Walking through the city is usually a beautiful experience. From the oak-lined paths to bustling sidewalks, foot traffic is a major part of city life. Unfortunately, this heavy pedestrian presence can also lead to severe accidents.
Getting hit by a vehicle is a terrifying and traumatic experience. The moments immediately following the collision are chaotic, and the actions you take can significantly impact your physical recovery and your legal rights. If a careless driver strikes you, you need a clear plan and the help of an experienced pedestrian accident attorney.
Here are some of the steps you can take after a pedestrian accident in Savannah to protect your potential injury claim.
Prioritize Your Safety and Health and Move to a Safe Location
Your physical well-being is the priority. Everything else comes second. If you can move without causing further injury, one of the first things you should do after an accident while walking in downtown Savannah is to get out of the roadway immediately.
Downtown streets and busy intersections can be dangerous, and staying in the street puts you at risk of a secondary collision. Move to the sidewalk or the side of the road. If your injuries are too severe to move, stay still and loudly ask bystanders to block traffic and call for help.
Call 911 Immediately
Never let a driver talk you out of calling the police. Contact 911 so that emergency medical personnel and the police department arrive at the scene. An official police report is one of the most vital pieces of evidence you will need later to establish who caused the crash.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Allow the paramedics to examine you at the scene. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline often masks the pain of severe injuries. Some conditions, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms for hours or even days.
If the emergency medical technicians recommend a trip to the emergency room, go with them. If you do not go to the hospital in an ambulance, visit an emergency room or urgent care center as soon as you leave the scene after a pedestrian accident in Savannah.
Gather Legal Evidence
If you are physically able, use your smartphone to document the scene. Take clear photographs and videos of:
- The vehicle that hit you, including the license plate, make, and model
- Damage to the vehicle (such as a dented hood or shattered windshield)
- The exact location of the accident, including street signs, traffic lights, and crosswalks
- Your visible injuries and damaged clothing or personal items
- Environmental factors, such as weather conditions, lighting, or obstructed views
The city attracts millions of tourists every year, meaning the people who witnessed your accident might not live in the area. Talk to anyone who witnessed the crash. Ask for their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Witness testimony provides objective proof of how the driver behaved right before the impact, and collecting that testimony is a crucial step to take after a pedestrian injury in Savannah.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your own auto and health insurance companies about the accident. Even as a pedestrian, your auto insurance policy might cover some of your medical bills through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
However, you should only recite the basic facts. Tell them where and when the accident happened, but decline to give a recorded statement until you speak with your attorney. Call our Savannah pedestrian injury attorneys at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to learn more.
Refuse To Speak With the Driver’s Insurance Adjuster
Within a few days, an adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company will likely call you. They often sound incredibly friendly and concerned about your health, but do not let this fool you. Their primary goal is to protect their company’s finances by minimizing their payout. Decline to answer their questions and direct all communication to your attorney.
Stay Off Social Media
Insurance companies monitor the social media accounts of injury victims. If you post a photo of yourself smiling at a restaurant or walking down the street, the defense may use it to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. Keep your accident, recovery, and daily activities off the internet entirely.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal aftermath of a pedestrian accident in Savannah is incredibly complex. You need a professional advocate who understands local traffic laws and knows how to fight aggressively against insurance companies.
Call Our Savannah Attorneys To Discuss Your Next Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time away from work. A skilled personal injury attorney could calculate the full extent of your damages and fight to secure compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
This list of steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Savannah ensures that you prioritize your physical recovery and helps set the foundation for a strong legal claim. Focus on your healing, and let a dedicated legal professional at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers pursue the justice you deserve. Contact our pedestrian accident lawyers today to learn more during a free consultation.
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