Being struck by a car while walking is a frightening and potentially life-altering experience. In California, pedestrian accidents are unfortunately all too common, but knowing what to do in such a situation can make a significant difference in your recovery and ability to seek compensation. Here’s a practical guide on what you should do if you’re hit by a car while walking in California.

Prioritize Your Safety

Move to Safety: If you’re able to, move to a safe location away from traffic to avoid further injury.
Check for Injuries: Assess yourself for any injuries and seek medical attention if necessary. Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Contact Emergency Services

Call 911: If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately to summon emergency medical assistance.
Report the Accident: Notify the police about the accident. A police report will document the incident, which is essential for any future legal claims.

Gather Information

Exchange Information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance details, and vehicle registration information.
Collect Witness Statements: If there are witnesses to the accident, gather their contact information and statements about what they saw.

Document the Scene

Take Photos: Document the scene of the accident, including any injuries you sustained, damage to the vehicle, road conditions, and any relevant signage or traffic signals.
Note the Location: Make note of the exact location and time of the accident, as well as any contributing factors such as poor lighting or obscured visibility.

Seek Legal Guidance

Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance from a qualified personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue compensation for your injuries and damages.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies: Refrain from providing recorded statements or accepting settlement offers from insurance companies without first consulting with your attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim, so having legal representation can protect your interests.

Follow Up on Medical Treatment

Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure you receive proper medical care and document your injuries.
Keep Records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and any impact the injuries have on your daily life, such as missed work or activities.

Conclusion

Being hit by a car while walking can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but knowing what steps to take can help protect your health and legal rights. By prioritizing safety, gathering information, seeking legal guidance, and following up on medical treatment, you can navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian accident in California more effectively. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney for assistance.

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Michael Waks

Michael Waks is an aggressive advocate for people who have suffered because of someone else’s actions. Michael decided to become a personal injury lawyer when, while clerking at a legal defense firm during law school, he witnessed and was infuriated by asbestos manufacturers spending millions to avoid taking responsibility for the egregious injuries they caused. Immediately after passing the bar, Michael opened his own firm in Long Beach, CA to help the victims of personal injury accidents get every benefit owed them under the law.