Most drivers’ worst nightmare is hitting a pedestrian. When a car collides with a person, the risk of catastrophic injury is great, and the consequences of a bad collision can be too horrific to fathom.
However, there are specific actions that a motorist should try to follow in any car accident. Although hitting a pedestrian is an unpleasant experience, it is preferable to behave calmly and carefully in order to get the best possible outcome.
If you want to know how to behave calmly and carefully, you must know things you need to to after a car accident.
If you find it hard to read, check out our video on that topic.
Immediately Seek Medical Help
After you’ve confirmed that you’re fine and aren’t in any danger, it’s time to find out how the pedestrian who was hit is doing. You should seek medical assistance and remain with the pedestrian until assistance arrives. You should try to limit the risk if they are in a dangerous situation, such as on the road. If they are unconscious or critically injured, however, do not attempt to move them.
It is very important for your own good, and the good of the pedestrian that has been hit, to know what you should and shouldn’t do at the accident scene.
Be Sure To Call The Police
You should notify the cops if you strike a pedestrian with your car. This is a legal requirement in many states. It’s also a good idea not to leave the site until they arrive. Leaving the scene before this can have major legal ramifications, since it could be considered a hit-and-run accident, which could result in criminal prosecution.
Talking to the police can have its downsides if you don’t do it correctly. If you want to know more about it, you should read our article: Should You Talk To The Police After a Car Accident?
Keep a Record Of The Accident
It’ll be crucial to keep track of the specifics of the accident in case you need to file an insurance claim later. You should try to write down the following:
- The pedestrian’s contact information, as well as any witnesses to the accident
- Time, date, location, weather, and road conditions of the collision, as well as your story of what transpired
- Officers’ names and badge numbers at the scene
- Taking photographs of the accident scene can also help you remember what happened. Photographs of property damage may also be useful.
We recently made a video about releasing medical records to an insurance company. You can check it out below.
Get In Touch With Your Insurance Company
After an accident, you should call your insurance company as quickly as possible. On your behalf, they will be able to interact with the pedestrian’s attorney. You or your attorney should also review your insurance policy to ensure that you are aware of your coverage and potential obligations.
As we are speaking of insurance company, you might want to read about our article: Should I Give a Recorded Statement To The Insurance Company
Think Twice Before You Talk!
Although you may be frightened after hitting a pedestrian, it is critical that you remain cool and attentive of what you say. Do not apologise or suggest that the accident was your responsibility. You might not have a complete awareness of all the facts and wind up taking responsibility for something that wasn’t your fault.
It’s likely that the authorities and your insurance company will determine that the pedestrian was at blame for the collision – for example, because they were jaywalking or walking on the road without regard for the hazard.
What I’m a Pedestrian And I Got Hit?
Before we get to the end, we also want to remind you about the absolute opposite, and that is the scene in which YOU got hit.
In that case we suggest you read our article: Struck By a Hit And Run Driver As a Pedestrian
If you find it hard to read, you can check out the video we made on that topic below.
Talking To An Attorney Is Always a Great Option
Whatever the scenario, talking to an experienced attorney is a must. If you need any help, call us on 314 352 6800 and get free consultations today.
