Pedestrian car accidents happen often, and pedestrians are often unsure what to do next. The pedestrian may feel overwhelmed, lost, and confused in an accident. Most of these accidents can cause severe injuries and sometimes fatal consequences. In Wisconsin, 39,723 pedestrians were involved in an accident in 2019. If you have been involved in a pedestrian car accident or a loved one was struck by a car, here are a few steps you should take next and the legal options including a personal injury claim.
Your Health is a Priority
If you happen to be involved in an accident while walking or crossing the road, your health should come first. If you can move, move to a distance to a safe location to avoid traffic. Even if you don't feel hurt, you should seek medical intervention to identify hidden injuries.
Gather as Much Information at the Scene
If you seek legal action and file a personal injury claim, you must submit enough evidence to validate your claim. Take pictures at the scene; if the driver is collaborative, you can ask for his insurance details. If there are eyewitnesses, you may request their contact information to support your claim.
Report the Incident
Report the accident as soon as possible to the police. A police report will help validate your case more in the personal injury claim if you can provide the police with what happened.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Some of these cases can be very complicated, for instance, a hit-and-run case. Hire a personal injury lawyer experienced in pedestrian car accidents who will help you compile the evidence, provide legal advice, and help you file your claim.
File a Personal Injury Claim
With the help of your lawyer, combine all the evidence and file a personal injury claim with the at-fault's party insurance company. On most occasions, the driver is at fault and will accept liability and choose to settle the matter outside court. In other circumstances, the driver may deny liability, and your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the other party.
You can file a lawsuit against:
• Your insurer to cover medical bills and lost wages.
• Make a legal claim against the driver involved in the accident. Try to prove that it was the driver's duty to exercise care on the roads, or he did not stop at red stops or was driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Claim against the at-fault's driver employer. If the driver was in the line of duty, you could file a lawsuit against the driver's employer.
• A claim against the government. If the road signs are broken, or the highway isn't correctly lit or maintained, and you can prove that was the cause of the accident, you can file a legal claim against the government.
Seek Fair Compensation, Contact a personal injury lawyer
Your personal injury lawyer will help you seek fair compensation to cover the medical bills, lost wages if the accident impacted you and you couldn't work, and the pain and suffering the accident caused you.
Being involved in a pedestrian-car accident can be a traumatizing experience that causes you and your family profound misery. However, having a personal injury lawyer will help you make the claim process simple, and you can receive fair compensation. Remember, your health is a priority, and having a personal injury lawyer makes it easier as you will focus on your health as they focus on filing the legal claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation if you or your loved one has been involved in a pedestrian-car accident and we will guide you through the legal process.
