After being involved in a pedestrian accident, it is imperative that you take certain steps to protect your physical health and safety as well as your rights to compensation and justice. Whether you were struck by a car, scooter, bicycle, or were involved in some other incident, continue reading and work with a skilled New Jersey pedestrian accident lawyer for more information today.
What Steps Should I Take After Being Involved in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident, you may be overwhelmed or frustrated. However, protecting your physical safety and legal rights is crucial, so consider the following steps in the aftermath.
- Get medically evaluated: The first and most important thing you should do after a pedestrian accident is seek medical attention to ensure your safety. It is important that you are evaluated and treated, even if you feel fine. Some symptoms and injuries can conceal themselves, so it is important to identify hidden, internal, or underlying issues as soon as possible.
- Call the police: Call 911 as soon as possible to secure help and document the incident. Once the officers arrive, give them an honest statement about the events that transpired. The police report will be valuable when dealing with legal matters and can be used as an official record of the accident.
- Gather evidence: Try to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, your injuries, the condition and environment around you, damages, etc. Collect contact information from the other individuals involved, as well as any witnesses who saw the accident happen. This will be helpful during a claim or lawsuit.
- Avoid admitting fault: Try not to discuss who was at fault. You may be tempted to say certain things out of politeness or shock, like “I didn’t see you” or “I’m sorry,” but these statements can be misinterpreted as an acknowledgement of liability.
- Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance company of the accident, even if you weren’t driving. New Jersey requires PIP (Personal Injury Protection) in every auto insurance package, which provides compensation even if you were a pedestrian, regardless of who was at fault.
- Speak with an attorney: If you are planning on filing a claim or lawsuit against the negligent party, it is important to consult a skilled personal injury attorney. Rubenstein, Berliner & Shinrod, LLC offers free consultations to discuss your case, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether you have a valid claim. Your lawyer can help you navigate the complexity of personal injury law and represent you.
- Keep detailed records: Maintain detailed records in the aftermath of your pedestrian accident. Note timelines, your medical appointments and treatments, expenses, lost wages due to missed work, pain and suffering, communication made with insurance companies, and more. This information will help support any legal matters.
To learn more, reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney and set up your free consultation today.
