Steps Injured Pedestrians Should Take to Strengthen a Claim
It is common to be so familiar with the streets we cross that we simply start walking once a light turns green. This is because we assume everyone we are sharing the roads with, cars, trucks and other vehicles, are following signs and signals. But this is not always true. Pedestrians are struck when drivers are distracted, inattentive, or under the influence.
In the United States, over 100,000 people within one year need emergency medical care because they were pedestrians involved in a traffic accident. When a motorist is not paying attention and hits a pedestrian, injuries can be severe or fatal. If you are struggling with bills due to a traffic accident, talk to a Bucks County personal injury lawyer about damage recovery.
Drivers Have Legal Obligations
When individuals get behind the wheel of a vehicle, they have a legal obligation to take note of their surroundings and proceed with caution. When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, it is likely the driver was at fault. This is true whether or not the pedestrian was in a crosswalk or not when the accident occurred.
There are also times when the town or city could carry some of the fault for a collision. This is true, for instance, if traffic signals were broken or faulty and that mechanical failure contributed to the wreck. Municipal claims can be particularly complex and legal guidance is often necessary to achieve the results you are seeking.
Collecting Documentation
After any car crash, it can be helpful to collect documentation, including the following.
- Connecting with law enforcement and obtaining a copy of the police report.
- Saving images or videos of the accident scene and vehicular damage.
- Gathering witnesses accounts of the event.
Of course, best practices do not always line up with what happens in daily life. If you were hit by a car you were likely injured and upset, collecting documentation may have been the last thing on your mind. But there are paths to gathering these items after the event.
Treat injuries right away, which means you should seek medical care and follow the treatment guidelines given to you by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Then, later, you can discuss your situation with a Bucks County personal injury lawyer.
An attorney can let you know what is the best path for your claim or case. If a police report is necessary, your lawyer can reach out to the local police to obtain that report. A lawyer can also lock into other pieces of evidence that could establish the negligence of the driver involved in the collision. Legal professionals know what items are needed to support your path to damage recovery.
Were you struck by a car when crossing the street? Contact the Bucks County personal injury lawyers at Kardos, Rickles & Hand. Our attorneys know how to secure the maximum settlement amount possible. Accidents happen every day. When they happen to you, it is essential you have a lawyer fighting for your rights. Reach out today, call 215-968-6602.
