What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Grand Prairie
Being hit by a vehicle while on foot can have devastating consequences, and lead to significant expenses. Due to the many causes of pedestrian accidents and the life-changing damages that can result, receiving compensation for damages is more important than anything else in getting your life back on track. Determining who is at fault and the proper amount of monetary compensation is essential in securing a positive outcome. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney could work hard to help you seek the compensation you need. Get in touch with an experienced attorney to learn about what to do after a pedestrian accident in Grand Prairie.
Identifying Liable Parties in Grand Prairie Pedestrian Accidents
An attorney could help determine who is at fault in a pedestrian accident leading to injury. In many cases, multiple parties may share responsibility in an incident as pedestrians still have a duty to be aware of their surroundings and act in a reasonably safe manner. If an insurance company or court finds someone acted negligently, they may be barred from receiving compensation completely. However, if the driver of the vehicle was speeding, made an illegal turn, failed to stop, or acted outside of the scope of reasonable driving, the accident is not solely the pedestrian’s fault. If multiple parties share liability in a case, they may have their amount of recovery reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.
Proving these things without evidence is where an attorney comes in by using testimony, medical exams, and evidence collected at the scene. An attorney could help determine fault in a pedestrian accident, so the injured party is not prohibited from collecting compensation. An attorney also determines damages. Monetary sums such as past medical bills and lost wages are more readily determined.
When someone is injured in an accident, they could claim an injury with the driver’s car insurance company to get their bills paid. However, it is difficult to put an exact price or value on losses such as pain and suffering. The insurance companies frequently offer injured victims a low payout valued far less than what their pain and mental anguish is worth.
Insurance companies aim to spend the least amount of money and attend the smallest number of court proceedings possible. The insurance adjuster offers the injured party a settlement before they calculate damages, and the injured person is likely to be cheated out of a fair deal. The injured claimant’s attorney is their voice when talking to insurance companies. Attorneys understand what to say and what to avoid saying to the insurance companies to help maximize a plaintiff’s recovery.
Collecting the Driver’s Information in the Wake of a Wreck
If all goes the way it should after an accident, the pedestrian and the driver should call the police and exchange contact and insurance information before parting ways. Then, everyone should file a police report and get a copy of the responding officer’s report. Accidents are chaotic by nature, and the aftermath can be as well, but it is important to know that law enforcement officers may not respond when no one is injured, and the damage is minor.
Insurance companies recommend one of the first things to do after a pedestrian accident in Grand Prairie is to collect information at the accident scene. The necessary information includes the following:
- Driver’s name
- Name and phone number of the driver’s insurance company
- Insurance policy number and expiration date from the insurance card
- Vehicle details including the make, model, color, and license plate number
- Photos of the damage at the scene
When other drivers are involved in a multi-car accident, the injured pedestrian should collect information from all of the drivers. It is critical to note the location, time of day, and weather conditions. A cellphone is a great way to record all of this information after a pedestrian accident in Grand Prairie.
What if The Driver Flees the Scene After Hitting a Pedestrian in Grand Prairie?
It is illegal for a driver to flee the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians happen and leave the accident victim wondering how to pay for their injuries. In such cases, they may be able to collect compensation from their own insurance company. However, any driver who strikes a pedestrian and flees the scene will most likely face criminal charges and possibly a felony arrest for hit-and-run that could result in a potential prison sentence.
Let a Grand Prairie Attorney Help You After You Have Been Hit by a Vehicle
Oftentimes, pedestrian accidents become a situation where your attorney must work to prove liability. It is essential to get any evidence and relevant information as quickly as possible in the wake of an incident. Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident in Grand Prairie could make the difference in successfully receiving compensation or seeing your case dismissed. To get started or learn more about your rights, call today.