If you’re a pedestrian hit by a car, the injuries and the trauma can be lifechanging.
Knowing what to do immediately after the incident can protect your health and legal rights.
It also increases your chances of receiving appropriate compensation.
Who should you call first after a pedestrian accident?
The most important step after a pedestrian accident is to seek immediate medical attention.
Even if you initially believe your injuries are only minor, it’s important to get a professional medical opinion.
Some injuries are not always immediately apparent and can worsen over time. Call 999 for emergency medical assistance if required.
You should also contact the police to report the accident. A police report will provide an official record of the incident.
This can be particularly valuable when filing an insurance claim or seeking legal action.
If the driver has fled the scene, the police may then begin an investigation to track them down.
Immediate steps to take for your health and safety?
Your immediate safety should be your main priority.
If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident here are some of the immediate steps you should take:
- Move to a safe location
If you’re in a hazardous position, such as in the middle of the road, you should immediately move to a safer area if possible.
If you’re unable to move, try to alert the attention of people nearby to provide assistance.
- Seek medical attention
Accept any medical assistance at the scene, contact your GP or visit A&E if required.
- Call the police
A police report will be essential in determining fault and will assist a pedestrian accident lawyer in securing compensation.
- Gather contact information
Obtain the driver’s details, their name, phone number, licence plate number, and insurance information.
- Speak to witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw.
- Take photos and videos
Documenting the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and any roads signs or traffic signals that might be relevant, can further support your compensation claim.
- Avoid admitting fault
If you’re a pedestrian hit by a car, or other vehicle, you should avoid apologising or making any statement that might be interpreted as accepting blame.
What evidence will support your case?
Building a strong case for compensation will require a range of evidence.
The basis of your case will be medical records documenting your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses, and the police report helping to establish the facts of the case.
Other evidence such as images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries can all help to build up a fuller picture of what occurred.
Independent witness testimonies can also be valuable support for your version of events.
Traffic cameras or dashboard camera footage can provide crucial evidence.
A pedestrian accident lawyer may work with medical and accident reconstruction experts to further strengthen your case.
Who is liable in a pedestrian accident?
Liability in a pedestrian accident will depend on several factors. These include:
- Driver negligence
If the driver was speeding, intoxicated, distracted, speeding or driving erratically, they are likely to be held at fault.
- Pedestrian actions
Pedestrians also need to follow road safety rules. If a pedestrian crossed the road illegally, stepped into traffic unexpectedly, or was heavily intoxicated, then this may contribute to liability.
- Road and environmental conditions
Poorly maintained roads, pavements, malfunctioning traffic signals, or inadequate pedestrian crossing could potentially shift liability to local authorities.
- Third-party liability
In some cases, a third party may have contributed to the accident. This might be a cyclist, another pedestrian, or a faulty vehicle.
A pedestrian accident lawyer will look at the details of your case, examine the available evidence and assess liability. They will then determine the best legal strategy for your case.
What are your legal rights and compensation options?
If you are a pedestrian hit by a car you could be entitled to compensation.
This could include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
This can cover surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and the costs of travelling for hospital visits.
- Lost wages
If you miss time at work due to your injuries, then you could receive compensation to cover lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering
A pedestrian accident can be a deeply disturbing incident, leading to physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. It may be possible to receive compensation for the pain and suffering caused.
- Long-term disability
Additional compensation may be available if your injuries result in permanent impairment.
- Wrongful death claims
If a loved one is fatally injured in a pedestrian accident their family could receive compensation for loss of financial support and funeral costs.
How a pedestrian accident lawyer can help
The legal process after a pedestrian accident can be highly complex to navigate.
A pedestrian accident lawyer will provide essential assistance and help to secure any compensation to which you’re entitled.
They will evaluate your claim and determine the best legal approach, gather crucial evidence to support your case, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
They will also represent you in court if necessary.
Legal support for a pedestrian accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.
At Wafer Phillips, our expert road traffic accident team has extensive experience handling pedestrian accident cases.
We can guide you through the claims process to ensure you receive any compensation to which you are entitled. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis.
Contact us for confidential advice about your pedestrian accident claim.
