A pedestrian accident can turn an ordinary trip into a painful and stressful situation in a matter of seconds. Injuries may require immediate treatment, time away from work, and ongoing care, while the circumstances of the accident may not always be clear. Taking appropriate steps after the collision can help protect your health and preserve information that may become important to an injury claim. Knowing what to do early can also make the process easier to manage.
Get Medical Attention Promptly
Some pedestrian-accident injuries are obvious immediately, while others may not become apparent until hours or days later. Seeking medical attention allows a healthcare provider to evaluate your condition and create a record of the injuries related to the accident.
Follow the treatment plan provided by your medical providers and keep records of appointments, prescriptions, bills, and other related expenses. Medical documentation can help show the nature and extent of your injuries as your recovery progresses.
Report the Accident and Document the Scene
If the accident has not already been reported, notify the appropriate authorities. A police report can document basic information about the collision, the people involved, and the circumstances known at the time.
If your condition allows, gather additional information from the scene. Useful details may include:
Driver information: Obtain the driver's name, contact information, vehicle information, and insurance details when possible.
Witness information: Ask witnesses for their names and contact information in case they can later provide information about what they observed.
Photos and video: Photograph the intersection, crosswalk, traffic signals, vehicles, road conditions, visible injuries, and other details that may help document the scene.
Avoid putting yourself in danger to obtain photographs or information. Your safety and medical needs should take priority.
Preserve Information About Your Injuries and Losses
A pedestrian accident can affect more than your physical health. Serious injuries may interfere with your ability to work, participate in daily activities, or handle responsibilities at home.
Keep documentation related to the effects of the accident, including medical bills, wage information, transportation expenses, and records of treatment. It can also be useful to keep a personal record of symptoms, limitations, and how your injuries affect everyday activities.
Consistent documentation provides a clearer picture of what occurred after the accident and how the injuries have affected your life.
Be Careful When Communicating With Insurers
Insurance companies may request information about the accident and your injuries. Statements made before the full extent of your injuries is known can create confusion about what happened or how seriously you were affected.
When communicating about the accident, provide accurate information and avoid guessing about details you do not know. Do not agree to a settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries and the losses associated with them.
Other considerations include:
Do not minimize your injuries: Explain your symptoms accurately to medical providers and other appropriate parties.
Keep records of communications: Save letters, emails, claim documents, and other correspondence related to the accident.
Review settlement offers carefully: A quick payment may not account for future treatment, ongoing limitations, or other losses.
Understanding your rights before making important decisions can help you avoid overlooking issues that may affect your claim.
Understand How Fault May Be Determined
A pedestrian accident investigation may examine more than whether a vehicle struck a person. Factors such as traffic signals, crosswalks, visibility, road conditions, driver conduct, and witness accounts may all be relevant.
Florida's modified comparative negligence rules can also make the evidence concerning each party's conduct important in a personal injury case. The circumstances must be evaluated individually rather than assuming fault based solely on the fact that a pedestrian was involved.
Discuss Your Options With Legally Pink Law
After a pedestrian accident, medical treatment and recovery may be your immediate priorities, but preserving evidence and understanding the insurance and legal issues can also matter. A review of the accident can help identify potential sources of evidence, responsible parties, and damages that may be available under Florida law.
If you were injured as a pedestrian in Orlando or the surrounding area, contact Legally Pink Law at (888) 979-4941 to discuss your accident and learn what steps may be available for your situation.
