When cars get in accidents, there’s almost always damage, and rarely is there more devastating damage than in a pedestrian accident. Pedestrians aren’t protected like those inside the cars, meaning pedestrian accidents in Louisville, KY often result in enormous medical bills and a lot of pain and suffering. Here’s what to do if you’re hit as a pedestrian.
What to Do After Pedestrian Accidents in Louisville, KY
1. Call the Authorities
Even if you think you’re not too badly hurt, you need to contact the authorities. In most cases, though, you’ll need to contact the authorities not only for the police but also for an ambulance. The police will do an initial investigation and produce a report that gives their take on who was responsible and what happened. They will also document the scene, and all of this can be very useful if you must bring an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
2. Get Medical Help
If it’s an emergency, you should go straight to the hospital without waiting. But even if you have more minor injuries and want to wait a little bit until the scene has been processed, don’t wait too long. You need to be able to clearly link any injuries you have with the accident, and the longer you wait to get medical help, the easier it becomes for a driver or their insurance company to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
3. Exchange Info With the Driver
As with a car accident, you want to exchange information with the driver. Obviously you will not be exchanging information about your vehicle, but you should give them your name and phone number and get their insurance information and contact details. If anyone saw the accident, get their information as well so your lawyer can contact them.
4. Document the Scene If You Can
Document the scene of the accident if you’re not hurt too badly and can do so. Get pictures of the vehicle and its license plate, the area where it happened, your injuries if they are visible, and anything else that might’ve contributed to the accident. For example, if there was an obstacle in the road that caused the driver to swerve or a malfunctioning traffic light, try to get a picture. If there are video cameras in the area, note their locations to tell your lawyer.
5. Be Careful What You Say
Here in Kentucky, you cannot recover any compensation after an accident if you were even one percent at fault. This might seem very unfair given that, in an accident between a car and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is likely to bear nearly all the physical consequences alone, but that is Kentucky law. This means admitting fault at the scene can cause you to lose out on compensation that you need.
6. Contact an Experienced Lawyer
Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney. A lawyer with experience in these injuries and accidents will protect your rights, negotiate for you with the insurance company, and work on getting you the compensation you need for your losses while you concentrate on healing.
If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian, contact us now the Winton & Hiestand Law Group, PLLC in Louisville, KY.
