7 Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
Designing and developing smart cities inevitably means planning. As with all other developments, pedestrian safety is key to the success or failure of new projects. Still, few people are made aware of some of the most common mistakes following a pedestrian accident.
These are the seven most common mistakes to avoid after a pedestrian accident
1. Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care
This is one of the most common mistakes following a pedestrian accident. The victim involved in a pedestrian accident needs to get prompt medical care. This ensures that no complications arise from injuries sustained following a pedestrian accident. Knowledge and awareness about first aid could save people from the possibility of facing life-threatening injuries. Victims should also follow up with their treating doctors for any possible wounds, pain or discomfort and get immediate medical attention if this occurs.
2. Failing to Get a Police Report
The police report is among the most important part of a pedestrian accident. It serves as an initial step toward resolving the problem. Traffic authorities should also be informed about the incident, and to avoid unnecessary confusion or delay, it is always necessary to have a police report. Any other document, especially a medical record, may not be helpful in case of an insurance claim if there is no police report.
3. Not Taking Accident Pictures
One of the most common mistakes following a pedestrian accident is not taking pictures of the scene. The best place to start is by taking photographs of all vehicles involved in the pedestrian accident. Pictures should be taken from several angles and in their original colors, so there is no confusion later. It will be easier for the insurance company to evaluate any claims with concrete evidence.
4. Not Reporting Insurance Information
After a pedestrian accident, victims may also fail to report or provide insurance information such as policy number or company name. Once again, if this happens, it will make it very difficult for victims to receive compensation if they were injured and required medical attention due to a pedestrian accident.
5. Not Getting Contact Information
Another common mistake to avoid after a pedestrian accident is to fail to get the contact information of the at-fault driver and witnesses. They could be helpful in case of an insurance claim as they can provide details and accurate accounts of what really happened.
6. Giving a Recorded Statement
When you give a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, a transcript is created from it and used as evidence in court hearings. The insurance adjuster can dig information or make you give statements that could work against your claim. You may say something could be misinterpreted even when you are careful.
7. Not Following Up with the Police
Many victims do not follow up with the police after a pedestrian accident in the belief that they have already done what is necessary; however, in many cases, victims must make a formal complaint on paper. If no witnesses or evidence can help prove their case, there would be nothing left for them but to wait in frustration.
The Bottom Line
Following these common mistakes to avoid after a pedestrian accident could save you from potential complications and the long wait for compensation. Many other factors could help determine a compensation amount at the end of a case, such as the seriousness of injuries and the value of lost time. If you experience an accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with a pedestrian accident lawyer.
