According to the Traffic Safety Facts of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,735 pedestrians and 743 cyclists in the United States died as a result of crashes with motor vehicles in 2013. 66,000 pedestrian injuries were reported the same year. The total annual cost of pedestrian injury among children aged 14 and below is $5.2 billion. Pedestrians and cyclists who have been injured in a motor vehicle crash are entitled to make a personal injury claim. If the accident has been caused by a negligent or careless motorist, you can claim compensation to recover costs for medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of income, future medical costs and much more.
What to do when You are Hit by a Motor Vehicle
If you have been hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian or cyclist, here are the things you need to do:
- Control your emotions and move out of the street – When you have been hit by a car and lying on the pavement or street, you can be overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, from incredulousness to rage. However, it is important to control your emotions and stay calm. This will help you communicate better with the driver as well as the police, and you will look more sympathetic. Also, if possible, move out of the street to a driveway or sidewalk.
- Do not let the driver leave – Although you think and look like you are unharmed, make sure that you do not let the motorist leave. According to personal injury lawyers, many pedestrians and cyclists think that they are fine and easily let a driver go, only to find out later that they have a broken rib, wrist, or worse. All you need to do is calmly ask the driver to stay until the police arrive and if there are witnesses, ask them to do the same.
- Call the police immediately – Many times, pedestrians and cyclists think that they can wait a few hours before reporting an accident. However, it is important to keep in mind that you need to call the police immediately, and wait for them. You will need a police accident report when you report the accident to insurance companies or if you file a personal injury claim against the driver.
- Collect the driver’s information and other details – Another marvelous aspect to do when you are involved in an accident with a car is to gather as much information as you can. Obviously, the first thing you need to do is get the driver’s information – name, driver’s license, license plate number, insurance details, etc. Collect witness information as well. Also, take as many photographs as you can – your bike, the car, your injuries, the street signs, the intersection, and so on. If you file a lawsuit or insurance claim, some of the photos you take could be helpful.
- Seek medical help immediately – No matter how minor you think your injuries are, make sure that you seek medical help immediately. Even though you feel fine after the accident, symptoms can emerge a few hours later. Also, you will need the medical report to document your injuries. This will be helpful if you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a pedestrian or cyclist, you should seek the immediate help of a skilled and reliable personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. You have every right to pursue financial compensation. If someone messed up your life, curtailed it, caused you to miss work, this is a setback. You need to make this right. You have bills piling up and someone else was negligent. Give us a call. The first meeting is free. We know how to win cases. What do you have to say? We are paid only when you are paid. We have been doing this for years, we know what a winning case looks like.
