What Should You Do If You Are Hit By A Car As A Pedestrian?

Learning Your Legal Options After A Pedestrian Accident

Pedestrian accidents are unfortunately becoming more and more common these days. With the increase of cars and highways, it is important to know what to do if there’s an accident. If you are hit by a car as a pedestrian, it can be a terrifying experience, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and ensure that you get the help you need. 

A personal injury lawyer in Gilbert will discuss below what you should (and shouldn’t) do if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian.

Who Is Responsible For Pedestrian Injuries Caused By A Car?

In pedestrian vs. car accidents, the driver is frequently at fault. When using the road, both drivers of vehicles and pedestrians must take reasonable precautions. This includes staying alert and watching for pedestrians crossing the street, especially at crosswalks. 

Drivers have a special responsibility with children because they are physically smaller and usually don’t know the rules of the road. Pedestrians are responsible to look both ways before crossing and using designated crosswalks at the appropriate time.

If you are a pedestrian, and you’re hit by a car, your car insurance or driver’s insurance should pay for your medical bills and other costs. Even if you were not driving at the time of the accident, your auto insurance policy may cover your losses. However, it depends on the type of policy and who was to blame for the accident. You can get no-fault car insurance or a standard fault-based policy. 

The rules for each of these policies are complicated, so it is always best to speak with a personal injury lawyer in Chandler before filing any car insurance claim.

In many accidents involving pedestrians, the driver is at fault. However, this isn’t always the case. An inattentive pedestrian can be just as much at fault as an inattentive driver. As a result, you should always take precautions when walking.

What To Do If You Are Hit By A Car

If you’ve been hit by a car, you should take some of the steps listed below. You should take these steps right away to protect yourself, your legal rights, and your future.

Call For Help

The first thing you should do if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian is to call for help. If you can, call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for you. Even if you don’t feel like you were seriously injured, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. 

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and it is better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, calling the police will create an official record of the accident, which can be helpful when dealing with insurance companies later on.

Gather Information

After you have called for help, you should gather as much information as possible. Before calling a personal injury lawyer in Avondale, you should get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information too. 

Take photos of the accident scene if you can, including the location of the accident, the damage to the car, and any injuries you have sustained. This information can be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company or if you need to take legal action against the driver.

Do Not Discuss Fault With The Other Driver’s Insurance Company Or At The Scene

Regardless of whether the events that led to you being hit by a vehicle were the driver’s fault or yours, you may be unaware of the legal implications of pedestrian accidents. Anything you say at the scene or to the driver’s insurance company can and will be used against you if legal proceedings start following the accident. 

You should only tell your side of the story to medical personnel, your attorney, and your insurance company.

You should also avoid speaking with the driver’s insurance company because they are not looking out for your best interests. Remember not to sign any documents they send you or accept any settlement offer without consulting with your Mesa personal injury attorney. 

Request only the company’s name, address, phone number, and claim number. Also, only provide the driver’s insurance company with contact information for yourself, your attorney, and your insurance company.

Get In Touch With An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer In Arizona

If you have been hit by a car as a pedestrian, you must always seek legal help. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They can help you file a claim with your insurance company, negotiate with the driver’s insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary. 

Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, it’s always a good idea to contact a lawyer. 

Contact  My AZ Lawyers today to learn more about your rights if you’re hit by a car as a pedestrian. We’ll guide you and help you get the resolution you deserve.

Arizona Offices:

Mesa Location:
1731 West Baseline Rd., Suite #100
Mesa, AZ 85202
Office: (480) 448-9800
Email: info@myazlawyers.com
Website: https://myazlawyers.com/

Phoenix Location:
343 West Roosevelt, Suite #100
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Office: (602) 609-7000

Glendale Location:
20325 N 51st Avenue Suite #134, Building 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
Office: (602) 509-0955

Tucson Location:
2 East Congress St., Suite #900-6A
Tucson, AZ 85701
Office: (520) 441-1450

Avondale Location:
12725 W. Indian School Rd., Ste E, #101
Avondale, AZ 85392
Office: (623) 469-6603