What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be life-altering and leave you facing permanent disabilities, psychological trauma, and substantial losses. These types of crashes can even result in severe injuries or deaths. According to the Boston Herald, Boston and Springfield had the highest number of pedestrian fatalities among cities in the state in 2021. It can be understandably difficult to know what to do if you have been struck by a car or have witnessed someone else being hit by a motor vehicle. If you are in either situation, scroll down to learn the right steps to take following the collision.

What to Do Following a Pedestrian Accident

Some of the steps below will only apply to pedestrian accident victims while others will also apply to witnesses. Ensuring you take these steps can help to ensure that the pedestrian gets the help they need and that their rights are protected in case of a claim, whether you are the injured victim or a witness.

1. Call 911

Whether you witness a pedestrian crash or are struck by a car, call 911 immediately. If you were injured and can’t place a call, ask for someone to call 911 for you. When you call 911, both the police and emergency services will be notified and dispatched to the scene to investigate what happened and check for injuries. Keep in mind that even if you’re unsure whether you have been injured, the symptoms of some injuries can be masked by adrenaline and shock.

2. Remain Calm and Check for Injuries

While it can be difficult to stay calm if you have witnessed a pedestrian being struck by a car or have been hit by a motor vehicle, doing so is important so that you can look for injuries and evaluate what happened. If you are the victim, determine if you have been injured and if you can move. If you are a witness, check the victim for injuries and avoid moving them because doing so might exacerbate any injuries they might have. Provide first aid if necessary until emergency personnel arrives.

3. Obtain the Driver’s Information

Whether you are a witness or an injured victim, try to prevent the driver from leaving. Get the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number. Ask the driver for their name, driver’s license number, insurance information, address, and phone number. If the driver tries to flee, at least get the driver’s physical description, license plate, and vehicle information so the police can track them down. If you are the victim, don’t apologize, accept blame, or discuss fault with the driver. Anything you say to the driver could later be used against you if you file a claim.

4. Get Evidence from the Scene

If you can, take photographs of the scene, including pictures of where the accident occurred, damage to the vehicle, nearby speed limit signs and traffic control devices, tire skid marks, and other things that could be relevant. If you are too injured to take pictures, ask someone if they can do so for you. If you are the victim, ask any witnesses for their names and contact information so that they can be contacted later. Witnesses should stay at the scene to speak to the police, so if you are a witness, try to stay if you can. Otherwise, give your name and contact information to the accident victim.

The victim should keep their clothing and not wash it. Your clothing can provide some additional evidence about how the collision occurred and its impact. If you were injured, make sure to document everything you recall in the moments leading up to your collision and what happened during and after it. Writing these details down can help you recall what happened later.

5. Go to the Hospital or a Doctor’s Office

As a victim, you should go to the hospital or a doctor’s office immediately after your crash. Getting prompt medical attention can help to identify all of your injuries and ensure you get prompt medical treatment. This can help facilitate your recovery while also preserving your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and related losses.

6. Contact Ellis & Associates

As the victim of a pedestrian accident, you can anticipate that an insurance adjuster from the driver’s insurance company will contact you. You should avoid providing a statement to the motorist’s insurance company because they will try to use your statements against you. Instead, you should contact an experienced lawyer at Ellis & Associates before you talk to the insurance company. A lawyer can assess your case and determine whether it has legal merits. If we agree to accept representation, we can deal with the insurance company for you and represent your interests throughout the claims process. Call us today for a free consultation at 800-MR-ELLIS.