Many people are involved in pedestrian accidents each year. Unfortunately, there are some situations where you can’t avoid a person while driving. Someone can dart out in an instant, never allowing you to react in time. Other pedestrian accidents are the result of a distracted driver. Statistics show that 660,000 drivers at any given time during the day are using cell phones while driving which you should never do. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed after being involved in a pedestrian accident. Many people choose to seek the help of a pedestrian attorney after striking someone with a vehicle. Here is what you will want to after a pedestrian accident occurs.
Take a Deep Breath
The first thing to remember is to take deep breaths. Do not leave the scene of the accident, no matter what. It’s imperative to call for emergency help in the event a serious collision has taken place. You’re likely to feel stunned after being involved in a collision. Taking a moment to prepare yourself with a few deep breaths is wise.
Call Emergency Services
You’ll want to call for emergency services if the accident warrants it. In most cases, striking a pedestrian is going to cause some form of injury. However, slow speed collisions may only cause minimal contact that doesn’t cause an injury to occur. If the pedestrian isn’t standing after a collision you’ll definitely want to call emergency services.
Move Pedestrian from Traffic
Next, you’ll want to ensure any parties involved in a collision are away from the road. Accidents, especially those on a highway, can make these locations very dangerous. You never want to take the chance that a driver will swerve to avoid someone on the road. It’s important to not move the person in a rough or jerking manner. If someone is injured from a collision, the wrong movements could worsen the injuries.
Be Prepared to Speak to Pedestrian and Police
In most cases, the police will arrive at the scene of your accident. It’s understandable that you might feel many emotions and upset with yourself. However, it’s important that you are cooperative with any police officers that arrive. Statistics from 2014 show that 6,400 people are injured and 90 are killed in motor vehicle collisions. Leaving the scene of the crime, no matter the reason, implies guilt. However, you will not want to admit or say anything implying you’re at fault.
Contact a Pedestrian Collision Attorney
It’s imperative to contact a law office as soon as possible. You’ll want to find a pedestrian attorney that can help with your case. These professionals will offer valuable legal advice throughout the length of your legal situation. One of the most common causes of distraction on the road is a cell phone. Statistics show that using a cell phone while driving increases the chance of being involved in a collision by three times. No matter what happened to cause a collision, a pedestrian is valuable to have on your side. A pedestrian attorney will do everything possible to help ensure you receive the best legal outcome possible. Every case is different and while there is never a guarantee of winning a case, you’ll stand the best chance with a lawyer.
In closing, it’s important to know the steps to take after being involved in a pedestrian collision. After the accident, take a brief moment to collect yourself. If the pedestrian is on the road, it’s best to see if you can move them to the shoulder. You will likely need to speak with both the police, insurance providers, and the pedestrian to exchange information. It’s best to have a pedestrian attorney after being involved in an accident. Every case is different and while there is never a guarantee of winning a case, you’ll stand the best chance with a pedestrian accident attorney.
