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What Can I Do if My Loved One Was Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

What Can I Do if My Loved One Was Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident?

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Pedestrian accidents can be particularly frightening; with the lack of protection afforded to a pedestrian walking down the sidewalk compared with that of a standard passenger vehicle, it’s easy to see which party is likely to come out on top. Due to the often severe nature of pedestrian injuries after a car-on-pedestrian accident, it may be necessary for a family member to take up the injured party’s case while they receive medical treatment and work toward recovery.

The steps to take after a pedestrian accident are the same for a loved one as they would have been for the injured party.

The steps that need to be taken on behalf of a loved one after they have sustained severe injuries in a pedestrian accident are similar to the steps that person would take themself. It’s a good idea to collect the injured party’s personal information, insurance documents, and whatever IDs necessary before beginning the process of filing an insurance and/or personal injury claim so you are ready to verify the injured party’s identity.

It might be more efficient to hire a pedestrian accident attorney to handle the case on your loved one’s behalf.

Better yet, if your loved one was injured in a pedestrian or alternate accident, consider hiring a personal injury attorney to handle the situation on their behalf. Most of these attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means you/your loved one will not be required to pay them unless they win the case. These attorneys are well-versed in pedestrian accident and personal injury law and will have the experience necessary to get your loved one the compensation they deserve as soon as possible.

Steps to take immediately after your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident include the following:

  • Call 9-1-1. It is essential to call 9-1-1 at the scene of the accident as soon as it has happened. This can ensure that an ambulance is on its way to get your loved one the medical care they need as soon as possible, and also ensures that an official report will exist, filed by law enforcement, detailing the incident itself.
  • Collect driver information. Don’t be afraid to collect the driver’s information on your loved one’s behalf. The driver’s name, insurance information, and license plate number are all useful in the process moving forward after the accident.
  • Collect witness information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information. If they agree to it, you may even choose to record their testimony.
  • Take pictures of the scene. This is particularly important, as pictures of the scene, injury, vehicle, and any other property damaged in the accident are all valuable pieces of evidence in a pedestrian accident case. However, this type of evidence tends to disperse with time, so it’s important to collect it as soon as possible after the accident occurs.
  • Report the incident to your loved one’s insurance provider. Contact your loved one’s insurance provider to let them know that the accident occurred. Pedestrian accidents are often covered by car insurance policies, as the insurance follows the person and not necessarily the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to share as few details as possible with the insurance provider and to refrain from indicating that your loved one may have been at fault for the accident in any way. It might be better to simply obtain the contact information of your loved one’s insurance adjuster and let them know an attorney will be in touch.
  • Seek legal counsel. Pedestrian accident cases can be tricky and the laws vary from state to state. Reach out to a pedestrian accident attorney to learn more.

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