5 Things You Should Do if Injured as a Pedestrian

By Your Health Magazine

Did you know an estimated 9,188 pedestrians died in 2022 in traffic or non-traffic incidents?

When car accidents occur, many people think about the drivers, the passengers, and the property. But other potential victims–and often the ones bearing the brunt of the damage–are pedestrians. They’re often a footnote in accounts about car collisions.

If you’re injured due to a car accident and happen to be a pedestrian, there are things to do. You’ll hope the injuries aren’t severe, of course, since you could be looking at substantial downtime that you might not be able to afford.

Whether the injuries are minimal, severe, or somewhere in between, there are five things you must do post-accident.

1. Call the Police

After an accident that causes damage or injuries, it’s essential to call the authorities. A police officer will come to the scene, speak to everyone involved in the accident, talk to any witnesses, and create an official accident report. You’ll need such a report if you decide to file a personal injury claim, which you should if injured since you’ll otherwise have to foot medical treatment expenses out of pocket.

2. Collect Evidence at the Scene

You should also gather as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. If you have a smartphone, take pictures of the scene and any property damage. It’s also a good idea to snap a few pics of the vehicles that caused damage, and don’t forget to take pictures of visible injuries.

3. Gather Witness Information

If you ultimately hire a personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation, you’ll want to give them as much information as possible. That’s one reason to gather witness information. Get the contact information of anyone who observed the accident to corroborate your account of the incident.

4. Exchange Information with the Driver

You should also collect information from the driver who caused the accident–and the drivers of any other cars involved in the incident. Get their names, addresses, contact information, license plate numbers, and insurance provider details.

5. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

One mistake some pedestrians make after an accident is to hold off on seeing a doctor. They might think that the injuries–maybe a few bumps, scrapes, or bruises–don’t warrant taking time off work to see their primary medical care provider. But that’s a mistake. For one thing, the full extent of some injuries won’t be evident in the immediate aftermath of an accident. So, as a matter of proper procedure, make an appointment to see your doctor. That way, if you file a personal injury claim, you’ll have documented evidence you saw a doctor.

In addition to seeing your doctor, document injuries and medical treatment. Keep a list of any follow-up care with your doctor, physiotherapists, or any other medical professionals. You’ll also want to keep track of any medications prescribed to treat your injuries.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

It’s essential to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you after an accident. Such a legal professional will review your case to ensure you have sufficient grounds, deal with the insurance company to secure a fair compensation settlement, and go to court if the insurance company doesn’t budge. A personal injury lawyer will help you navigate the complicated claims process, build a strong case, and help you get compensation for medical expenses, lost salary, ongoing needs, pain and suffering, and whatever else you may qualify for.

If you’re injured in an accident as a pedestrian, you need to know what to do to get help. Following these five steps will give you the best possible chance of moving forward with your life.