What You Need To Do If You Hit A Pedestrian With Your Car

It can be terrifying to get into a car accident with a pedestrian. Although easier said than done, try to not panic. This is a dangerous situation that can only be made worse by ensuing panic. If you find yourself in this situation, keep the following tips in mind:

Get to Safety

The first thing you should do is get yourself to safety. If your car is in a busy roadway, it is best to get it over to the side to prevent further collisions. If the pedestrian can move, he or she needs to move as well. Do not leave the scene, but pay attention to where it happened so that you can inform law enforcement.

Call for Medical Help

Next, you should call 911 for emergency medical help. If the pedestrian declines medical assistance, call anyway so that you have on record that he or she made that statement. If you or your insurance company get sued, that piece of information will benefit you. Should the pedestrian later complain of injuries, your attorney can argue that he or she could have been hurt after your accident and is using it as a reason to pay for unrelated injuries.

Exchange Information

When you go to exchange information with the pedestrian, keep it very simple. Provide your name, phone number, and insurance carrier. That is all you need to say. Although you may feel terrible about what happened, you do not want to automatically assume fault. At an emotional and scary time, it can be difficult to recall specific details about the accident. Just because you were driving the vehicle that hit a person does not mean that he or she was not breaking a law by being in the street when it is unlawful to do so. The accident could be the fault of the pedestrian completely. However, if you are emotional and assuming blame when speaking to each other, the assumption that you are responsible could arise.

Dealing with pedestrian accidents can be difficult, especially when laws regarding pedestrians in the roadways are different in every state. You will need to work closely with your lawyer in the event you are sued for damages. If you feel like the accident was not your fault, you need to begin compiling evidence that supports that. Witness statements from those who were nearby, traffic signs and signals that indicate no crossing is allowed in certain places and the like are all good pieces of evidence to support your case. For more information, contact companies like Speers Reuland & Cibulskis, P.C.