4 Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident

San Diego and the surrounding communities are invariably busy places. Our famously mild climate draws people here from all over the world, as residents and visitors can comfortably spend time outdoors all year long.

For this reason, pedestrians and motor vehicles are often in close proximity to one another - a fact that has the potential to result in devastating pedestrian accidents. If you have been hurt in a pedestrian accident, there are a few steps you should take to protect your rights, and four of the most important are detailed below. For more information or to discuss your specific situation, call us to speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer in Chula Vista as soon as you can.

The first thing you should do after a pedestrian accident is to call 911 to summon both police and emergency medical personnel to the scene. The police will determine whether the driver broke any laws in causing the accident, and EMTs will evaluate your condition and determine whether you need emergency medical care.

You should undergo a thorough medical evaluation after an accident, even if the EMTs do not advise an ambulance ride. Some injuries may not be readily apparent, and a thorough evaluation will determine whether you have internal injuries or other issues that should be treated. In addition, seeing a doctor will result in the creation of a medical record that you can use as evidence of your injuries when it comes time to make a claim.

After your accident, following your doctor’s orders is critical to your well-being and protecting your legal rights. It’s important that you attend any recommended follow-up appointments, take your medication, and engage in any recommended physical therapy or other treatment. If you do not, the driver’s insurance company could argue that you are not as hurt as you are claiming to be or that you failed to take steps to mitigate your injuries. Both could result in a significant reduction in your compensation or even a denial of your claim altogether.

Finally, you should call a pedestrian accident attorney in Chula Vista as soon as you can after a pedestrian accident. While you do not have a lawyer, you run the risk of doing or saying things that could hurt your case. In addition, waiting to start your claim could result in the loss or destruction of evidence that you need to win your case.

If you have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, you should call the Law Offices of Bruce S. Meth as soon as possible. Mr. Meth will review the facts of your case at no cost to you and determine whether you have a claim to pursue. In addition, we will never collect legal fees unless we win your case. To schedule a free case evaluation, call our office today at (619) 691-8942 or contact us online.