The aftermath of a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming. If you or your loved one is in this situation, dealing with medical bills and missing work can take up a good deal of your time and be quite stressful.
Hiring a lawyer may be the last thing on your mind. However, if you want the chance to get compensation to help you put your life back in order, you need the expertise only a lawyer who specializes in this field can offer.
Why Gary, IN, Can be Dangerous for Pedestrians
Gary, Indiana is famous for being the birthplace of the Jackson 5. Unfortunately, one of the less glamorous facts about Gary is that it can be a dangerous place for pedestrians.
Whether people are commuting to work, doing errands, or simply getting around on foot in Gary, walking can be risky. In fact, hundreds of pedestrians are injured or killed in the state of Indiana each year.
In 2020, 103 pedestrians were killed in Indiana, representing a staggering 37% increase from 2019.
One of the reasons for the increase is the popularity of SUVs. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a study suggests today’s SUVs are more lethal to pedestrians than cars. SUVs were more likely than cars to throw pedestrians forward and nearly twice as likely to cause severe hip and thigh injuries.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, you should be aware that pedestrians injured in accidents caused by negligent or reckless drivers have the right to pursue compensation.
Unfortunately, big insurance carriers can make the road to recovering damages very rocky, which is why you may choose to use an attorney. A pedestrian accident lawyer in Gary, IN, can help you navigate this terrain and see that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Steps to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident
If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and ensure that you receive the necessary medical care and legal support. Here are the most important steps to take following a pedestrian accident.
Call for Help
First things first: do not leave the scene of the accident. Stay where you are and call for help.
Do not move unless it is necessary to avoid further harm. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance.
Sometimes when you are pumped full of adrenaline, you may not feel the effects of injury immediately. However, even if you feel fine, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but prompt medical treatment can prevent further harm.
Document the Accident Scene
Make sure you, or someone at the scene with you, takes photos of the accident scene, including the vehicle involved, any injuries you have sustained, and any other details that may be relevant.
Documenting the scene of your pedestrian accident can be important for several reasons.
- Evidence: The documentation can serve as evidence to support your account of the accident. This can be especially important if there is a dispute over who was at fault for the accident.
- Memory: Documenting the scene can help you remember the details of the accident more clearly. Memories can fade over time, and having photos or notes can help refresh your memory when you need to recall the details of the accident.
- Legal proceedings: If you decide to pursue legal action, documenting the scene can be helpful in building your case. The documentation can be used to support your claim for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Insurance: Documentation can also be helpful when filing an insurance claim. It can provide insurers with the information they need to process your claim more efficiently.
- Future implications: Documentation can also help you prepare for any future implications of the accident, such as ongoing medical treatment or disability claims.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the driver involved in the accident. Get their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident.
These are 3 key reasons why you should exchange information at the scene of the accident.
- To identify the responsible party: Exchanging information after a pedestrian accident can help identify the driver or drivers responsible for the accident. This can be important if the pedestrian or the driver decides to file a claim with their insurance company or pursue legal action.
- To facilitate insurance claims: If the pedestrian or the driver decides to file an insurance claim, exchanging information can help facilitate the claims process. This may include providing contact information for witnesses, the other driver’s insurance information, and other details about the accident.
- To comply with the law: In many jurisdictions, it is a legal requirement to exchange information after a pedestrian accident. Failing to do so may result in fines, penalties, or other legal consequences.
Report the Accident to the Police and Your Insurance Company
Make sure you provide accurate and detailed information about the accident. Use the documentation you collected at the scene to fill in as many details as you can.
Contact a Gary Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrians involved in accidents may need an attorney for several reasons, including:
- Legal expertise: An attorney can provide legal expertise to help you understand your legal rights and options. This can be especially important if you suffered injuries or if the accident was caused by another party’s negligence.
- Insurance negotiations: Insurance companies may try to offer a settlement that is lower than what you are entitled to receive. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.
- Gathering evidence: An attorney can help gather evidence related to the accident, including witness statements, police reports, and medical records. This evidence can be critical in proving liability and damages in a personal injury case.
- Court representation: If the case goes to court, an attorney can represent you and advocate on your behalf in front of a judge and jury.
Call the attorneys at Yosha Law Firm when you need assistance with your accident claim. We’ve helped countless people seek justice after being involved in a pedestrian accident.
