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.
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.
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.
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