Traffic accidents are scary. Crashes could cause severe injuries, even if it is just a minor collision. Regarding road accidents, pedestrians have high risks of severe physical harm and, sometimes, fatalities.
Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protection from the impact. If they suffer an injury, they might need to file a claim to pursue compensation and pay their medical bills. Still, they might only do so if they gathered enough information at the scene.
If you got involved in a collision as a pedestrian, you could keep your legal options open by taking the following measures at the scene:
- Get help and contact the authorities immediately. If you have injuries, contact 911 as soon as possible.
- If you can, assess the situation and collect the contact details of the drivers involved.
- Cooperate and take down each other’s insurance details.
- Document details of the collision if possible. Take photos and videos if possible.
- Gather the contact details of any witnesses.
- Notify your insurance provider about the incident.
Doing these steps could help preserve evidence for your claim. They could also help determine who was at fault for the crash. However, do so only if you can. If you have injuries after the collision, you should prioritize getting medical attention.
Receiving medical care is a priority
You should go to the hospital even if you have no apparent injuries. Sometimes, they do not show up immediately after the crash. Injuries could progress and get worse over time without you noticing. You could get ahead of them by seeing a doctor immediately.
Your diagnosis and medical records could also support your claim. These documents could show your injuries and their severity, allowing you to recover the proper amount for damages.