Pedestrian accidents are common on our roadways, and they cause regrettable injuries and unfortunate deaths. Pedestrian accidents are prevalent in areas with high traffic. Albany is the main city of the state of New York, found on the northeastern side of the United States.
With a population of 98,000, Albany has a beehive of activities, with its main economic activities being transportation, healthcare, the education sector, tourism, and technology.
According to NHTSA reports, the state of New York, whose principal city is Albany, had the third highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the United States in the year 2018, with a total of 301 deaths. This is unfortunate because every life is important. If you are a pedestrian in Albany and an accident victim, you can get help from an Albany pedestrian accident lawyer.
This article will explore the five essential things you need to do after getting involved in a pedestrian accident.
Remain calm and try to assess any injuries
Though it may be hard to stay calm when you're hit by a vehicle, you are encouraged to do so to help assess the injuries and determine what might have happened. Ascertain if any injuries may hinder you from moving; if you can move, get to a safer place. But if you cannot move, request a witness for help, call 911, and wait for the emergency personnel.
Call the police
If you are in circumstances where no witness or driver has called the police, request someone to help you call the police. The police’s information is important when filing a report about an accident. When you file a claim, and the police report proves that your injuries are because of the accident, the insurer won't claim otherwise.
Calling the police will help alert the emergency services to arrive and handle anyone else with an injury.
Get the driver’s detailed information
Don't allow the driver to leave, even if you don't sustain an injury. Take the driver's information, such as the name, license plate number, and contact information, and avoid talking to the driver about fault or any apologies. Any information you speak or give at the point of the accident can be used against you in court.
You don't want to file a case in court and be shocked at the turn of events because of your apology and politeness; the jury uses the evidence and will not care if you incur injuries.
Gather proof and deal with the insurance company
Gather the evidence as fast as possible after the accident. Take pictures of the site, the point at which the driver's vehicle hit you, any speed signs, and any other solid evidence at the site. These pictures are essential evidence before a court of law. Get the names and contacts of a witness so that they can testify before the court.
In addition, let the clothes you had at the time of the accident remain in the same condition because they could give further evidence of how you were hit. Secure all other items that can be used as evidence, such as a smashed phone or other electronic devices. Accident lawyers could request that you sit down and write down everything you can remember during and after the accident.
Writing about the occurrence immediately after the accident is vital because your mind can forget crucial information, and little details can be significant evidence before a court of law. It is crucial to let your insurance company know about the accident. They can get you insured under an uninsured motorist clause if the vehicle driver doesn't have insurance coverage.
Seek medical attention and contact an attorney
Ensure that you seek medical treatment. The doctor's report about your injuries is important to help you file a claim. Moreover, contacting an attorney when you get involved in an accident is important. The attorney can determine if you have a case and file it to defend your rights in court.
Pedestrian accidents can be traumatic experiences, but taking the right steps afterward can protect your health and your legal rights.
No comments
Post a Comment