There are important steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Columbia. Knowing what to do could strengthen your claim and, in turn, better support your recovery. One of the first things you should do is consult with one of our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda Law.
What Are the Immediate Steps To Take?
After a pedestrian accident, prioritizing safety is crucial. If you are able, call 911 and move out of the traffic’s path. This helps ensure that you receive the immediate medical attention that you need.
Adopt a Cautious Approach
You should accept the care offered by the emergency medical team that arrives. If they do not transport you to the hospital from the scene of the accident, you should consult with your doctor. What really matters is that early medical intervention generally improves health outcomes, even if you do not think you are seriously injured.
The injuries from pedestrian accidents can be severe. Being hesitant to seek medical care could leave you with serious injuries that are more challenging to treat effectively. After a car hits you in Columbia, it is always in your best interest to seek medical advice as a first step.
Refrain From Making a Statement
The insurance company could use anything that you say against you and harm your claim. It is best to focus on getting the help you need and letting one of our skilled legal representatives speak on your behalf.
A Note About Gathering Evidence
If a car hits you when you are walking, you are unlikely to feel able to gather evidence at the scene. You can generally trust bystanders to capture photos and state how the accident happened. Additionally, the police report and any citations they issued will be available. Finally, you could count on our seasoned pedestrian accident attorneys to diligently gather evidence on your behalf.
Seek Early Legal Guidance
Once a doctor has addressed your immediate medical needs, the next action is to consult with one of our knowledgeable pedestrian collision lawyers in Columbia. The process of seeking fair compensation is complex, and you may need our legal counsel to support you. You could expect us to handle each of the following critical tasks:
- Helping you deal with all the legal intricacies while avoiding errors that could harm your claim
- Gathering all the available evidence and skillfully compiling it in a strong claim that covers each required element
- Engaging skillfully in negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that comprehensively covers your losses
- Preparing to advocate on your behalf at trial if the insurance company refuses to engage in reasonable negotiations
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions Carefully
Whether paramedics treated you at the scene and took you to the emergency room or you sought medical care after the accident, you should take your medical team’s instructions seriously. Doing this is the surest way to care for your health and strengthen your claim against the driver who hit you, along with post-accident support from our Columbia attorneys.
Addressing your injuries immediately signals their severity to the insurance company. This makes it more difficult for them to minimize your losses.
Call an Experienced Columbia Lawyer Following a Pedestrian Crash
There are several steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Columbia, including seeking our legal guidance. Our trusted attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda understand the scale of your losses. We have the experience and legal insight to build a strong claim for full and fair compensation. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today.
