Hitting a pedestrian with your automobile can sometimes lead to complex cases depending on the level of injuries suffered by the victim. Though automobile accident lawyers may offer good representation in arguing your case, in some cases drivers do complicate the situation by making decisions that make it hard for an effective representation.
Below are some important things that you have to do after such an accident:
Do not leave the scene of the accident. Some people undermine the seriousness of the case and do leave the place immediately.
It is necessary to stay long enough to give the necessary information to the police and your attorney. Moreover, check the extent of the injuries sustained by the pedestrian or any injury you may have sustained. In addition, it is necessary that you try as much as possible to give the necessary first aid to the pedestrian.
At the same time, call 911 for an ambulance to save his/her life. After taking care of the victim, it is important to call the police and notify your attorney about the accident. The police will record statements from all witnesses and the parties involved in the accident.
Do not make a deal with a pedestrian in case they have not been badly injured. Ensure you notify the police even if the pedestrian walks away. Driving away may be taken as a hit and run case with serious repercussions.
Ensure that you stick to the scene of the accident unless allowed by the police, the medics or you have exchanged information with the victim with good certainty that they have not been badly injured. Sticking at the scene will give you a good chance to prevent anyone from interfering with the scene or hiding any evidence, which might be used against you.
Ensure that you offer total support to the law enforcers or the medics. Being economical with information may be used at your detriment. Moreover, it is good to exchange information with all the parties involved including any witnesses that may have accurately observed the accident.
Importantly, if you have a camera, ensure that you take clear pictures of the accident and any injury to the pedestrian or damage to your vehicle taking pictures from different angles may be of great help.
Immediately notify your insurance company about the accident. Though most of them require that you notify them within 30 days, it is important to do so as early as possible. It is important that you do not discuss the accident with third parties not at the scene of the accident. It is also not wise to apologize to the other party though one may be compelled to apologize. Such may be taken as admission of fault, and may be used against you. Moreover, you are not supposed to discuss with any insurance company representative unless authorized by your lawyer.
Lastly, do not seal any settlement deal with the parties involved. It is hard to know the extent of injuries immediately after an accident. Automobile accident lawyers are the one's specialized in similar cases of personal injury, and are in a better place to offer the right advice.
Sign in to leave a comment.