What To Do if You Hit a Pedestrian

Any accident can be terrible, but hitting a person walking across the road can be your worst nightmare. When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian, there is a high risk of serious injuries or death. Even what seems like a minor accident can be fatal for a person on the street.

After the shock of hitting someone wears off, drivers should try to stay as calm as possible. There are steps you can take to get medical attention for an injured pedestrian and still protect yourself against a personal injury claim. If you are concerned about a possible lawsuit, talk to a car accident lawyer for legal advice.

Call for Medical Help After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are not putting yourself in immediate danger, check the condition of the person who has been hit. You should call for medical help and stay with them until help arrives. For example, if they are in a hazardous position — on the road — you should try to minimize the risk. However, do not try to move them if they are unconscious or seriously hurt.

Call the Police

If you hit a pedestrian with your car, you should call the police. In many states, this is a legal requirement. You should also never leave the scene until they arrive. Leaving the scene before this could be considered a hit-and-run accident involving criminal charges.

Document the Accident

Document the details at the accident scene. This information is very important during any later insurance claim. You should try to note down:

• Contact information and phone number of the pedestrian and any witnesses to the accident
• Details of the accident, including the time of the accident, date, location, weather, road conditions, and your version of how it happened
• Name and badge numbers of police officers at the scene so you can get a police report

It can also be useful to take photos of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle to record details of how it happened.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You must contact your car insurance company immediately after a car accident. Your insurance policy may require reporting any accident within a certain period. To avoid saying the wrong thing to the insurance adjuster, your lawyer can speak with an insurance adjuster on your behalf.

Be Careful What You Say

You can suffer shock after hitting a pedestrian, but it’s important to try to remain calm and aware of what you say. Do not apologize for the accident or imply that it was your fault. You may not fully understand all the facts and may end up assuming liability for an incident that was not your fault.

It is possible that the pedestrian was at fault for the accident. For example, the pedestrian may have been jaywalking, crossing at an intersection when the crosswalk sign was red, or drunk and walking in the road at night.

If you broke traffic laws during the accident, you might face charges, but trying to point fingers elsewhere may not help your case, even if the pedestrian is found at fault for the incident. An experienced lawyer can advise you on the statements you should and shouldn’t make after a traffic accident.

Get Advice From a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were at fault for the accident, your driver’s insurance coverage may cover the injured pedestrian’s medical expenses. If your insurance isn’t enough to pay for the pedestrian’s injuries, they might file a personal injury lawsuit against you for medical treatment, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Take any civil lawsuit involving accident-related injuries seriously. You can face liability for the pedestrian’s medical bills. Find a local personal injury attorney to discuss your case and protect your rights.