You take care of yourself. You prioritize your nutrition and physical health. You do what you can to maintain your best shape. You’re the planner, the organizer; always scouting the trail. Or maybe you’re the type to take it day by day. The one to see how things go and get what you need when you need it. Maybe you’re someone that goes where the wind takes you.
The unexpected is never sensitive to lifestyle or circumstance. Hardships present themselves whether we’re ready for them or not. Our nonchalant, free-spirited nature; or our strategic, preconceived intentions cannot keep adversity from finding us.
Being struck by a vehicle is an unnerving and incredibly painful experience. It makes you feel defenseless, a bit unsettled, and violated. The chaos of it all can disorient you; and when it’s time to push forward, you find yourself unsure of where and in what direction to place your feet.
There are a few avenues that you can pursue in the aftermath, pieces you pick up as you go.
Step One: Get Medical Attention
See a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Determine if your injuries are severe and need immediate medical attention; call 911 if they do. If not, go to an urgent care center or emergency room as soon as possible.
Even if you do not believe that you are injured, it is important to be examined by a doctor as some injuries may not present themselves until later on. Many times people do not realize they have sustained serious injuries such as whiplash or brain damage until days or weeks after the accident occurred. Failing to seek medical attention can be detrimental to your health.
Scrapes, wounds, abrasions, or bruises can be more severe than you believe. See a doctor if you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort. It’s better to know beforehand than to regret it in the aftermath.
The medical records you acquire from these visits are essential if you choose to file a claim.
Step Two: Report the Accident to the Police
If you are able, immediately after the accident, get as much information about the driver and vehicle as possible. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information. Take pictures of the scene if you can.
The police department will create an incident report and investigate the scene. If the car that hit you has fled, describe the make and model of the car with as much detail as possible.
If you were able to get a look at the driver, or their license plate, share that information with the officers on the scene.
It is within your right to press charges. The police report can be useful in proving that the driver was negligent, and it helps establish a timeline of events.
Remember to never admit fault at the scene of an accident. Even if you think you caused it by stepping out into the road at a stopping point or getting in the way of a moving vehicle, do not disclose this information to anyone. Wait until you have spoken with your lawyer.
You can also get a copy of this report. If you decide to sue the driver or the corporation they operate the vehicle for, you’ll need this information to bolster your claim.
Step Three: Contact an Attorney
Your attorney will work with you to build your case. They’ll analyze the incident report, police file, and medical records in an effort to achieve a fair settlement.
A competent personal injury lawyer is well-versed in recognizing when insurance companies are trying to take advantage of their client’s circumstances and make a quick profit by offering them less than they deserve.
If you sustained severe injuries from being struck by a vehicle, or if your property was damaged as a result of this accident; it is critical that you contact an experienced company like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers as soon as possible so that they can help you get the compensation for damages and losses that you’ve incurred.
File your grievances separately. If you’re pursuing criminal charges and compensation, you don’t the cases undermine each other. If you have separate representation for each case, doubling legal fees can become incredibly expensive.
Being struck by a car can be a traumatizing experience. It’s important to focus on healing, and move forward with caution. There are a few essential steps to take in order to ensure that you’re taking care of yourself and receiving the best possible outcome for your situation. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed after an accident like this, but everything falls into place with time.