Pedestrians are uniquely at risk, more than most people on the street. You’re on foot, you have no protection, and you may not be able to get out of the way quickly if someone is barreling toward you in a vehicle.
Unfortunately, that means you may have been injured in a serious pedestrian accident, and now, you need help. Make sure you take the following steps after your accident, so you can recover from your injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
Get Medical Help
When you’re hit by a careless driver, you might be in a serious medical situation. You’re caught between the road and the car, and that often leads to dire injuries. For example, head injuries or spine injuries could leave you with permanent disabilities that may affect your quality of life.
Even if you feel fine, seeking medical care may be needed. Some injuries may be delayed, so that you don’t feel them until later. Worse, those injuries could be dangerous, like internal bleeding. If you don’t seek help, your condition could worsen and can even turn deadly.
Identify the At-Fault Party
If you’ve been hit by a driver, you may be eligible for losses because of the accident. In many of these cases, you may sue the driver for their carelessness—they were going too fast or were driving distracted, so they couldn’t stop in time. In some cases, if they drive for work, their employers could be the responsible party instead.
Keep in mind, though, that getting compensated for your pedestrian accident injuries may not be easy. They may try to pin part of the blame on you, saying you weren’t paying attention or using the crosswalk. In these cases, you may need a Westchester personal injury attorney to defend your compensation.
Count Up Your Losses
Before you file a lawsuit, though, you need to know what your claim is worth. That’s not just your economic damages, or the losses you’ve suffered because of the accident, either. While you may be compensated for the financial costs of your injuries, such as medical care and lost wages, you may be eligible for benefits that cover your emotional and mental wellbeing as well.
The problem is, these losses are intangible. That means they’re not as simple as adding the costs of a bill to your compensation. You’ll instead need to calculate the value of your losses based on the severity of your losses and the impact of those damages.
Talk to an Accident Lawyer
Taking the above steps can be tough without help. Sure, you may be able to get an ambulance on the way, but after that, you might feel lost. That’s especially true when you’re trying to recover from your injuries.
Often, it’s best to seek out an attorney for help with your claim. Your lawyer can represent you in court, gather evidence for your claim, and help you win the compensation you’re qualified for after a pedestrian accident.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
