Every year thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed when hit by motor vehicles. As someone walking, you have fewer protections, but you also have strong legal rights if the accident was caused by another’s negligence.
Steps to Take Immediately
- Call 911 right away. You need law enforcement on scene and medical help immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, internal damage or bleeding may appear later.
- Ask the driver to stay at the scene. If possible, get their license plate number, car make and model. If the driver leaves, it becomes a hit-and-run which carries legal penalties.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Head trauma, internal injuries, or painful conditions may become evident only later.
- Take photos or video at the scene. Capture the vehicle that hit you, road or sidewalk conditions, signage, traffic signal status, weather, your visible injuries, and anything else that helps show what happened.
- Gather information from the driver. Collect their name, address, phone, insurance information, vehicle details. Also get witness names and contact info if anyone saw the accident.
- Check for surveillance cameras in nearby businesses or homes. Such cameras may have captured the incident.
What Not To Do
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Statements or photos can be used by insurers or defense to challenge your claim or imply your injuries are less serious.
How Legal Help Can Protect You
- A pedestrian accident attorney can guide evidence collection, including police reports, medical records, and scene documentation.
- Legal counsel helps you understand what compensation may be available for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future treatment needed.
- Acting in a timely way matters. California has deadlines for filing claims; missing them may prevent you from recovering damages.
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Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
