Pedestrian accidents can have serious, life-altering consequences. Beyond physical injuries, victims may face emotional distress and financial burdens. Knowing what steps to take after being struck can protect your health and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In a recent case, A San Angelo woman was sentenced for a fatal hit-and-run accident, highlighting the severe consequences of such incidents. This case underscores the importance of being informed about pedestrian safety, legal rights, and the steps to take if involved in an accident.
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Immediate Steps After a Pedestrian Accident
Knowing what to do right after a pedestrian accident can make a big difference for your safety and for any insurance or legal claims later. Here are some important steps to take:
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, concussions, or sprains, may not show symptoms right away.
Getting medical care not only keeps you safe but also creates a record of your injuries, which can be very helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Call Emergency Services
Always contact 911 after an accident. Police and other first responders can help secure the scene, provide medical assistance if needed, and file an official report. This report will be an important piece of evidence later if there are disputes about what happened.
Ensure Safety
If you can, move to a safe area away from traffic to avoid being hit again. But try not to disturb anything that could be important evidence, like the positions of vehicles, debris, or skid marks. Keeping the scene as intact as possible helps investigators and supports any claims you may need to make.
Documenting the Accident
Proper documentation strengthens your case and protects your rights:
How to Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may call, email, or send letters quickly, and sometimes it’s easy to make mistakes without realizing it. Handling these interactions carefully is important because the way you communicate can affect the compensation you might receive.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident. Be honest and stick to the facts, but don’t guess or speculate about details you aren’t sure about. Providing timely, accurate information helps the process move smoothly.
Keep all communications in writing
Whenever you can, send emails or letters instead of relying on phone conversations. Written records give you proof of what was said or agreed on and can be useful if questions come up later.
Consult a lawyer before agreeing to settlements
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement, but it’s important to get legal advice before accepting anything. A San Angelo accident lawyer can make sure you’re being treated fairly and that your compensation covers medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Don’t admit fault at the scene
Even casual comments like “I shouldn’t have been there” can be used against you. Stick to the facts and let the investigation determine who is responsible.
Don’t sign documents you don’t fully understand
Insurance forms can be complicated, and signing something too early may limit your ability to receive full compensation. Always read carefully and ask a professional if you’re unsure.
Avoid settling quickly
Initial offers are often much lower than what you may be entitled to. Make sure all medical treatments are complete and that you fully understand the long-term effects before agreeing to anything.
Being careful and methodical when dealing with insurance companies can save you a lot of stress and help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What are Your Legal Rights in Texas
If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident in Texas, it’s important to know that you have legal rights that can protect you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Right to compensation
If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of costs. This can include:
Knowing your right to compensation can help you focus on recovery without worrying about paying for everything out of pocket.
Time limits
Texas law has strict rules about how long you have to file a claim, known as statutes of limitations. If you wait too long, you could lose the right to pursue compensation. Acting promptly and speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible is important to make sure your claim stays valid.
Final Thoughts
Being involved in a pedestrian accident can be overwhelming, but taking careful, practical steps can make a big difference. Acting quickly and getting the right advice helps protect your safety and your rights.
While accidents are stressful, staying organized and informed gives you a better chance of a fair outcome and helps you focus on what matters most: your recovery and well-being.
