Were you hit by a car while walking? What you should do next isn’t as complicated as you might think. In this article, we discuss what you can do and expect after a car-pedestrian collision.
What Should You Do After a Car-Pedestrian Accident?
A car accident involving pedestrians can have severe consequences and legal fallout. You’ll want to act quickly and correctly to protect yourself both physically and legally. If you get struck by a car while walking, if possible, we recommend following these steps right after the incident:
- Call 911. Seek medical attention immediately. Human life and personal safety should be your number one priority.
- Exchange insurance and contact info. You’ll need the vehicle driver/owner’s information, and they’ll need yours. It’s important to note that the driver might not be the owner of the vehicle.
- Contact local authorities. Law enforcement should always come to investigate the incident and file a police report.
- Take pictures. You never know what may play a key role in your injury claim, so take plenty of pictures for proof. Take photos of the car, your injuries, and the location.
- Collect names and numbers from bystanders. If someone witnessed the collision, you should get their name and contact info. They may help your case.
- Contact your car insurance company. If you have car insurance, you’ll want to contact the provider.
We recommend not discussing who caused the incident and their legal obligations. This can be done later, after you have had time to seek medical attention and think about what happened.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills?
In Florida, if you own a vehicle, your vehicle’s insurance will cover your medical bills under the personal injury protection portion of the policy. This will cover up to $10,000 in medical bills. If you don’t own a vehicle, and aren’t otherwise covered, the vehicle that hit you will provide this benefit.
What If the Incident Is Partially Your Fault?
If a car runs into you, the fault doesn’t necessarily lie with the driver. Pedestrians don’t have legal rights to walk wherever they please and then blame it on motor vehicles when they get hit. For example, you may be partially responsible for an incident if you’re dangerously walking along a highway or jaywalking. Even if the incident is partially your fault, you may still have reasonable grounds to build a case and file a claim. It is important not to automatically assume that you don’t have a claim if you believe you had some fault for the accident. The law in Florida may still allow you to recover for at least some of your damages.
What Compensation Can You Expect?
Being hit by a car while walking doesn’t mean you should demand compensation right away. It is important to know exactly how badly you are hurt prior to settling a claim. If the driver is at fault, you may get compensation for the following:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Mental and emotional trauma and pain and suffering
- Reimbursement for damaged property
- Lost income
Get Professional Help from Our Florida Legal Team
Being involved in an accident can be scary and confusing. Fortunately, our auto accident lawyers at Zweben Law Group can help you face the road ahead. Don’t worry about fees—you’ll only have to pay us if we successfully get you money. Call us at 772-223-5454 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.