I Was Hit by a Car: The 5 Steps You Must Take Right Away

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a terrifying experience that can leave you feeling shaken and overwhelmed. It can be difficult to know what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of the incident. 

You may feel a range of emotions, from shock and fear to anger and confusion. In these moments, it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being. 

This blog will guide you through the five steps you must take right away if you are hit by a car. From seeking medical attention to consulting with an attorney, we’ll cover everything you need to know to protect your rights and get the care and support you need.

Document the Incident

It’s crucial for pedestrians who have been hit by a car to document the accident as soon as possible. Taking photos of injuries, gathering contact information for witnesses, and keeping a journal of any medical treatments received can all be helpful for establishing fault—a critical component in any claim.

Additionally, if a police report wasn’t taken at the accident scene, it’s important to alert the police immediately. This report can provide important evidence and documentation for any legal claims or insurance disputes that may arise. By taking these steps, pedestrians can ensure their rights are protected and receive the care and support they need after a traumatic incident.

Seek Medical Attention

Time is of the essence after being hit by a car— get medical treatment immediately. Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or discomfort, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until hours or even days after the accident.

If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing severe pain, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention right away. Otherwise, make an appointment with your primary care physician or go to an urgent care center or hospital.

Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence after being hit by a car is like putting together puzzle pieces. All the bits and pieces can help form a solid case in your favor when making an insurance claim or taking legal action if necessary.

Therefore, collecting everything you can at the scene is essential—taking photos with your phone, recording witness statements, getting contact details from any onlookers who saw what happened, and so on. If security cameras nearby may have picked up footage of the accident, try to obtain copies of those recordings too. It’s also worth getting the other driver’s vehicle registration number, and their name and address for later use if needed.

Contact Insurance Providers

When you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian, it’s important to contact your insurance providers as soon as possible. After all, that’s what you pay them for. Whether it’s health insurance, car insurance, or other types of coverage, your insurance provider is there to help you when you need it most.

Your insurance provider can guide you through the claims process and help you understand your coverage options. By contacting your insurance provider promptly, you can get a jumpstart on your injury claim.

Speak to an Attorney

Speaking with a personal injury lawyer lets you understand your rights as a car accident victim. Your lawyer can assess whether or not legal action needs to be taken against the driver. They may also suggest alternatives, such as filing an insurance claim or mediating between parties.

It is important that you are aware of all available options so you can make any decisions regarding their case without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by proceedings outside of your control. 

What if the Driver Didn’t Have Insurance? 

If you’ve been hit by a car as a pedestrian and the driver doesn’t have insurance, it can be a challenging situation. Without insurance, it may be difficult to get compensation for any damages or injuries sustained in the accident. 

However, there are still some steps you can take.

1. Check your own insurance policy. You may have uninsured motorist coverage, which can provide some financial compensation for injuries and damages caused by an uninsured driver. If you do have this type of coverage, notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
2. Consider filing a lawsuit against the driver. While it’s true that uninsured drivers may not have significant assets to pay for damages, a car accident lawsuit may still be a viable option. A court judgment against the driver can serve as a legal record of the accident and may also help in collecting damages if the driver’s financial situation changes in the future.
3. Seek legal advice. An attorney experienced in personal injury cases can help you understand your legal options and advise you on the best course of action. They may also be able to negotiate with the driver or their insurance company on your behalf.

The aftermath of a car accident can be one of the most difficult and confusing times in someone’s life. No matter if you were hit by a car or if another type of accident happened, it is important to take steps to ensure your safety and legal rights are protected. 

Be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to start building a winning case. Reach out to our team at Injury.io today.

Justice McDaniel is an experienced copywriter and blogger. She has over three years of experience providing outstanding legal content that ranks.