Whether you are an injured pedestrian or a driver who has hit a pedestrian, there are critical steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Gainesville. Because the potential for injuries is high, checking for them immediately is crucial. It is also essential to ensure that everyone is out of the way of sustaining additional harm or danger.
When you have been injured in a severe accident, reach out to the well-versed pedestrian accident attorneys at Smith Hulsey Law. Our legal team could investigate the details of an accident to ensure that every detail is accounted for in a claim.
While the police may not be necessary at every Gainesville accident, pedestrians who have sustained a serious injury need to call 911 so that first responders can come to the scene. The police will make the initial report of the accident. They will gather information about the driver, take note of the surroundings, and gather details from witnesses. The authorities often treat hitting a pedestrian much more seriously than an accident involving two vehicles, especially if driver negligence led to the wreck.
After a Gainesville pedestrian accident, collecting the driver’s information is vital. Just like an accident involving multiple vehicles, an injured person needs the driver’s identification and insurance information to proceed with a claim. People should collect the driver’s:
Ideally, the police will gather this information in their police report. However, bystanders could collect it as well and provide it to the injured pedestrian or first responders.
Sometimes, the driver will flee the scene. Generally, the police do not have the resources to investigate hit-and-run accidents. When the accident involves an injury to a pedestrian, they may devote more resources to pursuing a wrongdoer. Injured pedestrians or bystanders need to try to collect as much information as possible to help the police identify the driver, such as the license plate number and the make, model, and color of a vehicle.
If possible, a person who has been injured should take photos to document the scene. Given that injuries in pedestrian accidents are often severe, people may not be able to get their own photos or collect other evidence. In that case, they can ask a bystander to collect it. If there are no bystanders or the injured pedestrian is unable to ask a bystander for help after the accident, a Gainesville attorney could take the necessary steps to look for alternative sources of evidence.
Medical care is a crucial step after a pedestrian accident in Gainesville. However, many cases will result in transportation via ambulance to an emergency room for evaluation. Injured people will either be admitted or released with instructions for follow-up care. Even if someone does not need transport via ambulance, they may need emergency care, either at the scene by EMTs, at an emergency room, or at an urgent care facility.
Because adrenaline and shock can keep people from feeling pain after an accident or recognizing the severity of their injuries, injured pedestrians should schedule a visit with their doctor or another medical care provider within 24 to 48 hours after an accident to get a complete evaluation. Some injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries, worsen over time. Early evaluation can help a person get appropriate care.
Injured pedestrians need to follow up with recommended medical care. It is vital to keep records of all medical visits, including provider names, diagnoses, treatment, and any bills. This information will be helpful in determining damages and making claims.
When you are unsure about the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Gainesville, a practiced lawyer from Smith Hulsey Law could help you. Our legal team could ensure that all damages are accounted for in a claim so that you can seek the maximum amount available for the harm you sustained.
At Smith Hulsey Law, we have helped three of our clients earn million-dollar-plus recoveries for pedestrian accidents in the last three years. Schedule a consultation with one of our seasoned attorneys to learn more about your legal options.
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