Seeing as Florida has some of the most dangerous intersections in the country, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents occur every day in this state. These accidents cover the gamut when it comes to injuries, and while most are minor, a lot of them leave the victim with serious injuries or even end up in death.
Many cyclists have even been involved in accidents with trains or buses. When a vehicle hits a pedestrian or cyclist, the injuries are often extremely serious due to the pedestrian’s total lack of protection. There are certain steps that you should take if you are involved in a pedestrian accident which you should be aware of. Read on to learn more about what to do if you are involved in a pedestrian accident from Pam Olsen Personal Injury.
If a motorist is the cause of the accident, then his/her insurance company should be able to cover your damages. However, it’s crucial to be informed about what you should do in the first hours and days after a pedestrian accident in order to ensure that the insurance company does not try to strip you of your right to file for compensation. If you suffer injuries during a pedestrian accident, then it’s important to:
- Focus on your health first– The concern at the forefront of your mind after a pedestrian accident should be your own well-being. Call 911 for emergency medical treatment if necessary, especially if you have any major injuries. You should be careful though, since not all serious injuries are immediately apparent. A head, neck, or internal injury may not show obvious symptoms for several hours or days following a crash. Due to this, you need to seek treatment at the scene or visit an emergency department as soon as possible for an exam. Getting treatment promptly following an accident also links your injuries to the crash so that you have records to show later on.
- Collect as much information as possible from the scene– You should try and collect whatever evidence possible from the scene. This includes taking pictures of the scene, the damage to the vehicle, and of any injuries sustained. Use your phones or a notepad to write down the name of the driver and contact information for any witnesses. Write down the exact location of the accident, and anything that you remember regarding the crash in question.
- Contact A Pedestrian Accident Attorney– Once you’ve gotten medical attention, you should seek the help of a personal injury attorney like Pam Olsen.
- Work with a lawyer – It’s crucial to understand what caused your accident, as it is the first step in holding the at-fault party liable for your injuries. In a lot of cases, the accident happened due to the fact that a negligent driver failed to obey Texas pedestrian laws. This is why you may need a lawyer to help you gather evidence and fight with your insurance company in order to get the best settlement that you can and the compensation that you deserve for your time and injuries.
If you or your loved one have been injured in a pedestrian accident, now is the right time to seek help. Contact Pam Olsen today at (352) 671-9777. Or if you prefer, Schedule a Consultation with Pam Olsen, Esq.