim later on.
To help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any critical steps on what to do and what not to do after a motorcycle accident, Download the FREE Pedestrian Accident Checklist. This checklist covers all essential actions to take immediately following a pedestrian accident, making it easier to protect your rights and health.
Contact Howard Injury Law:
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