What You Should Do If You or a Pedestrian are Hit by a Vehicle

There is nothing quite like getting outdoors and going for a leisurely stroll. Whether you live in a small village, town or bustling city, many people choose to ditch their car in favor of walking to get from A to B.

While walking has tons of benefits, we often forget that going for a simple stroll can be just as dangerous as driving a car. No matter where you're walking, you should be on the lookout for hazards in your path. Should you or another pedestrian be hit by a vehicle, here are five immediate steps you should take.

If you or another pedestrian has been hit by a vehicle, your first port of call should be to call the police. They will immediately come out and assess and report the accident, which can be used as evidence later down the line. Emotions can run high, so make sure that you fully cooperate with the police as they will be able to guide you on what to do next.

Once the authorities have assessed the situation, your next step should be to seek medical assistance. Even if you believe your injuries aren't substantial, you could have internal bleeding. It's normal to experience emotional and physical shock in the immediate aftermath of an accident, which can cloud your judgment and make it harder to recognize injury and pain. When it comes to winning your case, your medical records can act as key evidence. Therefore, getting checked over by a healthcare professional is important.

Whether you've sustained minor or life-changing injuries, it's only natural that you will want to fight for justice and get the compensation you deserve for your accident. There are Philadelphia PA personal injury lawyers who have expertise in pedestrian accidents. Having a reputable lawyer by your side from start to finish will put your mind at ease and ensure you get the outcome you anticipated. It's vital that you file your claim as quickly as possible. So, make sure to pick a personal injury lawyer who understands the importance of time management.

From the moment you file your pedestrian accident claim, it's vital that you collect as much evidence as you can. Make sure that you document your injuries, which can be used as evidence in your case. Once you've obtained your medical records, there are other important documents that can strengthen your claim, like eyewitness statements and journal entries.

If you are a motorist and have car insurance, it's important that you contact your car insurance company straightaway. While you may have been the pedestrian in the accident, there are many car insurance policies that cover these sorts of accidents.

Thousands of pedestrians are killed in traffic accidents every year in the United States. Whether it's walking in a non-motorist area, being in hazardous weather conditions or the time of day, there is always a risk of being hit by a vehicle when out and about. All the steps above should be taken immediately to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.