If you’ve been injured in a road collision, it’s important to know your rights and how to protect them. A pedestrian who has been hit by a car may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But the process of seeking damages can be complicated, especially if the driver who hit you denies fault or tries to blame you for the accident. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Here are some things you should do to protect your rights in case of a road collision.
Seek A Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been hit by a car, the first thing you should do is seek out an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and seeking damages from the driver who hit you. They can also deal with insurance companies on your behalf and make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. An attorney who will take on a pedestrian accident needs to be specialized in personal injury law because it’s a different area than, say, car accidents. You want someone who knows the ins and outs of pedestrian law and has a proven track record of success in these types of cases.
File A Police Report
If you’ve been hit by a car, it’s important to file a police report as soon as possible. The police report will document the details of the accident, including what happened and who was at fault. This can be helpful evidence if you decide to file a claim for damages. It’s also a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. They may be able to provide helpful testimony if your case goes to court. For example, if the driver says you darted out into traffic, a witness who saw the accident can say whether or not that’s true.
Gather Evidence
Once you’ve sought medical attention and filed a police report, it’s time to start gathering evidence. This may include taking photos of the scene of the accident, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and keeping all your medical records and bills. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal detailing how the accident has affected your life. For example, if you’ve missed work because of your injuries, make sure to keep track of how much money you’ve lost in wages. This will all be helpful evidence if you decide to file a claim for damages.
Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been hit by a car, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. And if you wait too long to seek medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not serious or that they were caused by something other than the accident. So, if you’ve been involved in a road collision, make sure to see a doctor right away.
Revisit Your Insurance Policy
After a road collision, it’s a good idea to take another look at your insurance policy. You may be entitled to coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to claim your own insurance company if the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. It’s important to know what coverage you have so that you can get the full compensation you deserve.
File A Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been hit by a car, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and property damage. The best way to get this compensation is to file a personal injury claim against the driver who hit you. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. For example, if the driver who hit you was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to punish the driver for their recklessness and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Filing a personal injury claim can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it’s important to do if you’ve been involved in a road collision. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the process and get the full compensation you deserve.