Walking on the streets is not as safe as it used to be. This is evident from a recent report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association(GHSA), which shows that nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2016, an 11 percent increase compared to 2015. Though there isn’t much one can do to completely avoid road mishaps, besides being careful; you can always find your way out with the right approach if you ever find yourself at the receiving end of fate. To help, we give you a roadmap of what to do when involved in a road accident.
Different At-Fault or Negligent Parties
Speeding vehicles are one of the biggest causes of pedestrian deaths. Higher the speed, bigger the casualty, and higher the chances of a pedestrian fatality after being hit by a speeding vehicle. Besides speed, distracted driving also leads to a lot of pedestrian deaths. If you think it is always the driver who is at fault, then that’s not true. A lot of pedestrian deaths are also a result of pedestrians being oblivious to their surroundings. Remember, the game Pokemon that caused more than 110,000 traffic accidents in the US in a span of days? Many of these accidents were caused by the sheer negligence of pedestrians playing Pokemon, while on the go.
The Pedestrian’s Claim
If a pedestrian is involved in a road accident that was caused by a motorist or a third party, the pedestrian can ask for a pedestrian accident insurance claim. The claim amount that a pedestrian receives, would depend on different factors such as the defendant and the plaintiff’s insurance, the extent of injuries caused to the pedestrian, and the defendant’s ability to pay the claim.
What Does an Injured Pedestrian Do Next?
If you or your loved one happen to meet an accident, and it was the motorist’s, or some other person’s fault then you must follow a few simple steps to lay a strong foundation for a compensation claim. Here are some tips to start with:
- Call the police immediately to have the accident recorded.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and the nearby area.
- If there are any witnesses around, request them for their contact details.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Keep records of your medical treatment, bills, and other expenses incurred.
- Consult a personal injury lawyer.
Need Help?
If you need help to find a personal injury lawyer, we, at the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS), can help. The lawyers who participate in our referral program are prescreened and are in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. When you call LRS, our trained intake staff will gather details of your accident to determine what route is appropriate for you. The referral to and consultation with a personal injury lawyer is free. The client is not responsible to pay any legal fees upfront in this type of case. The lawyer will receive a percentage of your recovery or settlement as their fee if or when the case is in your favor. To get in touch with us, simply call (512) 472-8303, toll-free 866-303-8303, or submit an online request form.
