Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Austin
Austin is a walkable city, but pedestrians are vulnerable to drivers not paying attention and following traffic laws. The state has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country, and pedestrians who survive can face serious and long-lasting consequences. When you walk often, you should be aware of steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Austin to preserve your health and welfare and protect your rights.
An injured pedestrian should consider consulting with an experienced attorney for guidance about possible legal action.
Negligent Drivers and Pedestrian Collisions
Drivers of vehicles–including cars, trucks, and motor scooters–owe a duty of care to pedestrians. When they violate that duty of care and operate their vehicles negligently or carelessly, they can hit an innocent pedestrian and be liable for damages.
Examples of negligence that can lead to pedestrian crashes include distracted driving, failing to maintain the car in proper working order, failing to pay attention to traffic signals, or disregarding the rules of the road. Whether the accident happened because a driver careened onto a sidewalk, plowed through an alleyway, or turned into a pedestrian in a crosswalk, there are steps to take after a pedestrian collision in Austin.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Collision
Everyone in Austin should be aware of the steps to take after a pedestrian accident. These are general guidelines and apply in many accident scenarios:
- Call the police and get medical help
- Maintain composure and focus
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the driver
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Take photos of the scene and injuries
- Document everything and keep records of receipts
- Keep the police report and official papers together
- Consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible
These steps preserve the safety, health, and welfare of the pedestrian victim as well as maximize the chance of winning a future injury lawsuit arising from the accident.
Additional Considerations for Pedestrian Incidents
The first order of business after a pedestrian accident is to attend to medical needs. This means getting treated at the scene or going to a doctor or emergency room without delay. It is important to follow care instructions and stay vigilant to any new symptoms that arise after the accident, as not all pedestrian accident injuries manifest right away.
The pedestrian should try to maintain a sense of calm and focus, get contact information from the driver and any witnesses, get the license plate number of the vehicle that hit them, and take photos of the scene and any injuries (if possible and safe to do so). The pedestrian should not post these photos on social media, at least without first consulting an experienced attorney, as that can sometimes be used against a person in unforeseen ways.
A person should keep communication with the driver and others at the scene business-like and succinct. This is not the time to litigate the case.
Additional steps to take after a pedestrian crash in Austin include storing official paperwork in one place, documenting ongoing recovery efforts, and keeping receipts of any losses, such as medical bills and correspondence with an employer regarding missed work.
It is also highly recommended for the pedestrian to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Our legal team can provide case-specific guidance and handle communication or negotiations with the insurance company, reducing the risk that the injured person inadvertently says something damaging to the case.
Get Information About Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Austin
When you are harmed in a pedestrian collision, you want to prioritize your health and safety and maintain your rights should you decide to bring a lawsuit against the driver who hit you. There are steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Austin that can accomplish both objectives.
Pedestrian collisions can cause serious and lingering problems for you, including medical, emotional, and economic issues. A lawsuit might be a part of your recovery. Call today to discuss your case.
