First Steps Following a Pedestrian Accident
The first step to take after a pedestrian accident is to assess whether you have any injuries. If there is any question about whether you or someone else was injured, dial 911 immediately.
Paramedics can evaluate your injuries and give treatment on the scene. If they believe your injuries are severe, they’ll transport you to the hospital. Follow the paramedics’ guidance and get emergency care for severe injuries rather than staying at the scene—going to the hospital immediately will not hurt your case.
You can proceed with the next steps if your injuries seem minor. However, it may be in your best interests to see a doctor soon after the accident. Getting hit by a car can cause serious injuries that don’t show symptoms immediately. Detecting and documenting these injuries early can help you prove their connection to the accident.
Follow any instructions the doctor gives you to help the recovery process. If you let an injury linger, the insurance company may argue that you neglected to treat your injuries.
File a Police Report
When someone reports an accident, the police come to the scene and complete an accident report and investigation. The police report documents key facts about the accident, such as the time, location, vehicles involved, road conditions, and any traffic citations issued. It may also include descriptions of injuries and property damage. Documenting these details prevents disputes over basic facts and allows settlement negotiations to focus on the more complex issues, such as liability.
Additionally, the officer may detail who they think is at fault for the accident and how it happened. This account doesn’t necessarily determine who’s liable for damages, but it can weigh heavily in the ultimate decision. Also, you’ll want to avoid admitting fault when talking to the police, as Virginia’s contributory negligence law prevents you from recovering compensation if you’re partially at fault in any way.
Collect Driver Information and Evidence
Allow the police to collect the driver’s information. If you simply trust the negligent driver to give their proper name and phone number, you may later find out that the information isn’t correct. If the defendant later denies that an incident occurred at all and there is no police report, you could also face challenges. In general, it’s good to have the police involved so there’s a record of the incident and verification of the identities of every party.
In addition to collecting the driver’s information, it’s a good idea to take photographs and collect information from eyewitnesses. Only do these steps if you’re feeling well enough to—otherwise, go to the hospital.
Driver Information
Make sure to collect the following details from the driver who hit you and any other drivers involved in the accident:
- Full name
- Insurance details, including policy number and insurance company
- Vehicle information, such as the make, model, and license plate number
- Contact information, including phone number and home address
- Driver’s license number
Evidence at the Scene
Take photos of the vehicles involved, the location of the collision, any visible injuries, and any road hazards that may have contributed to the crash.
If any third parties witnessed the collision, ask them to provide a brief statement of what they saw, and write down or record their response. Make sure to get their contact information so you can follow up if necessary.
Pedestrian accidents aren’t always as straightforward as they may seem. Insurance companies may argue that your negligence contributed to the crash, and this evidence can help disprove that claim. Any partial fault can prevent you from recovering compensation in Virginia, so collecting photos and witness information at the scene is crucial.
When Should You Contact an Attorney After Getting Hit by a Car?
After you receive initial medical care, reach out to our pedestrian accident lawyers to discuss your rights, options, and next steps. Soon after the accident, insurance adjusters may contact you and use various tactics to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Contacting us early in the process can protect you from these tactics before they have the chance to negatively impact your case.
Once you turn to us for help, we’ll act quickly to build a strong case. We’ll do the following and more to help you seek maximum compensation:
- Deal with insurance adjusters
- Investigate the accident to determine liability
- Work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals
- Gather additional evidence, such as local security camera footage
- Calculate your damages
- Negotiate with insurers on your behalf
You have enough on your plate after a personal injury, so we’ll handle all the legal details before your case’s filing deadline while you focus on your recovery.
What To Do Following a Hit and Run in VA Beach
If the driver flees the scene, stay at the location and dial 911 so the police can investigate the crash and the paramedics can evaluate your injuries. Be sure to also collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
The police can take care of tracking down a driver who has fled the scene. If the police can’t identify the at-fault driver, law enforcement can still create a report, which you can then use with your insurance company to make an uninsured motorist claim.
Retain an Attorney Following a Pedestrian Accident in VA Beach
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is here to help if you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or pedestrian accident in Virginia. We can advise you on what to do after you get hit by a car while walking and guide you through your next steps. Contact us online or call (757) 333-3333 today for your free consultation.
