If you’re in a car accident, you don’t get to choose the circumstances surrounding the accident. While two vehicles can cause a lot of damage when they collide, one of the worst types of accidents is when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian. If you’ve been involved in one of these types of accidents, it’s important to keep in mind a few details about how these circumstances could affect your case.
First Things First
A pedestrian accident is frightening for all parties involved. Don’t let your sudden shock cause you to make a poor decision that could leave you with a criminal record. Leaving the scene of a pedestrian accident can lead to criminal charges, especially if the accident leads to the death or permanent disfigurement of the pedestrian. Immediately after your vehicle comes to a stop, be sure to call the police and perform any urgent first aid until paramedics can arrive.
Determining Fault Can Be Tricky
Determining fault in a pedestrian accident can be tricky. Even though the vehicle caused all the damage, the pedestrian may still be at fault if they broke a law in the act of crossing the street. Of course, figuring out if the pedestrian contributed to the crash can be fairly tricky, especially if they’re suffering from significant injuries. This means that your case may take longer to settle than if it was a typical vehicle-on-vehicle accident.
Damages Can Be Higher
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, serious injuries often occur. Even a low-speed crash can cause serious external and internal injuries. This means that, as a driver, you may be responsible for more medical bills than you would be in a typical vehicular accident. That’s why it’s important to have an auto accident attorney on your side throughout the process to ensure that your liability is limited. Having an attorney will also help you to understand any civil or criminal liabilities that you may face as a result of the accident.
Type of Insurance Is Important
To limit their out-of-pocket costs, a pedestrian can turn to one of many types of insurance. Most types of health insurance will cover treatment for injuries received in a pedestrian accident. It’s important to note, though, that the health insurance company may seek compensation from your auto insurance company, especially if you were determined to be at fault. Additionally, a pedestrian can file a claim directly with your auto insurance company, meaning that it’s important to have robust coverage for medical payments for incidents such as these.
Keeping a Level Head is Essential
As with any auto accident, it’s important to keep a level head at all times. Trying to rush any part of the claims process will only lead to more financial liability on your part. By working closely with your insurance company and a good auto accident attorney, you’ll be able to work through the situation as quickly and painlessly as possible.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
