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Pedestrian Safety: What to Do If Hit by a Car

January 7, 2018

Pedestrian Safety: What to Do If Hit by a Car

Being hit by a vehicle is a traumatic experience for a pedestrian. The effects can be catastrophic; a speeding car may cause serious internal and external injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Should you be hit by a car, motorcycle, (or even a bicycle), here are some steps to take immediately after the accident:

 

Pedestrian Safety
 

1. Safety First – If you are conscious and able to get up, carefully leave the street. If need be, ask someone’s help to move you safely to the sidewalk and out of harm’s way. If you cannot move, call for help and ask others to direct traffic away from you.

 

2. Call Emergency Services – Most pedestrian accidents result in physical injuries. Call 911 right away to receive emergency medical help. A police officer will be dispatched to your location and make a report regarding the incident. Paramedics will transport you to the nearest hospital for proper treatment, if you’ve suffered serious injury.

 

3. Collect the Driver’s Information – Both parties should exchange personal information. This material can later be crucial when filing a claim. Get the driver’s personal information, like name, address, phone number(s), and the drivers’ license number. You may also wish to write down vehicle details (take note of the plate number, year, make, and model of the car). If possible, get insurance information from the driver. If you are unable to record this information, ask the police or a witness to take it down or put it in their cell phone (make sure to get their contact information as well).

 

Pedestrian Safety
 

 

4. Notify Your Insurance Provider – Speak with your insurance company as soon as you can following the accident. Depending upon the severity of the accident, a representative from the company may investigate liability (who’s at fault).

 

5. Contact a Lawyer – Don’t say anything to the driver, other than swapping information with the other party. Do not admit to any kind of fault or say, “I wasn’t paying attention.” Your lawyer will later guide you with completing application forms for accident benefits or filing for a claim with the insurance company.

 

Pedestrian Safety
 

What to Do if You are in Hit-and-Run Accident

 

In the unfortunate event that the driver who hit you speeds away, here are few tips to handle the situation:

 

Pedestrian Safety
 

  • Try to spot the vehicle license plate number and remember a description of the vehicle (model, make, and colour). Take note of the direction where it is heading. If possible, take photos of the fleeing vehicle.
  • If there are witnesses in the vicinity, ask them to provide additional information. Get their names and contact information. Hopefully, they should they be able to give police (or your lawyer) a statement regarding the accident. Witness information can be crucial following a hit-and-run accident.
  • Do not attempt to leave the scene and follow the fleeing driver; this puts your safety at risk. Wait for the police to arrive and supply them with essential information. Any eyewitnesses can support your statement.

 

Pedestrian Safety
 

 

If you are hit by a car, reach out to a trusted and reliable pedestrian accident lawyer in Richmond Hill. Call Michelle Linka Law at 416-477-7288 for a free consultation. Our experience in handling motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians can help get you the compensation you deserve.

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