5 Steps to Take after Being Struck by a Car While Walking or Biking

Despite crosswalks, bike lanes, traffic signals, and various laws regarding right of way, devastating collisions between cars and pedestrians or cyclists are still fairly common. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, for example, more than 5,000 people on foot died in car accidents in 2015, as did more than 800 bike riders.

 

At the end of the day, the only surefire way to avoid a pedestrian accident is to stop walking near moving traffic entirely. Since this is unrealistic for most people, the next best option is to follow all crosswalk laws and review what to do in the event that a collision does occur.

If you were hurt in a pedestrian or cycling accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have incurred; however, unless you start taking steps at the scene to build your claim, you might not be able to file a successful lawsuit if it becomes necessary to do so. To discuss the strength of your case and determine the best way to proceed, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

Attorney N. Eric Cooper is a member of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Gregg County Bar Association. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer in Marshall.

Read on to learn what you should do immediately following a pedestrian or cycling accident:

1. Move out of the Street

If you are conscious and physically capable of getting up, move until you are safely out of the way of traffic. Then take a deep breath, call the police, and try to remain calm until they arrive.

2. Do Not Let the Driver Leave

Even if you feel fine, do not let the driver leave the scene. Your adrenaline could be masking any painful symptoms, and you will need the motorist’s information in order to file a successful personal injury claim.

If the motorist flees the scene anyway—which is unfortunately fairly common—try to remember as much as possible about the vehicle, including its make, model, and color. You should also look for any witnesses who may have seen the collision, and ask them to stick around and provide a statement when the police arrive.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of the scene from all angles. Make sure you capture the weather conditions, nearby road signs, and the general flow of traffic. These pictures could prove to be invaluable later, when building your personal injury claim.

4. Seek Medical Attention

Certain impact injuries may not necessarily exhibit symptoms immediately, which is why you should seek medical care regardless if you feel fine. Additionally, if you want to build a successful claim, you will need to provide medical records that prove your injuries were the direct result of the accident and not of some later incident. If you do not require urgent care at the scene, visit your doctor as soon as possible for a thorough medical exam.

5. Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

A seasoned accident attorney will help you navigate the claims process and ensure you do not make any mistakes that might jeopardize your claim. Your lawyer will gather evidence, calculate damages, and negotiate with the opposing party on your behalf so you can focus on recovering.

If you were struck by a car while on foot or riding a bike, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Marshall. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in Texas, visit the USAttorneys website.