Imagine you’re running your weekly errands. Although running errands isn’t your favorite activity, it is a warm spring day and you’re feeling productive and cheerful. The grocery store is the last stop on your list and afterward, you plan to go home and enjoy the sunset on your back porch. As you park your car at your local grocery store and start to walk in, you begin to review what items you need to buy. Next thing you know, you hit the ground—hard! All you can see is black pavement and feel an intense pain shooting across your body. You try to get up and collect your thoughts but are stunned and in a complete state of shock. Once you have a moment, you realize a car has struck you. If you are involved in a pedestrian accident, consider the following steps.
- Remain calm. There’s no doubt that you will be overwhelmed. The best thing to do is take a deep breath and remain in control so that you can communicate with the driver and get out of the street.
- Make the driver stay on the scene. Even if you do not feel you have been hurt, it’s best to keep the driver there until the police arrive. It is possible that you have been hurt worse than you realize and you’re unaware because of the amount of adrenaline pumping through you. Make sure to get the driver’s information and plenty of pictures. If the driver attempts a hit and run, do your best to take pictures of the car and license plate and get a physical description of the driver.
- Call the police. The police will file an accident report that will be useful if you file a claim with your insurance company.
- Call Potter Burnett Law. In order to understand your case specifically, you should speak with lawyers who have experience with car crashes. Potter Burnett can explain your rights so you can receive the best possible outcome.