It is highly important that you know what to do after a pedestrian accident in Chesterfield. The right course of action can not only improve your chances of a full physical recovery, but it can also strengthen your case for financial recovery from the responsible party.
If you or a loved one are hit by a negligent driver while traveling by foot, you need to be sure to seek prompt medical care and contact the authorities. After that, you should speak with one of our hardworking injury attorneys who could help you file a claim for damages.
Pedestrians who are struck by a car should seek medical treatment immediately, even if they do not think they are seriously injured. This is important for a number of reasons.
One reason it is important to seek prompt care is that some catastrophic injuries do not immediately present themselves. A pedestrian may believe they are fine after being hit by a negligent driver but may have actually suffered a traumatic brain injury. TBIs can take days or even weeks to manifest, which can cause permanent or even fatal harm. Swift treatment can prevent this from occurring.
The other reason it is important to seek medical care after a pedestrian accident in the area is it can provide proof that the individual was harmed by the collision. Medical bills and expert testimony from the treating physician can serve as valuable evidence in an ensuing civil claim against the responsible driver.
After a pedestrian accident, it is important that local law enforcement are contacted. The police will create an accident report that details the cause of the collision and who the reporting officer believes is at fault. This report can later be used as evidence of liability in a civil case.
Injured pedestrians should also speak with a skilled attorney in the area who could further identify important evidence and help the individual move forward with their claim. An experienced legal representative could ensure the injured party is now lowballed during settlement negotiations and could represent their best interests in court, if necessary. A seasoned lawyer could also acquire expert witnesses who could strengthen the case against the defendant driver.
It is important for the pedestrian to exchange information with the driver who struck them. This includes insurance information, their names, and their phone numbers. Failure to do so could make it extremely difficult to hold the responsible driver financially and legally accountable for the harm done.
Being struck by a car while traveling by foot can uproot your life as you know it. Pedestrians often suffer devastating, even deadly, injuries in accidents that involve much larger vehicles. Fortunately, knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident in Chesterfield could improve your chances of a full recovery. To learn more about the litigation process, contact our reliable team of attorneys and schedule your free consultation.
