What to Do if You Have Been Hit By a Motor Vehicle as a Pedestrian
Being hit by a motor vehicle while walking, crossing a cross-walk, or crossing the street can be a very traumatizing experience. Not only can it cause physical injuries, but it can also result in emotional distress and financial loss. As a pedestrian, you have the right to walk safely, but unfortunately, accidents happen. If you have been hit by a motor vehicle in Orlando, you are not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss common pedestrian accident issues, and how a personal injury attorney like those at The Law Office of Jeremiah D. Allen can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
The first thing you should do after being hit by a motor vehicle is to seek medical attention. People often underestimate the severity of cross-walk injuries. Even if you feel fine, there could be underlying injuries that have not yet manifested themselves. Seeing a medical professional as soon as possible will help reduce the chances of any long-term effects associated with the accident. If a medical provider suggests further testing or imaging, it’s best to follow up with those recommendations in order to ensure your overall safety and prevent any potential issues in the future.
A pedestrian-car accident can be frightening, but seeking immediate medical attention can ensure that you make a full recovery without lasting harm. Additionally, seeking medical attention will not only ensure that you receive the proper care, but you will also have documentation of your injuries, which will be crucial in your personal injury case.
Collect Evidence
If you are able to after the accident, try to collect as much evidence as possible. This will likely be a very stressful ordeal, but if you can gather the driver’s contact and insurance information, take pictures of the accident scene and your injuries, and speak with any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur, this evidence can be used to establish fault in your personal injury case. If you are not able to collect any evidence on your own behalf, make sure to notify the authorities of the accident, and they should be able to generate a report that surveys the scene which can be later used as evidence.
Notify the Authorities
Informing the authorities is important in order to secure any support or compensation that you may need during your recovery. The responsible party will usually be required to cover medical costs and provide reparations for any personal injury that has occurred. They will also be accountable for addressing the cause of the accident so that this doesn’t happen to anyone else in the future. Rest assured that reporting your accident with the relevant authorities is one of the best things you can do in order to protect yourself and ensure that justice is served.
Understand Fault and Liability
In the state of Florida, the law follows a comparative fault system, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your damages may be reduced. It is important to understand this before pursuing a personal injury case. The Orlando personal injury lawyers at The Law Office of Jeremiah D. Allen handle each injury case personally and give each client individual attention. They have experience in handling personal injury cases that involve people being hit by automobiles and can help you determine fault and liability and work towards the best outcome for you.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
In Florida, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that you have a limited amount of time to file a claim after the accident. It is important to take action as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss this window of opportunity.
Contact an Orlando Personal Injury Attorney
After being hit by a motor vehicle, it is recommended that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you recover damages for your injuries, emotional distress, and financial loss. A personal injury lawyer can also help you communicate with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf.
Being hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian is a traumatic experience, but there are steps you can take to help you recover from your injuries and receive the compensation you deserve. Seeking medical attention, collecting evidence, contacting the authorities, understanding fault and liability, and taking prompt action by contacting an Orlando personal injury attorney are all important steps to take after an accident. If you have been hit by a motor vehicle in Orlando, don’t hesitate to contact The Law Office of Jeremiah D. Allen to help you through this difficult time.