What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
According to the Denver Post¹, vehicle-pedestrian accidents continue to increase in the State of Colorado. Unfortunately, even with the utmost care, accidents can still occur. When a crash happens, it’s essential to know pedestrian accident tips. Our Denver pedestrian accident attorneys explain everything you need to know about pedestrian accidents in Colorado and what to do if you’re hurt.
What To Do if a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Vehicle
If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle, ensure that the victim and anyone else involved is safe from hazards, including oncoming traffic. Immediately contact emergency medical care providers and law enforcement, and inform them that the accident involves a pedestrian. While you wait for law enforcement to respond, administer first aid. Once someone with more advanced medical training can take over first aid, gather witness identification information and document the accident scene. Speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What Kind of Lawyer Handles Pedestrian Accident Cases?
A car accident lawyer handles pedestrian accident cases. They may also be called a pedestrian accident attorney. A personal injury law firm may take a variety of auto accident cases, including claims involving uninsured motorist laws. The lawyer may also be called a civil lawyer or a personal injury attorney.
8 Essential Pedestrian Accident Tips
It’s vital that you get the help you need after a pedestrian accident. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re ever involved in a pedestrian accident or witness one in Colorado.
1. Protect your immediate safety
In the immediate aftermath of a pedestrian accident, the victim and others involved may face additional dangers. Oncoming traffic may be a concern. Secure the scene and address primary safety concerns to prevent further harm.
2. Call emergency medical and law enforcement services
Colorado law CRS 42-4-1606² requires drivers to report accidents after they occur. With pedestrian accidents, injuries can range from minor to severe. Even serious injuries can be hard to detect. This is why it’s critical to get medical professionals on the scene as soon as possible. Call for emergency services and direct them to the location as quickly as possible. Both medical responders and law enforcement may respond to assist and investigate.
3. Administer first aid
As you wait for first responders to arrive on the scene, begin to administer first aid to the extent that you are able to do so safely. Emergency operators may provide instructions for how to help until professionals arrive.
4. Get driver information
Gather important information from the motor vehicle driver. You should get their driver’s license, insurance and vehicle information. The law requires a driver involved in an accident to provide this information.
5. Identify witnesses
Receiving fair compensation for a pedestrian accident depends on how the accident occurs and what damages result. Therefore, it’s vital to identify witnesses to the accident who may have insights into what caused the crash. Gather contact information for witnesses. Name, address and telephone number can be extremely helpful as you begin building your legal claim for financial support from the responsible party.
6. Document the accident
Do what you can to document the accident scene. Take photographs of the road, any damage, debris or skid marks, as well as each vehicle. The appearance of vehicle damage, or even the lack of damage, can tell a story of what happened to cause the accident.
7. Seek follow-up medical care
It’s important to seek emergency medical care after an accident if there is even the slightest possibility that you have an injury. Likewise, it’s equally important to receive follow-up medical care in the days and weeks that follow the accident. Documenting injuries takes time and ongoing medical treatment, especially when injuries are significant. It’s also important to note your willingness to do everything that you can to heal from your injuries.
8. Contact an attorney
Contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. They can assist you with making insurance reports, documenting injuries and contacting witnesses. The work that you do immediately following a pedestrian accident is critical to proving your case. Working with an attorney as soon as possible can significantly help you in the process of gathering evidence and receiving the justice that you deserve.
In addition to these steps, it’s important to notify any insurance companies involved in a claim. A car accident attorney can help you make a compelling report to the insurance company. If they act with bad faith insurance practices, you can take additional legal action to protect your rights.
Can You Sue Someone for Hitting You With a Car?
Yes, you can sue someone for hitting you with a car. Both the driver of the vehicle and the pedestrian have an obligation to act with reasonable care and caution. When someone hits you because of a lack of care, they may be legally obligated to compensate you for your injuries and pain and suffering. The basis of the claim is the damages that result from the driver’s negligence and reckless or intentional misconduct.
Should You See a Doctor After You’re Hit by a Car?
Yes, you should see a doctor after being hit by a car. Even a small vehicle can weigh more than one ton. Although passengers may not think they’re hurt, catastrophic injuries, such as spine and brain injuries, may have very subtle symptoms.
It’s important to rule out dangerous injuries and document any existing injuries resulting from the accident. You should see a doctor as soon as possible after you’re hit by a car for your own safety as well as to protect your legal right to claim compensation.
Can You File an Insurance Claim for a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes. You may be able to file an insurance claim for a pedestrian accident. You can make a claim to your own insurance or to the insurance policy of the driver who is responsible for the accident. Exactly which insurance company or companies may pay a claim depends on what policies are in place at the time of the accident and state laws that determine fault and compensation for motor vehicle cases.
Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident
Do you need legal help after suffering an injury in a pedestrian accident? Our Denver personal injury law firm is dedicated exclusively to helping the rights of victims. Our goal is to ensure that each person has the skilled, determined, and dedicated legal help they need after an accident. Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation to begin working on your case.
Sources:
¹Nicholson, Kieran. The Denver Post. (12 January 2021). Pedestrian traffic deaths in Colorado are up 89% since 2009, AAA analysis shows. Retrieved 28 June 2021 from https://www.denverpost.com/2021/01/12/pedestrian-traffic-deaths-colorado-aaa/
