Steps to Follow After a Pedestrian Collision
Posted on September 18, 2023 in Car Accident,Pedestrian Accidents,Personal Injury
When pedestrians are struck by a vehicle, they often sustain severe injuries. These initial accident scene can be chaotic, but there are certain steps that victims (or those around them) can take to help ensure not only the victim’s well-being but also the integrity of any Portland pedestrian accident claim that arises.
Examine Injuries and Seek Medical Care
After any collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian, it is essential for the pedestrian to seek medical treatment immediately. Often, the injuries are severe enough to warrant calling an ambulance to the scene of the incident so a person can receive an evaluation and transportation to the hospital.
However, the signs and symptoms of some car and pedestrian accident injuries can be delayed. Some of these delayed injuries include back pain, neck pain, headaches, tingling and numbness, changes of behavior, and pain in the abdomen. Because of these delayed injuries, we suggest pedestrian accident victims go to the doctor as soon as possible after the incident for a complete evaluation. This evaluation can help locate and treat any possible hidden injuries while also establishing a link between the injuries and the pedestrian accident.
Call the Police
The police need to come to the scene of any accident that results in injury, death, or a specific amount of property value. Pedestrians who get struck by vehicles must ensure law enforcement officials come to the scene to conduct an investigation into the incident and fill out an accident report. Pedestrians are often able to file insurance claims against at-fault drivers, and having the police report can help smooth the process along.
Gather Evidence (If Possible)
The police report is not the only type of evidence that will be needed, particularly when the insurance carriers or any legal teams get involved. It may not always be possible at the scene of the accident to obtain more evidence, particularly if there are severe injuries or if the scene is unsafe. However, a pedestrian accident victim or those around them could use a phone or some other type of recording device to take photographs of injuries, damage to vehicles, debris or skid marks, traffic and weather patterns, and more.
It is not uncommon for there to be eyewitnesses to a pedestrian accident. If possible, we suggest that crash victims obtain the contact information of these eyewitnesses as soon as possible so they can give statements later on.
Call a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
We strongly encourage pedestrian accident victims to reach out to a skilled attorney as soon as possible. A pedestrian and car accident lawyer in Portland can evaluate every aspect of the claim. They will gather the evidence needed to prove liability and handle all communication with the insurance carriers or other parties involved. If necessary, an attorney will file a civil personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver in order to recover compensation on behalf of their client.
Continue Medical Treatments
Accident victims should continue any medical treatment recommended by their doctors. It is not uncommon for pedestrian crash victims to need rehabilitation or physical therapy, and this should be completed as requested by the physician. Any discontinuation of recommended medical treatment could put the pedestrian accident claim in jeopardy.