Injured in a Pedestrian Accident?
If you are involved in an accident as a pedestrian in a walkway or roadway, you likely suffered severe physical injuries. While people may believe that the pedestrian has the right of way, in some cases a pedestrian may also be to blame. If you were walking in a place you had no legal right to be, jaywalking, distracting drivers, or behaving in any kind of negligent way, you may bear some responsibility for the accident. However, in most cases, the injuries a victim suffers due to an accident as a pedestrian are through no fault of their own. If you were injured as a pedestrian, it is important that you understand your rights.
Pedestrian Injuries Due To An Accident
If you are a pedestrian involved in an accident, you may have had an accident with a motor vehicle, scooter, truck, bicycle or motorcycle, and your injuries may be severe. Oftentimes, pedestrians are the ones that suffer the greatest injuries in an accident which can be life-threatening or permanent. In some catastrophic cases, pedestrian accidents can lead to death. The most common types of injuries suffered from a pedestrian accident include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Amputation
- Broken Bones
- Fractures
- Lacerations, Burnes, Bruising of extremities
- Soft Tissue Injuries (sprains, bruises, etc.)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Emotional Trauma
- Death
Important Steps To Take After Your Pedestrian Accident
You may have suffered extreme physical injuries as a pedestrian involved in an accident. Make sure to follow these important steps after your accident to ensure that you take care of your health, as well as preserve any claim you may have in the future to receive compensation for your injuries.
- Call 911
Always call the police immediately following the accident if you are able to do so. Do not move unless you are sure that will not cause you additional physical injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention
If an ambulance arrives, make sure to take advantage of a medical professional evaluating your injuries immediately. You may need to go to the emergency room. If you do not go to the emergency room immediately, always consult your own doctor or a walk in clinic within 48 hours of an accident. There may be serious and severe injuries that were masked due to adrenaline or other complications.
- Create an Evidence File
In order to build a strong personal injury case in which you can receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, emotional damages, or pain and suffering, make sure to keep a file of all of your bills, doctor visits, diagnostic tests, surgeries, therapies or any other medical documents you may have. If you suffer from any emotional distress, make sure to keep a journal of your suffering, and any visits you may have with a therapist or other counselor. If you are suffering from pain, make sure to document that daily as well. Finally, keep all reports showing that you were unable to return to work due to your injury as proof of your lost wages.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney at Roman & Roman today at 877-767-1032 or contact us online for a free consultation regarding your accident as a pedestrian. We have offices in Clearwater, Hudson, and Tampa.
