Things Need to Be Taken After a Pedestrian Accident in Texas
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users who, unlike drivers, do not have anything protecting them. Pedestrian accidents can be life-changing events that can leave victims with severe injuries and emotional trauma. Pedestrian accidents can even cause death. After a pedestrian accident, it is critical to understand the steps to take.
Knowing the appropriate steps to take after a pedestrian accident is essential whether a motorbike, car, or truck has hit you. However, let’s first look at some of the causes of pedestrian accidents and how to prevent them.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
As per the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 5,370 pedestrian crashes in Texas in 2021, resulting in 843 fatalities and 1,467 persons with serious injuries. Several factors can contribute to pedestrian accidents. These include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Drivers failing to yield to the right-of-way to pedestrians
- Pedestrians failing to yield to the right-of-way to vehicles
- Failure to use designated crosswalks
- Distracted walking
Pedestrian Safety Precautions
Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility that requires drivers and pedestrians to take precautions to prevent accidents. Here are several safety measures that pedestrians can take to help reduce the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident:
- Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible.
- Stay focused by refraining from distractions like texting or listening to music while walking. Such distractions reduce your awareness of your surroundings, increasing the likelihood of getting into an accident.
- Wear bright or reflective material, especially when walking at night.
- Walk facing oncoming traffic while staying as far away from the road as possible.
- Make eye contact with the driver, don’t just assume they see you intending to cross in front of them.
- Exercise caution around driveways and parking lots, as most drivers may not look out for pedestrians.
Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
Unfortunately, even the most cautious pedestrians can still be involved in an accident due to factors outside their control, like other people’s negligence. Knowing the critical steps to take should you be involved in an accident is essential.
Step 1: Get to Safety
The first step is to get to safety after a pedestrian accident. If you can move, you should try to move away from the road to a safe spot like a sidewalk, provided it is away from any oncoming traffic, to avoid further injuries. However, if you suspect that you have serious injuries, it is best to wait for the emergency services to arrive.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
The next step after a pedestrian accident is to seek medical attention by calling 911 or requesting someone else on the scene to call them. Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is important, as you could have suffered internal injuries.
Step 3: Call the Police
After receiving medical attention, the next step is to call the police and report the accident. This is important for several reasons. First, it will create an official record of the accident, which can be helpful in legal proceedings. In addition, the police will investigate and gather evidence that can also be useful in any legal proceedings.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
As you wait for the police to arrive, gathering as much evidence as possible is crucial. The evidence includes the license plate number of the vehicle that struck you, the name and contact of the driver, photographs of the accident scene, pictures of injuries you may have sustained, and witness contacts. However, avoid apologizing or sharing too much information, as your statements can be used against you when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Even if you were not driving a vehicle during the accident, you should inform your insurance company immediately. Your insurance company may still be able to provide coverage for your injuries and property damages.
Step 6: Contact an Attorney
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you can seek compensation for injuries sustained and other damages arising from the accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you on the appropriate action to take and guide you through the legal process.
Legal Help is Available
If you have been wounded in a pedestrian accident in Texas, the experienced Texas pedestrian accident lawyer at the Ruhmann Law Firm can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation free of charge.