4 Things to Do after a Pedestrian Accident

As a pedestrian, getting hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle can be terrifying.  You can be left dealing with severe injuries, emotional distress, and the frustration of an accident you didn’t cause. In the moments following the crash, knowing what to do can make a difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

Read on to learn four steps you can take to protect your health and legal rights after a pedestrian accident – and call us as soon as you can to retain an experienced South Florida pedestrian accident lawyer. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

After a pedestrian accident, your health should always be the priority. Move to a safe area, away from traffic or hazards, if possible. Even if you feel okay initially, some injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show immediate symptoms. Calling 911 for medical assistance ensures you are evaluated by professionals who can detect injuries that might go unnoticed.

Emergency responders can also create an official record of your injuries and the accident. This documentation can become essential when dealing with insurance adjusters or pursuing a legal claim. If you decide to pursue compensation later, your pedestrian accident attorney will use your medical records to prove the extent of your injuries.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, gathering evidence at the accident scene can strengthen your case later. Take photos or videos of everything you can: your injuries, the vehicle involved, the driver’s license plate, the surrounding area, and any traffic signals. These details could provide critical evidence when proving the driver’s fault.

Speak with witnesses and collect their contact information. Witness statements often carry significant weight in determining what happened and who is responsible. The police report, photographs, and witness accounts will serve as the foundation for your legal claim. A pedestrian accident lawyer can step in to collect additional evidence, such as surveillance footage or expert testimony, to build your case.

Report the Incident

You should always report the accident to law enforcement. A police officer will arrive on the scene to gather details and create a report documenting what occurred. This report is an unbiased account of the event, which can be valuable when pursuing compensation.

When speaking to the officer, provide accurate and honest details about what happened.

Avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. For example, don’t say, “I didn’t see the car coming.” Stick to the facts and let your attorney handle any liability disputes later.

Once the police report is complete, request a copy. This document is vital when filing insurance claims or pursuing a personal injury case. If you’re unsure how to obtain it or what to do next, your pedestrian accident attorney can guide you through the process and ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order.

Contact a South Florida Pedestrian Accident Attorney

One of the most important steps after a pedestrian accident is contacting a lawyer with experience handling similar cases. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when their client is clearly at fault. When you have us on your side, you can be confident that we will protect your rights and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of during this challenging time.

We’ll work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. From taking over all communication with insurance companies to negotiating on your behalf and filing a lawsuit if necessary, we handle everything so you can focus on healing.

Our team provides personalized attention to every client, guiding you through the legal process and keeping you informed every step of the way. Call us at 954-606-6606 in South Florida or 866-306-9606 to schedule your free consultation. You can also fill out our online case review form on our website to get started.