Millions of people opt to walk to work in busy cities, but despite the environmental and exercise benefits, pedestrians take on many serious, inherent risks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,376 pedestrians died in the United States in 2015, up from 4,884 in 2014. NHTSA statistics indicate that “pedestrians were one of the few groups of road users who experienced an increase in fatalities in 2015,” while other groups enjoyed a decrease that year. The numbers mean that a pedestrian suffered injuries about every seven minutes, while someone fied while walking every two hours that year.
All of these statistics should give you pause, as pedestrian accidents—especially serious or fatal ones—are more prevalent than you may believe. While walking to your car or along your street may seem harmless, a risk of serious injury exists if a dangerous driver passes by. Because of the severe injuries that can result from pedestrian accidents, all accident victims must fully understand their rights.
Steps to Take Following a Pedestrian Accident
Some people who are involved in a pedestrian accident may not think clearly about what to do afterward because of the trauma they have experienced. To protect their rights, however, pedestrians need to learn the steps to follow immediately after an accident. Some steps to take following a crash include:
- Call 911 to request an ambulance and police assistance, especially if any bodily injuries resulted. Seek immediate medical attention if there is an injury.
- Make sure to collect driver information, such as names, phone numbers, and auto insurance information from everyone involved in the crash. To make a potential claim against any driver’s insurance, you will need this information.
- Take pictures at the scene of the accident. Pictures will help to preserve evidence for possible litigation.
- Gather contact information for any witnesses to the accident in case you need to talk to them at a later date.
Of course, ignore all of the above if you require emergency medical care. In that case, take an ambulance as advised by EMTs, or otherwise seek help right away. Your physical health takes precedence in this situation, and you should always ensure that medical professionals properly diagnose and treat your injuries as soon as possible.
Call an Indianapolis Personal Injury Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
Pedestrian accidents have taken many lives in the United States in recent years. Many pedestrians practicing safe walking behaviors are still injured by negligent drivers. According to Indiana state law, the statute of limitations, which is the time period to file a civil lawsuit, is two years from the date the injury occurs. If you ever find yourself in that unfortunate situation and have incurred personal injury damages, you need the help of an experienced personal injury attorney right away. To schedule a free case evaluation with an Indianapolis personal injury attorney, call the Law Office of Hurst Limontes LLC at (317) 636-0808 or contact us online.