What to do if pedestrian hit by a car? Being hit by a car is already a serious and painful experience. Basically, when the driver has no insurance, the situation becomes even more difficult. Apart from that, medical bills, lost income, and recovery will leave you stressed.
However, there are many options in your favor, too. In fact, what you do next will protect your health and your future. Essentially, the steps you take after the crash are important.
In those cases, you will have to act quickly and make the right choices. This will help you cover expenses and hold the right parties accountable. However, if the driver does not pay, there are other coverage options still available for you.
Read on to get a better idea of what to do if pedestrian hit by a car or by an uninsured driver. This way, you will be able to protect yourself from legal trouble.
What to Do If Pedestrian Hit By A Car? – Essential Steps
When an uninsured driver hits you, it is important to know your rights. After receiving the necessary medical attention, you must first consult a lawyer. This way, you will be aware of your rights and know how to exercise them.
The following are the steps you must take if you are hit by a car as a pedestrian:
1. Get Medical Help First
First, check your injuries and call 911. Even if you think you are fine, ask for a medical check. In general, some injuries may not be apparent immediately. That includes concussions, soft tissue injuries, or internal bleeding.
However, if you do an early medical checkup, you will get the time to heal. Also, you will be able to record your condition.
Meanwhile, if paramedics offer to take you to the hospital, accept their offer. However, if they don’t, make an appointment with your doctor within 24 hours. Apart from that, maintain all reports, receipts, and test results. These will matter later.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
Do not forget to report the crash early on, no matter what the other driver says. In fact, if the driver leaves the scene, it becomes a hit-and-run.
At this stage, you must do the following things:
- Tell the officer everything you saw.
- In addition to that, add details about the car’s make, color, license plate, etc.
- Inform what the driver said or did.
- Ask how to get a copy of the police report. Basically, it will help support your case. Also, it will make your account official.
In general, insurance companies and lawyers rely on the police report to prove what happened.
3. Gather All Necessary Evidence at the Scene
If possible, take photos of the scene. Apart from that, get pictures of your injuries, the road, traffic signs, and any vehicle damage. Moreover, photograph anything that shows how the crash occurred.
Also, write down what you remember (if possible). In this case, include where you were, what time it happened, and how the car approached.
In addition to that, if there are witnesses, ask for their contact details. These notes become particularly important if you want to file a claim or appear in court.
4. Speak to a Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Primarily, your compensation claim changes if an uninsured driver hits you. In this case, you will have to file claims through your insurance or explore legal action. In fact, doing this alone will lead to delays or denied claims.
Hence, if it is a case of a pedestrian hit by uninsured driver, simply call an expert lawyer to guide you. Basically, they will explain your rights and handle your insurance. Also, they will verify if other forms of coverage are applicable.
In general, most lawyers come with free consultation services. Hence, with the first call, you will find out what’s next for you.
5. Check Your Own Insurance Policy
You might not expect your car insurance to apply if you were walking. However, in some cases, it will. In fact, uninsured motorist coverage (UM) includes injuries that happen when you’re hit as a pedestrian. This coverage helps you pay for medical bills, lost wages, and even long-term care.
Meanwhile, another type of support is called MedPay. Essentially, it helps with medical costs immediately, regardless of who is at fault for the crash. Moreover, if you live with someone who has coverage, you may also qualify within their plan.
6. Use Your Health Insurance When Needed
Let’s say, if auto insurance doesn’t cover all your costs, claim your health insurance. In fact, it will help you cover the costs of follow-up visits, therapy, or prescriptions. Although it will not cover everything, it reduces your out-of-pocket spending while your case is active.
In those cases, ensure that you maintain all your bills and payment records. Essentially, if you win a settlement later, those records show what you have already paid.
7. Track All Costs Related to the Crash
The following are the steps you must take if you want to track your costs related to the crash:
- Write down every dollar you spend. In this case, include receipts for doctor visits, physical therapy, transportation, or medical devices.
- Also, if you want to take time off work, keep track of those dates.
- Make sure to note the income you will lose.
These steps are important not for mere legal reasons. Rather, it helps you identify your real losses, which are already higher than expected. Hence, do not forget to share this list with your lawyer. In fact, they know how to utilize them to build your case.
8. Don’t Speak with the Driver or Their Friends
Sometimes, the uninsured driver (or someone close to them) might try to contact you. Also, they may ask to settle privately or make a cash payment.
In this situation, do not accept anything or sign any papers without legal advice. In fact, if you make a small mistake, it will surely hurt your claim.
Rather, let your lawyer handle all communication. That way, you will be able to protect yourself. Also, you will not end up saying something that the other party might use against you.
9. Monitor Your Health in the Days After
Unfortunately, some injuries develop slowly. Hence, if you notice new pain, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping, visit your doctor again.
Apart from that, document everything. Do not forget that your health and safety are top priority. Moreover, make sure to review any possible changes.
Also, update your lawyer about new symptoms. This helps keep your claim accurate. Also, it ensures that the delayed effects of the crash are accurately accounted for.
Your Legal Guide: Take Steps Immediately
Now you know what to do if pedestrian hit by a car. Just because an uninsured driver hits you, it does not mean you cannot do something about it. In fact, with smart steps and legal support, you will be able to recover the help you require. This way, you will be able to protect your rights.
Hence, if you were a pedestrian hit by an uninsured driver, speak to a lawyer early. That one call will change your entire recovery process.
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