Whether you are hit by a car while walking or bicycling, it can be a traumatizing experience. Taking the proper steps after an accident can save your life and prevent further injuries. Let’s explore the appropriate actions to follow after you have been hit by a car.
Stay Calm
Your emotional state is always paramount after being involved in an accident. Remain as calm as possible. Avoid arguing with the driver, regardless of how aggravated you are with their actions.
Do not be aggressive or threaten bodily harm to the other individual. Your main priority is to preserve your life. Once you have collected yourself, calmly ask any witnesses to call emergency services.
Keep the Driver There
Do not let the other individual leave or take off in their vehicle. Request to see their driver’s license and insurance card. Ask them for the contact information of their insurance company. The other individual must stay put until the police arrive.
If they leave before the police arrive, this is a hit-and-run case. If you didn’t have a clear view of the car’s license plate number, try remembering its color and/or make and model.
Alternatively, you can ask witnesses at or around the scene to help you take a photo of the vehicle or note down its description. If the accident occurred in a parking lot, remember to inquire with management about potential surveillance footage.
Contact the Police
Call the police to the scene immediately after being hit by a car. The officer investigating your accident will take down the crucial details necessary for your case. The information includes:
- The exact date, time, and location of the accident
- The driver’s information, including their name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information
- The make, model, and license plate number of the other individual’s vehicle
- Witnesses present at or around the scene of the accident
- Details about any injuries you sustained in the accident (the officer will document where you’re injured, the severity of the injuries, and whether medical attention is needed)
They will also ask you to complete an accident report.
Take Photos of the Scene After You Are Hit by a Car
The police will document the scene with photographs. You should also do the same. Take multiple photos of any damage done to your bicycle and any injuries sustained from the accident.
Obtain evidence that proves negligence on the other individual’s part. This includes any skid marks from the scene, road signs, or other evidence demonstrating how the accident happened.
You can also take photos of any property that was damaged during the accident. This will help you capture every detail of the scene clearly.
Get Medical Attention ASAP
Your injuries may require medical attention, regardless of their severity at the time of the accident. Based on their assessment, healthcare practitioners will determine whether you need urgent care treatment or admission.
While most accidents involve visible bodily harm, your brain, back, and neck are also susceptible to damage after being hit by a car. When in doubt, go to the doctor and seek treatment for your injuries.
File a Police Report
There are two types of reports you can file with the police following an accident.
- Accident report: This is the official report detailing all the information you provided to the officer at the scene. The report will provide documentation when filing a claim with the insurance company.
- Medical report: This report notes all injuries sustained and their severity. Use this report when filing a claim for compensation from insurance. You can also use it when seeking reimbursement from your employer’s health benefit plan.
Request copies of these reports for your records. A police officer can provide such records when you file a report. Your personal injury attorney can also give them to you, or you can pick them up from the Clerk Magistrate’s Office in your jurisdiction.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company immediately after you are hit by a car to notify them of what happened. Your insurer may ask you the following questions to process your claim:
- The date and location of the accident
- Any injuries sustained and their severity
- A list of any medical bills incurred as a result of the accident
Provide an accurate account of the occurrence. Lying about your injuries or giving false evidence about the incident will only hurt your claim.
Seek Legal Assistance
Call a personal injury attorney to help you file a lawsuit. The lawyer will review your case and determine its validity. They will also advise you on the best way to proceed with an insurance claim and the estimated compensation amount. Our personal injury lawyers are well-versed with car accident cases and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Give us a call today to tell us about your case.