How to Handle the Aftermath of Getting Hit by a Car as a Pedestrian

Getting hit by a car can significantly complicate your life. Even when you manage to get out unharmed, you will still have legal issues to resolve. And most people aren’t that lucky anyway. In many cases, you’ll have to deal with injuries on top of everything else. Sometimes those injuries may be long-lasting, or even permanent. Needless to say, this is the kind of situation that you must approach with caution. There are some things you can do to maximize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Let’s have a look at how you should handle yourself after an incident like this.

Assess the Damage

Start by removing yourself from the situation and assessing the damage. When you’re in a safe place, take a look at yourself. Don’t assume that you’re fine just because you don’t feel anything wrong. In many cases, getting seriously injured will cause your body to produce a lot of adrenaline. This will mask the extent of your injury at first, giving you a false sense of wellbeing. In addition, some injuries won’t result in immediate pain. It may take hours before you realize that something is wrong. Take a look at yourself in a mirror if you can, or ask someone else to look over you. Don’t move around too much if it seems like you may have ben injured.

Contact the Police and Start Talking to Witnesses

Afterwards, call the police and alert them of the situation. While they’re underway, start talking to potential witnesses. If anyone was there to see the incident, ask them if they would be willing to testify in court. However, don’t expect everyone to cooperate. Some people are going to refuse for various reasons. You should not be pushy with them. It’s a waste of your time anyway. You could be spending that time talking to others and preparing your documentation.

Document Everything

That brings us to our next point. Do your best to document the incident as much as possible. Take pictures from as many angles as you can. Get written statements on the spot if it’s an option. Don’t rely on your memory! Especially when you’ll be going up against someone else in court. You must ensure that you can prove what really happened. Talk to the driver (if he’s in a condition for it, of course), and get their contact details. The police are going to provide you with that information anyway, but it’s good to have your own copy earlier. Look around for businesses that might have caught the incident on their cameras. Ask if they would be willing to share the recordings for your lawsuit.

Get Evaluated by a Doctor

Don’t delay getting a proper evaluation by a physician. Some of the problems that can arise from a car crash can be very serious. And the longer you wait to address them, the worse they will become. On the other hand, waiting may also weaken your case in court. You must get your evaluation immediately after the incident if possible. If you require any long-term hospitalization, you must ensure that everything is documented from start to finish. Your lawyer should get in touch with your treating physicians in that case.

Make Sure You’re Working with a Good Lawyer

Last but definitely not least, prepare yourself for a difficult court battle. This may or may not be the case in the end. But you never know until you actually walk into the courtroom. And by then, it’s too late. You have to ensure that you’re working with the best attorney from the very beginning. That way, you’ll know that you’re covering all your bases. You will be advised on how to handle yourself in court, and what to say (and not to say). Your lawyer is also going to handle communicating with the courts and the other party for you. The importance of working with a good attorney cannot be stressed enough. Even if your case seems obvious to you, proving it is a different story.

Hopefully you’ll never have to use this advice in the first place. But if you do, it will pay to know exactly what steps you need to take.