Being hit by a pedestrian is scary and frustrating. You are likely suffering from serious injuries and may not know what to do next. The next steps you take however, are very important. They can either help any future personal injury claim you file, or they can hurt it. Speaking to a San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer right away is important, but there are a few things you can do first while you are still at the scene.
Call the PoliceIt is important to call the police after a pedestrian accident. Law enforcement will come out to the scene, determine who was negligent, and write and file an accident report. This can help prove fault in a future claim. You may also not be able to file a police report later, so you should always call them to the scene in person.
Write Down the Driver’s InformationA pedestrian accident attorney in San Francisco may be able to obtain certain information later on, but it is always best if you are prepared to give it to your lawyer right from the start of the case. Write down the driver’s auto insurance information, license plate number, name, and contact information. Also write down the name and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash.
Take PhotosIf you are able to, you should take as many pictures of the scene as you can. This will help an attorney determine how the accident happened. Take pictures of the vehicle, of your injuries, and of any pertinent details, such as a stop sign the driver ran.
Seek Medical AttentionAs soon as you can, you must receive medical attention after an accident. You likely sustained serious injuries that are quite obvious, but there is also a chance that you also have other injuries that are not as apparent. Some injuries, such as concussions, do not always present themselves right away. Additionally, you could be in shock or the amount of adrenaline coursing through your system may mask the symptoms of serious injury. Getting medical treatment right away will help you and your San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer in pursuing the compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries.
Do Not Accept Fault or ApologizeIt is so important that you do not accept fault or even apologize that the accident happened at all. These statements will be taken out of context and used against you later. They will help the other side prove that you were partly at fault for the crash, which will result in your compensation being reduced. Say as little as possible while at the scene.
Call a California Pedestrian Accident AttorneySpeaking to a pedestrian accident attorney in San Francisco is something you must do after any pedestrian accident. The insurance company is not on your side and will engage in sneaky and dishonest tactics to reduce, deny, or delay your claim. If you have been hurt in an accident, call our attorneys at the Brod Law Firm. We will fight to ensure your rights are upheld and help you secure any compensation you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 to schedule your free consultation.