What If My Car Accident Involved a Pedestrian?
You may be an extremely aware driver, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in a messy pedestrian accident. From pedestrians walking around obliviously with blaring headphones to others who blatantly ignore crossing laws, pedestrian-caused accidents are common. You should know what to do if you’re in one. Here are some top tips for what to do if you hit a pedestrian and why contacting a personal injury lawyer in the aftermath is always in your best interest.
Stop and Report the Accident
If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident, you must take the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety. Stop immediately and check on the pedestrian and your passengers for any potential injuries. Then, contact the police to report the incident and request emergency medical services. It is of utmost importance that you remain calm, act responsibly, and prioritize the well-being of those around you. Witnessing such an event can be highly distressing, but taking the necessary measures to help those affected can make a difference.
Hit and Run Driving is Always a Crime
Never take off from the accident. This is considered a hit-and-run crime in any state or jurisdiction. Even if you know you are not at fault, the police will still need your full report. The last thing you want to be added to your record of the accident is a hit-and-run incident. In Texas, leaving the scene of an accident can result in fines of up to $5,000 and prison time between 1 and 5 years. Aside from possible jail time, you’re likely to rack up legal fees that exceed any reparations you are owed from insurance companies or third parties.
Document the Accident Site
If you know you’ve been injured, documenting the accident site is always in your best interest. Documentation helps you make basic moves toward financial recovery if you were injured in an accident. Some of the critical ways to document your site are:
- Photos of the accident
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness statements
- Copies of the police report
Determining Fault
When assigning fault in a pedestrian accident, the police must consider all relevant factors. They will look at things like the speed of both the vehicle and the pedestrian, how well the roads were lit, and whether either was using a walkway or crossing the street where no one wasn’t one provided. The direction each was traveling is also considered, and any statements from witnesses may help ascertain who had the right of way.
All these details help determine which party was at fault for the accident. Furthermore, the state’s laws regarding pedestrians, vehicles, and the road will be considered and applied accordingly. Ultimately, the decision lies with the police, who can decide if charges should be filed against the driver or the pedestrian.
Reach Out to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Even if you were the driver in an accident involving a pedestrian, you aren’t automatically the one at fault. Pedestrians can cause a pedestrian accident. Thus, if you’re injured in the accident, you’ll need a personal injury lawyer to help you paint an accurate picture of the accident that proves you are eligible for injury compensation. Hospital bills, therapy, and property repairs can add up. Without the help of a personal injury lawyer, you could find yourself in unnecessary debt that will be difficult to recover from.
Involved in a Pedestrian Accident? Genthe Law Firm Can Help!
Regardless of your role in the incident, you will need an experienced personal injury lawyer if you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident. The personal injury lawyers of Genthe Law Firm have helped our clients gain maximum compensation from pedestrian accidents where the pedestrian was at fault. Trust us to build your case for you and fight against insurance companies and at-fault parties for the compensation you deserve. Our Genthe Guarantee also ensures you don’t pay us a cent until we recover.
Reach out to us today and schedule your free consultation with a member of our team.
