Steps to Take as a Pedestrian Injured in an Accident
Pedestrians are known as the most vulnerable road users because they are the most likely to suffer serious and fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents. If you get hit by a car in California as a pedestrian, you need to know what steps to take to protect your physical health and legal rights. One of the most important things you can do in this frightening situation is to contact a local pedestrian accident attorney in Los Angeles for assistance.
Get Medical Care
Prompt medical treatment is vital for your physical health and safety. Do not delay in seeking professional care, as this could put you at risk of health complications. It can also signal to an insurance company that your injuries must not have been serious, which can make it more difficult to secure the compensation you need. Keep copies of your medical records as injury documentation.
Call the Police
While you are still at the scene of the accident, call 911 from your cell phone to report it to law enforcement. Pedestrian accidents should always be reported to the police due to the probability of injuries. A police report can serve as an important tool during your injury claim, as it can contain key facts about the crash and the driver who hit you.
Collect Information
Speak to the driver and get his or her name, contact information and car insurance details. Do not admit fault for the collision. Collect eyewitness names and contact information if anyone saw the accident take place. Use your cell phone to take photos and videos at the scene. Finally, write down a description of what happened in your own words while it is still fresh in your mind.
File a Claim
If you have automobile insurance, you may be able to receive compensation from your own insurance provider. You will need to have optional types of coverage, such as personal injury protection, MedPay insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if it was a hit-and-run accident or the driver is uninsured).
Since California is a fault-based state, if the driver is at fault for hitting you, his or her car insurance should cover your medical bills and other damages, including lost wages and out-of-pocket costs. Contact the driver’s car insurance company to file your claim. Do not admit fault or give the insurer a recorded statement.
Be Careful When Speaking to an Insurance Company
It is important to realize that an insurance company will not want what is best for you. Its main goal is to save as much money as possible on your claim. You may be subject to several tactics used by the insurer to avoid paying you a reasonable settlement, such as blaming you for the accident, refuting the existence or severity of your injuries, or wrongfully denying your claim.
Throughout your case, protect yourself by being wary of the insurance claims adjuster. Do not give the adjuster too much information about your accident and injuries. Keep your answers to questions short and succinct. Work with a personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles for assistance with claim negotiations. You can trust your attorney to aggressively fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
An attorney will have the knowledge and experience to properly handle your pedestrian accident claim in a way that will maximize your odds of success. If necessary, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer can hire subject matter experts to strengthen your claim and connect you with top doctors to protect your well-being.To learn more about how to file a pedestrian accident claim in California, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free legal consultation.