If you have been hit by a vehicle while traveling on foot or in a wheelchair, you are likely suffering from severe injuries. Even if you are fortunate enough to sustain little harm, the shock of the event might leave you with emotional scars. Fortunately, the driver’s insurance company might reimburse your medical costs and lost wages and compensate you for your pain and suffering.
A skilled pedestrian collision lawyer at Roberts Markland LLP could help you obtain appropriate compensation for your losses if you were a victim of an accident like this. Additionally, an experienced attorney could offer valuable advice about steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Houston.
The most important action a person in Houston could take after a pedestrian incident is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Ambulances often come to the scene of many collisions involving pedestrians. That said, if an ambulance is available, injured pedestrians should accept it.
Sometimes people are reluctant to ride in an ambulance if they lack insurance, but it is best to accept the ride. The shock of a collision could mask severe injuries, and an accident victim might believe they are not badly hurt even though they are. A thorough medical examination could identify injuries that are not yet producing symptoms and protect the individual from further harm.
It is also important to seek medical care right away so that a healthcare professional can produce a medical record. When a pedestrian accident victim files a compensation claim, a medical record generated immediately after the collision is critical evidence. Without one, an insurance company might argue that an individual is exaggerating or even faking their injuries.
People who get into frightening accidents sometimes want to discuss the incident with people around them to help them process the experience. While speaking with close friends is understandable, it is wise to discuss the incident as little as possible with anyone other than EMTs and medical personnel.
Insurance company representatives often seek a recorded statement over the phone or might even visit an injured pedestrian in the hospital. Crash victims should refrain from speaking with these representatives to avoid potentially admitting liability.
Finally, injured people should stay off social media altogether, if possible. If they must post, they should avoid mentioning the crash. Often, insurance companies or lawyers for at-fault drivers could review an injured pedestrian’s social media and use it against them. A knowledgeable attorney in Houston could explain whom to avoid speaking with after a pedestrian crash during a consultation.
Engaging a legal representative immediately after a severe accident on foot could benefit the injured person and their family in several ways. Communicating with other parties is a big part of a lawyer’s job. For example, legal counsel could do one of the following:
Allowing a legal team member to take over these tasks protects the family’s privacy and gives the injured plaintiff the peace they need while recovering. Investigating the circumstances and identifying the responsible parties are critical tasks after pedestrian crashes.
As an attorney in Houston gathers evidence, they could simultaneously negotiate with the responsible parties’ insurance companies. With diligent legal representation, an accident claim might settle before a claimant files a lawsuit.
If you were hit by a car while walking, running, or using a wheelchair, the driver who hit you should pay for their carelessness.
Contacting a legal professional is one of the most important steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Houston. Reach out today.
