What To Do If You’re Hit by a Vehicle While Walking or Cycling This Spring
Springtime welcomes back outdoor activities, like walks on the beaches and hikes at parks, but it also comes with increased risk of accidents. We don’t just mean a bad sunburn or sprained ankle. The increased presence of pedestrians and cyclists on the streets means an uptick in pedestrian-related accidents. While California motorists need to be aware of their surroundings to prevent an uptick in accidents, not every driver is cautious. Do you know what to do if you are hit by a vehicle while walking or cycling? It’s important that you know your legal rights, so you can secure the compensation you deserve after an accident, and ultimately, make the strongest recovery possible.
The attorneys at Dunnion Law are ready to help you navigate your situation with this step-by-step guide:
- Move to Safety (If Possible). If you are safely able to do so, move to a safe area away from future hazards, like a busy walkway or oncoming traffic.
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately. It is critical to get medical attention as soon as you can after your accident. This can be monumental in your ability to recover fully from the accident. Many injuries, like internal bleeding and concussions, can lack symptoms at first. These and other injuries need to be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. Make sure you keep track of your symptoms and their progression, as well as any information your medical providers give you.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Possible). Even if it’s just a quick phone picture or video, every bit of evidence is valuable when it comes to fighting for compensation for your injuries. Any information you can gather and record, whether in the form of notes, witness contact information, photos, etc. is helpful. Collect and carefully preserve any information you have, including but not limited to:
- Vehicle(s) involved
- Contact information for driver(s), passengers and witnesses
- Pictures of your injuries
- Weather
- Insurance information of all parties
- Damage to your bicycle (if applicable)
- File a Police Report. Even if you don’t believe a crime has been committed, it can be very helpful — especially for the preservation of evidence — to file a police report at the scene of the accident. Police officers are trained to document the accident from the perspective of all parties involved, which can provide a strong evidentiary basis for your future claim.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney. Before you accept any payout from anyone, including from an insurance company, speak to an experienced California personal injury attorney. They will help you understand the full extent of the compensation you’re entitled to and will navigate the legal process with you and on your behalf. Often, insurance companies attempt to settle claims for far less than they are worth, and once a claim is settled, it is normally not possible to increase a payout. That’s why speaking with your own attorney before accepting money is one of the most important steps you can take following your accident.
- Notify Your Insurance Company. Your insurance company should be notified of your accident, if applicable. For pedestrians and cyclists, policies may be able to provide coverage for medical expenses or other costs. Speak to your attorney to ensure all statements are true and do not falsely imply that you were at fault for the accident.
Common Injuries Caused by Vehicle Collisions
A wide variety of injuries can occur from being struck by a vehicle while walking or riding a bicycle. They include:
- Head and Brain Injuries
These injuries may not be obvious at the scene of the accident but can cause serious complications down the road – especially if left untreated. These injuries include concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), skull fractures, and more. - Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
Even an injury seemingly as mild as whiplash can cause serious long-term pain that debilitates an individual. Accident victims are also at risk for injuries like herniated discs, spinal cord damage, and paralysis. - Fractures and Broken Bones
Broken bones, including limbs, rib and pelvic fractures, are serious and require appropriate medical treatment. This can, at times, include physical therapy for proper healing. - Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, can be life-threatening. Internal injuries aren’t always obvious, so it’s important that you seek medical help swiftly after your accident. - Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries like bruises, contusions, muscle strains, sprains, and torn ligaments can cause serious pain and can inhibit a victim from working and living their life to the fullest. - Cuts and Lacerations
Injuries like road rash and deep lacerations are common. If not treated, they can become infected and can lead to severe issues long term. - Psychological Injuries
Accidents frequently cause psychological injuries such as emotional trauma, shock, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making it difficult for a victim to recover and get back to everyday life.
Will the Driver’s Liability Insurance Cover Medical Costs and Damages?
In the event of an accident, a driver’s liability insurance will often cover medical bills of the injured party and possibly other financial impacts, such as lost wages. The driver’s insurance will usually kick in if the driver is found at fault for the collision. In the State of California, liability insurance is a requirement for all drivers, and laws require that drivers purchase insurance policies with certain minimum coverage amounts.
Dunnion Law Can Help
You deserve peace of mind and compensation for your injuries, and Dunnion Law is here to help you fight for them. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Dunnion Law. You can talk to us for free, and you’ll pay nothing unless we win.