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Walking is one of the most common ways we get around, but accidents happen no matter how careful we may be. It only takes a split second for a driver to lose control of their vehicle or become distracted enough to overlook a pedestrian crossing the road. Knowing what to do next is important if you're the victim of such an accident.
Below you will find a few crucial steps the team here at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin advises are best if you are involved in a pedestrian accident in Philadelphia:
#1 - Call the Police
The first thing you should do after being involved in a pedestrian accident is to contact the police. It's important to do this immediately, even if the accident seems to be minor.
Having a police report on record will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or if legal action is taken later. It will also ensure that you are not leaving the scene of an accident, which is illegal.
#2 - Seek Medical Attention
Your health is the most important thing after being involved in an accident. Even if you don't feel injured, it's worth getting checked out by a medical professional. You may have internal injuries that you're unaware of, or you may develop symptoms you were unaware of initially.
Symptoms of injuries resulting from a pedestrian accident may include headaches, dizziness, or confusion. A doctor can provide necessary treatment and documented evidence of your injury, which could be valuable if you need to make a claim.
#3 - Document the Scene and Gather Information
If you're able, take photographs of the scene of the accident. This will help to document the damage and any contributing factors. Record details such as the accident's time and date, the car's make and model, and the license plate number.
Try to record any conversations you have with witnesses and the car's driver involved. All these details may be helpful to both you and law enforcement officials later on.
#4 - Get in Touch with an Attorney
If you're involved in a pedestrian accident, working with an experienced attorney familiar with this area of the law is crucial. A skilled attorney can help you to understand your rights and work with you to establish who was at fault for the accident, which could help determine the compensation you may be entitled to.
In addition, an attorney can guide and support you in communicating with the driver's insurance company and negotiate on your behalf.
Give Us a Call Today!
We hope the above advice will help you make the right decisions if you're ever involved in a pedestrian accident. It's always important to call the police, seek medical attention, and gather as much information as possible from the accident scene.
It may be especially helpful to work with an experienced attorney from van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin who can advise you on your rights and help you recover damages that are rightfully yours. Remember to remain as calm as possible throughout the process and take care of yourself first and foremost.
Contact us today at (215) 610-3440 or visit us online to discuss the details of your case during a free consultation with one of our award-winning attorneys.
