A Look at Pedestrian Accidents: What Should Be Done After an Accident Occurs?

January 29, 2016, on Articles | Share

Statistics have shown that each year, close to 5,000 pedestrians are killed in vehicle-related accidents.  In addition to the vast number of pedestrian-vehicle accidents, it should be noted that there are thousands of non-vehicular pedestrian accidents that also take place on a yearly basis.  

Some of the causes for such accidents include badly-maintained property, defective sidewalks or parking lots, and/or construction or other rubbish that is left on walkways that can cause or contribute to these types of incidents.

Regardless of whether a property defect or a vehicle caused the injury or accident, pedestrians are likely entitled to recover damages for the injuries sustained, particularly if they were caused by someone else's negligence.

The following information is provided to give those injured in a pedestrian accident a sense of what steps they should take after the incident. It is not intended to replace any legal guidance provided by your own attorney and you should contact him or her about your specific circumstances.

There are a few steps that the victims of a pedestrian accidents should take after the incident:

Deal With Your Wellbeing and Safety First

You should first determine whether or not you need medical assistance right away, and if you do, call 911.  Since pedestrians are often quite helpless in comparison to those in heavy motor vehicles, a lot of pedestrian accidents end in extensive injuries.

Take Notes and Exchange Pertinent Information

If possible, you should immediately jot down what occurred, including information about your injuries and where the accident took place.  Also, get the name and number of the driver of the vehicle, as well as contact information from any potential witnesses. Make particular note of anything the driver or anyone else says to you.

Collect Evidence

Take pictures of the scene and any damages and injuries that occurred, if possible. Additionally, you should make note of your lost wages stemming from the accident. 

Don't Assign or Accept Responsibility for the Accident

The accident scene is no place for you to try to determine fault.  Only talk about the accident with the authorities, your lawyer and your insurance company. 

Florida Settlement Loans From IFN Have Helped Many Injured Pedestrians. Let Us Help You

A pedestrian accident, whether it occurred due to an automobile hitting you directly or for some other reason, can be devastating physically, emotionally and financially. Your attorney is undoubtedly working hard to make certain that the individual or individuals responsible for your injuries are held accountable. However, while the case is ongoing, your bills are mounting and you may be starting to fall behind on them because of your inability to work.

A lawsuit loan* from Injury Funds Now (IFN) can help those who are waiting for their case to be resolved. If you have attempted to get a loan from a bank or tried to secure some other source of funding without success, IFN may be able to help you where those traditional financing means have failed you and your family. Please note that the funds we provide injured victims are not loans in the traditional sense because you will not have to repay a dime if you lose your case.

We can help take some of the financial stress and strain off of you as you work with your lawyer to ensure you get the best outcome possible. Applying for funds is quick and easy. Once you are approved, you will receive your funds as quickly as possible – in many cases within 24 hours of approval. To find out more about our application process, call the Injury Advance Hotline at 1-866-68-FUNDS (36837) or use the online contact form.

*DISCLAIMER: The term "loan" or "loans," where used to describe lawsuit funding is not an accurate legal or financial definition of the transaction. IT IS NOT A LOAN. The transaction is a non-recourse purchase of a portion of the proceeds of a potential future case award or settlement. A loan is a transaction that always requires repayment. Our lawsuit funding only requires repayment if the plaintiff receives a favorable recovery. If the plaintiff loses their case, they do not repay anything.