What if a Car Hit a Pedestrian? What Happens Now?

Car Hit a Pedestrian

Unfortunately, there are over 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. Not all of these accidents solely involve vehicles, however. It’s not uncommon for cars to hit pedestrians while they are crossing the road.

If you find that your car hit a pedestrian, it’s essential to know what steps to take next. Read on to learn more.

Pull Over as Soon as Possible

This is imperative, as leaving the scene for any reason at all could be considered fleeing.

In some states, a hit and run is a felony — especially if it involves bodily injury. So, even if the pedestrian appears to be uninjured, it’s still in your best interest to pull over and exchange insurance information.

Call the Cops

If the pedestrian is injured, call 911 right away. Do not try to move them, as this could further injure them. Once emergency services arrive, they will assess the situation and take the appropriate steps.

Even if the pedestrian does not seem injured, it’s still in your best interest to call the police so that they can document the situation.

Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as possible after the accident, you’ll need to contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will likely open up an insurance claim and begin investigating the accident.

Failure to do so could come back to haunt you in the future.

Record Witness Information

If there were any witnesses at the scene, it’s essential that you talk to them to see what they saw. Get their name, contact information, and any other relevant details.

This could come in handy later on if there are any questions about what happened. It’s also recommended to use your phone to create an audio or video recording of the conversation as long as they consent.

If you take this route, have them state their name, the date, and the events as they transpired.

Take Pictures of the Scene

If you have a camera or your phone with you, take pictures of the accident scene. This includes things like skid marks, damage to your car, and any injuries that you or the pedestrian may have sustained.

These photos could be used as evidence at a later date if necessary. Depending on the circumstances, they could help absolve you of blame.

For example, if there are skid marks on a part of the road where pedestrians were not supposed to cross, then you can prove that the other individual did not have the right-of-way at that time.

Get in Touch With an Attorney

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may want to consider talking to a lawyer.

If the pedestrian was seriously injured, they may decide to take legal action against you. In some instances, a lawyer can help you reach a settlement outside of court.

Without a legal representative on your side, the odds are against you when it comes to navigating this situation appropriately.

What Are Common Reasons Why Pedestrian Collisions Happen?

One of the most common is when the driver is distracted.

Distracted driving is a huge problem on the roads today and can lead to serious accidents. This can include things like texting while driving, talking on the phone, eating, etc.

It’s also common for drivers to fail to yield to pedestrians who have the right of way. In some states, pedestrians always have the right of way, while in others, it depends on the situation.

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and yield to pedestrians when necessary. Speed is another significant factor in pedestrian collisions. The faster a car is going, the harder it will be for the driver to stop in time if they need to.

This is why it’s so important to obey the speed limit, especially in areas where there are pedestrians present.

As you might guess, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also lead to pedestrian collisions. These substances impair your judgment and make it more difficult to operate a vehicle safely.

If you’ve been drinking, it’s always best to call a cab or have someone else drive you home.

Finally, poor weather conditions can also contribute to pedestrian collisions. If it’s raining, snowing, or foggy out, visibility is reduced. This can make it more difficult to spot pedestrians.

What Should I Look For in an Attorney?

As you might guess, not all lawyers are created equal. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian collision, it’s crucial that you find an attorney who has experience with these types of cases.

They should be able to answer any questions that you have and give you the best chance of winning your case.

When meeting with potential candidates, be sure to ask about their experience, successes, and any relevant information that may apply to your case.

It’s also a good idea to get a feel for their personality to see if you would be comfortable working with them. Be sure you keep this in mind during your search. You can click for more information here.

Knowing What to Do if a Car Hit a Pedestrian Is Essential

Dealing with a situation where a car hit a pedestrian can seem overwhelming. However, if it does happen, it’s important to know what steps to take next.

By following the tips above, you can help ensure that everything is handled correctly. Need other useful info that can help you out later on? Be sure to take a look at our blog!