According to Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 6,721 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2020, and several others were treated for non-fatal injuries in 2020. Accidents are inevitable, and in the unfortunate event that you hit a pedestrian, you will face a personal injury lawsuit. Quite often, the driver is liable in a pedestrian-car accident, but that might sometimes not be the case because some pedestrians share fault for the accident. Drivers often defend themselves that the pedestrian crossed the roadway improperly, but you can further protect yourself by taking these steps.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
A pedestrian-car accident often results in a personal injury lawsuit, where the injured pedestrian claims compensation for money damages even if you are not criminally charged. Even though the insurance company will cover typical damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and lost wages, admission of guilt can damage your driving record. A bad driving record can lead to license suspension and increased insurance rates; hence, the need to hire a personal injury lawyer to prove that you were not at fault. A personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident to discover the possible defenses and represent you in a civil lawsuit.
Call for Help
Calling emergency services immediately after the accident will help save the life of the injured pedestrian and protect you in a civil lawsuit. Failing to call the police to report the matter will be considered suspicious by the investigators. In addition, state laws require drivers to stop at the scene of an accident and provide needed assistance like calling 911. If you fail to stop, you will be criminally prosecuted for hit and run driving, which attracts severe penalties, including a jail term. Even though you are in shock and feeling guilty, you should not admit guilt, especially if the pedestrian was at fault.
Collect Evidence and Contact Your Insurance Provider
Taking pictures of the scene and those of the odometer and surrounding areas will help protect yourself legally. The collected evidence will come in handy when you are criminally charged. In addition, documenting accident details is useful for insurance purposes. Once you report the accident to law enforcement, contact the insurance provider to avoid directly dealing with the pedestrian’s legal counsel. Ensure that you review your insurance policy to protect yourself from potential liabilities.
Even though pedestrians are entitled to compensation in a pedestrian-car accident, it does not mean that the driver is at fault. If you are not at fault or share fault with the pedestrian, you should take these steps to protect yourself legally and financially.
