Pedestrian accidents can be overwhelming and frightening. In Pennsylvania, the moments right after such an accident are crucial for both your health and safety, as well as protecting your legal rights. It is important to know what steps to take immediately following a pedestrian accident to ensure that you are doing everything necessary to safeguard yourself and any possible claims you may need to make later on. Understanding what to do in this situation can help you stay calm and in control. McDonald At Law provides skilled guidance and dedicated support to help clients navigate the complexities of pedestrian accident cases and pursue fair compensation.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
The first and most important thing to focus on after a pedestrian accident is your health. Even if you feel like you are not seriously hurt, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes, injuries might not show up right away, and waiting could make them worse. A medical professional can check for internal injuries or issues that may not be immediately visible. Seeking medical care also creates a record of your injuries, which could be helpful if you decide to file a claim later.
If you are too hurt to move, try not to make your injuries worse by standing up or walking around. It is better to wait for emergency responders to arrive so they can safely get you to a hospital. Remember, your health is the most important thing in the aftermath of an accident, and getting immediate care should always be your first priority.
Call the Police to Report the Accident
Once you have received medical attention, it is important to make sure the accident is properly reported. In Pennsylvania, it is required that pedestrian accidents be reported to the police, especially if there are injuries involved. A police report will be an official record of what happened, and this can be very useful if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
When the police arrive, try to give them a clear and honest account of what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid guessing or making assumptions. If you are not sure about certain details, it is okay to say so. The police will document the scene of the accident and speak to any witnesses who might have seen what happened. They will also gather information from the driver involved, which will help with the investigation.
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Gather Important Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive or after you have been treated for any injuries, it is a good idea to collect as much information as possible about the accident. This can include the name, contact information, and insurance details of the driver involved. If there were any witnesses who saw what happened, it is helpful to get their names and phone numbers as well.
If you are able to, take photos of the accident scene. These photos can include the location where the accident occurred, any traffic signs or signals, and any damage to the vehicle that hit you. It can also be helpful to take pictures of your injuries. This visual evidence can be very important if you end up needing to file a claim or take legal action later on.
Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize
In the moments right after a pedestrian accident, you might feel like you need to apologize or explain what happened. However, it is very important not to admit fault or apologize for the accident. Doing so can hurt your chances of receiving compensation for your injuries.
Even if you think you might be partially to blame, avoid making any statements that could be seen as admitting guilt. Pedestrian accidents are often complex, and it is not always easy to determine who was at fault right away. Leave it to the police and other authorities to investigate and figure out who was responsible for the accident.
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Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have car insurance or health insurance, you should contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident. They will need to be informed in order to process any claims that might come from the accident. Your insurance company may ask for information such as the police report number, the names of those involved, and details about your injuries.
When speaking with your insurance company, it is important to stick to the facts and avoid making any guesses about the cause of the accident. You do not want to say anything that could hurt your claim. If you are unsure about how to handle conversations with your insurance company, it might be helpful to speak with a lawyer for guidance.
Understand the Legal Aspects of a Pedestrian Accident in Pennsylvania
Pedestrian accidents in Pennsylvania often involve questions about liability and compensation. Pennsylvania operates under a system called comparative negligence, which means that both the pedestrian and the driver can share responsibility for the accident. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your compensation could be reduced by 20%.
Understanding how these laws work is important if you plan to seek compensation for your injuries. In many cases, pedestrian accidents can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Filing a personal injury claim can help you recover these costs, but it is important to act quickly. Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations, which means you only have a certain amount of time to file a claim after the accident occurs.
Verdicts & Settlements
Consult with a Lawyer Before Speaking to the Driver’s Insurance Company
After a pedestrian accident, the driver’s insurance company may contact you to ask for a statement or offer a settlement. It is important to be careful when speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. Their goal is to protect their client and pay as little as possible in compensation.
Before agreeing to give a statement or accept a settlement, it is a good idea to speak with a lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and make sure that any settlement offer is fair. In many cases, insurance companies will offer low settlements that do not cover the full extent of your injuries. Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
In the aftermath of a pedestrian accident, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, it is important to act quickly. There are time limits for filing claims, and the sooner you take action, the better your chances of protecting your rights and getting the compensation you need.
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Whether it is seeking medical care, gathering information, or speaking with a lawyer, these actions can help you recover physically and financially.
Pedestrian accidents can be a life-changing event. Knowing what to do immediately after an accident in Pennsylvania can help protect your health and your legal rights. From seeking medical attention to gathering evidence and contacting the police, each step you take is important in ensuring that you are on the right path toward recovery. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident and are unsure of what to do next, it is important to seek legal advice.
At McDonald At Law, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this time can be. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and let us help you move forward with confidence.