What Happens If I’m Hit by a Car As a Pedestrian?
Every year, thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed in traffic accidents involving motor vehicles. It goes without saying that pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to catastrophic harm when struck by a passenger car, truck, or other vehicle.
Those who are fortunate enough to escape a pedestrian knock-down with moderate injuries must still face the physical, economic, and emotional consequences. Hospital bills can quickly add up, compounded by the stress of lost income during the recovery process.
Protect your rights after a pedestrian knock-down
Regardless of who was at fault, pedestrians should take steps to protect themselves legally and financially over the long-term. Victims will need the knowledge and skills of an experienced Pittsburgh pedestrian accident attorney who is well-versed in Pennsylvania’s negligence laws.
The state’s modified comparative negligence laws can be advantageous to pedestrian injury victims. As long as your legal counsel can establish that the defendant bore more fault for the accident, you can still recover legal compensation.
At Chaffin Luhuana, our accident attorneys understand the tremendous pain and hardships that injured pedestrians suffer. It is our goal to help clients regain their health, their confidence, and their livelihoods after a serious accident.
Given the devastating impact of medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, there’s far too much at stake to navigate the claims process by yourself. Victims need a lawyer with proven experience handling pedestrian accident lawsuits with favorable outcomes. A competent attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and pursue all avenues of legal recovery.
Once hired as your advocate, our lawyers will examine the circumstances of your accident, collect relevant evidence, organize all documentation, devise the best legal strategy, and fight for the full monetary damages you deserve.
Depending on the accident, we may pursue benefits from your own health insurance policy, your own auto insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
What to do after you’re hit by a car
When you are knocked down as a pedestrian, whether at a designated crosswalk, a parking lot, or somewhere else, try and follow these steps to protect your rights.
- Remain calm and call 911
- Do not let the driver flee the scene
- If there were witnesses to the accident, ask them to stay until police arrive
- If the car leaves the scene, try and get a picture of the license plate, or make a note of the vehicle make, model and color
- Wait for the police and provide a complete account of what happened
- If possible, take photos of the accident scene, or ask a bystander to help
- Get the driver’s information and license number
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident
- Seek immediate medical attention. Remember that adrenaline can mask pain and serious injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s protocols
- Keep records of all out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident
- Consult with a reputable pedestrian accident lawyer
Compensation available to injury victims
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 129,000 people are treated for pedestrian knock-down injuries each year, ranging from concussions and broken bones to torn ligaments, cuts, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
With the aid of a qualified accident attorney, victims may not have to bear the ensuing financial hardships on their own. Litigation can seek damages to compensate for:
- Past and ongoing medical and hospital bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of anticipated earnings
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Free consultation with Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys
There is a two-year time limit for pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania, after which claimants are barred from seeking reparations.
After a serious pedestrian accident, it’s wise to speak to a Pittsburgh injury attorney with Chaffin Luhana as quickly as possible. We will explain your legal options and best strategies moving forward. Call our office 24/7 to arrange a free, no-obligation case review.