What Should I Do Immediately After Being Hit By a Car as a Pedestrian?

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a shocking and often traumatic experience, leaving individuals uncertain about what to do next. Knowing the essential steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect your health and preserve critical evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim. Prioritizing your safety, seeking medical attention, and gathering information are just a few actions that can make a significant difference in both your recovery and legal standing.

If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC is here to provide the support you need. Our dedicated Fairfax pedestrian accident lawyers understand the nuances of these cases and are ready to guide you through the process. We are committed to fighting for your right to compensation and easing your path to recovery. Contact us today at (571) 532-9070 for a consultation and let us be your advocate in this challenging time.

What to Do If You Get Hit by a Car While Walking

If you’ve been hit by a car while walking, it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your health and rights. Start by seeking immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away, so getting checked by a healthcare provider can help identify any hidden issues. Also, call 911 to report the accident, ensuring an official record is made of what happened.

Next, gather as much information as possible at the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the vehicle, and the accident location, including any traffic signs or crosswalks. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details, as their accounts could be helpful later. Additionally, make sure to get a copy of the police report, as it will contain important details about the incident.

Once you’ve addressed your immediate medical needs and gathered evidence, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney to review your options. They can help you manage insurance claims, communicate with adjusters, and work toward fair compensation for your injuries and related expenses. Taking these steps can provide a solid foundation for any potential claims and support your recovery from the incident.

Get Medical Help As Soon As  Possible

As mentioned, this is the most important thing to do after a pedestrian accident. If you are seriously injured, you or someone else should call 9-1-1. In any accident, your health is the primary consideration. Hopefully, there will be a witness who can help you and gather evidence if you have to go to the hospital.

If you feel you are not hurt badly enough for immediate medical care, gathering evidence at the scene is important. You should, however, seek medical attention as soon as possible after collecting evidence and speaking to the police. You never know whether some injury you aren’t feeling at the time will show itself; for example, a back injury or a hairline bone fracture might not give you any discomfort until after the adrenaline from the incident has worn off.

Gather Evidence

Many types of evidence at the scene can bolster your case. Again, if you are able, do this yourself. Call the police and also use the evidence they collect at the scene to enhance your own.

• Photographs: It is true that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Almost everyone nowadays has a camera – their cell phones. You will want to try to get pictures of the following: the location of the car, damage to the car, where you were hit (for example, a crosswalk), signs posted around the area, traffic lights, and the condition of the roadway. Were there any skid marks? Take the photos from different angles to get a complete picture of the area.
• Notes: Make notes of your observations of the scene. Write down every detail you observe. Was the roadway dry, wet, or icy? Note the time of day and how busy the area was at the time you were hit. Was anyone else injured? Make note of any traffic cameras or security cameras at businesses or houses in the vicinity and ask them not to erase them or to give you a copy, if possible. 
• Witness Statements: It is human nature to gather around an accident site, whether they are people wanting to help or just Looky-Loos. Ask if anyone saw what happened and jot down what they said. If you are short of getting their statements, be sure to get their contact information so you or your attorney can contact them.
• Police Report: Arrange to receive a copy of the police report. The officer’s observations carry a lot of weight in determining who was at fault in an accident. Generally, this will include basic information, such as where and when the accident occurred, who was involved, and further details. It will contain a lot of the information you note, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t collect your own. It is possible to present evidence that can override the officer’s opinion.

Consult A Personal Injury Attorney

No matter who was at fault, the driver’s insurance company will try to put the blame on you. As a pedestrian, you have certain legal responsibilities. If you failed to meet your basic duties, you could be held partially or totally at fault for the accident. Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia follow the law of contributory negligence. This means that if you are found to have contributed to the accident, you will be unable to receive compensation for your injuries. Obvious examples are if you crossed against the light or if you were walking in the road when there was a sidewalk available to use.