Pedestrian Accidents
Posted Friday, December 6, 2019 by Chris Thayer
Pedestrian accidents with any kind of motorized vehicle typically end in catastrophic injuries. While many people believe that the pedestrian has the “right of way,” this is only the case if the pedestrian has not behaved in a reckless, negligent, or careless manner. Assuming that a pedestrian was not in an illegal area, crossing illegally, or acting recklessly (such as throwing items at vehicles or walking under the influence of drugs or alcohol), a pedestrian may have the right to compensation for any injuries incurred.
*Pedestrian Injuries*Any pedestrian accident involving a vehicle, bicycle, scooter, truck, or motorcycle can result in serious and severe injuries. Statistics show that the most common injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents by pedestrians include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Amputations
- Fractures
- Broken Bones
- Cuts, Burns and Severe Bruising
- Sprains and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Damage to the Spinal Cord causing Paralysis
- Emotional Trauma resulting in Mental Health Issues
- Death
*Steps to Take After Your Accident *As a pedestrian, if you were a victim of someone else’s negligence and suffered physical injuries, you should take certain steps following the accident to preserve your health as well as any possible legal claim you may have in the future.
- Call 911: Always call 911 immediately. Even if you do not feel your injuries are severe, you should have the police come and complete a police report. This official report will be important if you are attempting to obtain compensation from an insurance company at a later date, or attempting to file a lawsuit for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Always give the police officer as much detail as possible, and always request an official copy of the police report for your files.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If an ambulance arrives at the scene of the accident, you should agree to be evaluated immediately. Oftentimes, people do not consider that their injuries are severe enough to require a medical examination, however, the adrenaline and shock from the accident can mask any possible serious or life-threatening injuries. If you do refuse medical treatment at the scene of the accident, consider visiting a doctor within the next 48 to 72 hours to have a complete examination regarding any internal injuries you may have suffered. If you intend to pursue a claim with the insurance company or pursue a lawsuit, you will need to have proof that you visited a qualified medical professional that evaluated your medical condition.
- Document Everything: Make sure to document as much as possible, and begin creating a file for your accident that includes your medical bills, medical treatments, the police report, witness contact information, photographs taken of the scene from your cell phone, lost wages, and even a daily log of your pain and suffering.
*Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney* If you were in an accident as a pedestrian and are finding it difficult to obtain a fair and just settlement with an insurance company, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Our experienced legal team at the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008 can help you conduct an independent investigation, consult with accident reconstruction expert witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah areas.