Many people in Maryland are aware that driving can be dangerous. What they might not know is that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 23% of automotive accident fatalities were pedestrians. Unlike a passanger in a car, a pedestrian has no protection whatsoever if they are hit by a vehicle. When drivers ignore stop signs, turn without looking, or lose control, an unsuspecting pedestrian could suffer a devastating or fatal injury. the experienced lawyers at Rice, Murtha & Psoras provide professional legal representation to pedestrians injured by negligent drivers. Below, our Maryland car accident attorney looks at the steps you should take if you were hit by a vehicle.
How a Maryland Attorney Can Help If You Were Hit by a Car
Many people who are hit by a car will often experience an immediate sensation of intense pain. Depending on the vehicle’s speed and the angle of impact, a person could also be knocked unconscious. In some situations, if you retain your consciousness, you could experience an adrenaline rush that blocks the initial pain. This could be coupled with a wave of intense anger and fury targeted towards the driver that hit you.
Our sympathetic Baltimore car accident lawyer understands that pedestrians who are hit by cars could panic. No matter what you are experiencing, it is critical to remain calm after an accident. By trying to stay relaxed as possible, it will be easier to communicate with police, witnesses, and the driver.
You should also stay relatively still and remain in the same place if you are safe. Any movement might result in further pain or exacerbate your injuries. Waiting for the paramedics and police to arrive should be your first priority.
When to Seek Medical Attention If You Were Hit by a Car in Maryland
Staying calm and still after being hit by a car could protect you from further injuring yourself. If you were severely injured, then it is vital to wait for medical assistance. If there were witnesses, hopefully, someone called the local police. If not, you should do so, if you can. Law enforcement will ensure that the medical personnel is dispatched to treat your injuries.
In some cases, a person might be hit by a car and believe they have suffered no more than a couple of bruises and scrapes. Even if you think this is the case, you should still seek medical treatment within a day or two. As stated above, you could have experienced an adrenaline rush that masked any pain and injuries you sustained. Furthermore, many injuries, including internal organ damage, soft tissue damage, and some back or neck injuries, might not present any symptoms immediately. By receiving a thorough medical examination, you can ensure your injuries are not severe. Additionally, if they are more serious, you will have medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident. This information will be crucial if you are trying to settle with an insurance company or require our Maryland pedestrian accident attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
What Evidence Should I Collect from My Maryland Pedestrian Car Accident?
When you file a personal injury lawsuit, any evidence you obtain from the accident scene could help increase the chances of success. it is important to state that you should only follow the following suggestions if you are physically able. If your injuries are serious, you should calmly wait, stay still, and wait for medical help to arrive.
First, you should get the driver’s information, including their name, contact information, insurance provider, license plate number, and the type of vehicle they were driving. If possible, you should take pictures of the accident scene. Be sure to take photos of the car’s position, the surrounding area, and your injuries.
Witness testimony is always crucial in a pedestrian car accident case. You should speak with anyone who saw what happened and gather their contact information. Try to see if any of the witnesses noticed reckless behavior, such as speeding, operating a cellphone, or if the driver appeared drunk.
When the police arrive, give them your statement and request how can receive a copy of the accident report.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Pedestrian Car Accident Victim Lawyer
If you were in a regular car accident, you would most likely receive the advice to contact a Maryland personal injury attorney. People who are hit by a car should do the same thing to protect their legal rights. If you are hurt because of another’s negligence or recklessness, you are entitled to seek monetary compensation for your injuries through a civil lawsuit. Engaging an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney is the first step in preparing a case.
You will most likely have to speak with an insurance adjuster after the accident. While they might appear helpful and motivated to reach a reasonable settlement, they are not working for you. An insurance company will usually be trying to limit its liability. Often, this involves an adjuster speaking with you, hoping that you give a statement or answer a question in such a way that the fault will shift onto you. By retaining our skilled Garrett County, MD car accident attorney, our office can handle any correspondence with the insurance company.