As a pedestrian, you are incredibly vulnerable when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Even a low-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries that leave you facing a long, painful recovery and financial hardship.
If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while walking, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Here are the steps that you should take to protect your health, well-being, and ability to secure fair compensation.
Step 1: Move Out of the Road, If You Can
After a pedestrian accident, you are at risk of being hit by another vehicle. If you are able, carefully move out of the road and over to a sidewalk, shoulder, or nearby safe area away from traffic. If you cannot move on your own, ask someone to assist you.
Step 2: Call Emergency Services
Call 911 immediately to report the accident to the police and request medical assistance, even if you feel fine. Wait for help to arrive and speak with the responding officers if you can. The police will create an incident report that you can use as evidence in your case.
Step 3: Exchange Information with the Driver
Get the driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, driver’s license details, and insurance information. However, be very careful when speaking to the driver. Avoid discussing fault for the accident. Simply state the facts of what happened. If there were witnesses, request their names and contact information as well; they could provide valuable statements later in your case.
Step 4: Document the Accident Scene
If you are able, take photos of the accident scene, your visible injuries, damage to the vehicle that hit you, and any road conditions, signs, or markings. This evidence can help support your claim. After you seek medical care, write down your full account of what happened while it is still fresh in your memory. Bring all of this evidence to your injury lawyer in Kansas City when you attend your consultation.
Step 5: Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Allow yourself to be evaluated by emergency medical responders at the scene. Then, go to the nearest emergency room to be fully examined. Some serious injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not show obvious symptoms right away, so you should always go to the doctor after an accident.
Seeking medical care establishes a record of your injuries and treatment that will be important for your recovery and claim. After this initial treatment, follow your doctor’s orders and attend all recommended follow-up appointments.
Step 6: Consult with a Kansas City Pedestrian Accident Attorney
After following these steps, your next move could be the most important one for your recovery. As a pedestrian, you will likely face an uphill battle against insurance companies that often minimize injuries or shift blame to the victim. In these situations, you need a specialized pedestrian accident attorney in Kansas City on your side who can level the playing field and protect your rights.
Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe can handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. We will fight to make sure your voice is heard, your injuries are taken seriously, and that a fair settlement is offered to you. Contact us today at (816) 876-2600 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Kansas City pedestrian accident lawyers.