A pedestrian accident occurs when a car or other vehicle strikes someone who is walking. Pedestrians often are more injured than the driver inside the car because a pedestrian has little to no protection. Sometimes these accidents happen when the pedestrian is crossing the street and the driver is not paying attention. However, there are a plethora of reasons as to why pedestrian accidents occur.
When you are struck by a car while crossing the street, you may be entitled to compensation, and should do what you can to hold the negligent driver accountable. One of our lawyers at Solution Now Law Firm could walk you through the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in San Mateo and come up with a plan to pursue damages. Call a pedestrian accident attorney today to learn more.
These types of accidents can be frightening and traumatizing, which is why it is important to understand exactly what to do afterward. There are a series of steps an injured pedestrian in San Mateo should follow after an accident, if they are able to do so.
Immediately after experiencing an accident as a pedestrian, a person should check their body to make sure they are okay and then determine if they are in a secure place. They should immediately move out of the zone of danger if they are able to get away.
The person should then check on the safety of other people around them. It is important to get the information of the negligent driver and to stay calm while conversing with them or any other parties involved.
Once the person checks on their own safety and that of others, they should call law enforcement by dialing 911. A police report will prove to be helpful later. Even if the pedestrian thinks they are fine, that could be merely adrenaline and they could be quite injured. Some common pedestrian injuries can include internal bleeding, broken bones, brain trauma, and fractures. It is also important to hire a San Mateo attorney with experience in pedestrian accident cases as soon as possible.
The victim should also take photos of the scene, if possible. These photos should include the accident scene, where the driver’s vehicle hit them, any speed signs or anything else that could be utilized as evidence in a court hearing or in settlement discussions. It is also helpful to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to testify about what they saw at a later date. Writing down a personal recollection of what occurred is also helpful. An attorney in San Mateo who specializes in pedestrian accident lawsuits will assist in this step of collecting evidence on your behalf.
In addition, the pedestrian should immediately go to a healthcare facility like a hospital to get looked over. A doctor’s report that notes all the cuts, burns, bruises, bleeding, and so on is very important. Accurate documentation of injuries will later be used as evidence in court or in settlement negotiations to justify the demanded amount for compensation. A doctor must diagnose when and where injuries occurred because a person does not want to allow a defendant to successfully argue that the injuries worsened due to inaction, as that would affect the total amount of damages. An attorney could use medical documents and bills to prove that you deserve compensation in your pedestrian accident case.
After experiencing an accident as a pedestrian, knowing what to do may be unclear. One of the most important first steps is to retain legal representation. You should learn about all your legal options before moving forward. During a consultation, a lawyer could ensure you know what steps to take after a pedestrian accident in San Mateo. Consult with one of our attorneys at Solution Now today to get started.
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