Car accidents can be traumatizing, especially for injured pedestrians hit by vehicles. Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries and sometimes permanent disability or death.
Pedestrian accidents happen more often than you may think. In 2020, over 100,000 people had to go to the emergency room due to a pedestrian accident. The CDC reported that there were over 7,000 pedestrian accident deaths in 2020 as well. In New Jersey, pedestrians accounted for almost 30 percent of all car accident fatalities.
If you have been struck by a car, even at a low speed, you will likely suffer lifelong consequences. Fortunately, you have rights under the law if you are an injured pedestrian. Although many pedestrian accidents are complex, there are a few steps you can take to help your situation, including:
- Call 911: Even if the accident is considered minor, it is still a good idea to call the police and have them create a police report. Immediately following the accident, call 911, and let them know you were hit by a car. The 911 operator will send the police to the scene as well as medical responders, especially if you tell them you were injured. The police will create an official report of the accident, detailing who was involved and what happened.
- Collect information: To strengthen your case, you need to collect as much information about the accident as possible. Make sure you get the driver’s insurance and contact information and keep it in a safe place. Take videos and photos of the accident scene and of any injuries and write down as much as you can remember about the car, where you got hit, and the road conditions.
- Report the accident: Report the accident and make a claim with your insurance company. More than likely, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will help cover your medical expenses and other damages from the accident. In New Jersey, you do not need to prove that the driver is liable in order to file an insurance claim.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not believe you are injured or the accident was minor, it is always in your best interest to get medical attention immediately following an accident. Many injuries do not surface until after the adrenaline has worn off, which could take hours or even days. Make sure to keep all of your medical records, and do not skip any appointments you have related to the injury. Missing appointments may cause the insurance company to deny your claim.
- Contact a lawyer: Pedestrian accidents can be catastrophic. Not only do they cause physical damage, but emotional damage as well. Your best option is to contact an accident lawyer and have them handle your case.
- Stay off social media: If you plan on making an insurance claim or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you should stay off social media and keep the case to yourself and your lawyer. You words and anything you post that may seem like a contradiction to the actual events may be used against you.
Egg Harbor Township Car Accident Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Help Injured Pedestrians
A pedestrian accident can lead to debilitating injuries and disability. You will need the best legal help for your case. Speak with one of our Egg Harbor Township car accident lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm today to learn more. Call us at 609-926-3300 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.