As a pedestrian, you don’t have anything to protect you: no airbags, no seatbelts, no metal frame around you. It’s just you, and if a car hits you, your body takes all the impact. That usually means serious injuries, a long recovery, and a whole lot of stress trying to figure out what to do next.

If you’re wondering how these accidents even happen, you might want to check out the common causes of pedestrian accidents. It’s eye-opening and can help you understand what went wrong.

Pedestrian accident victims should consider filing a claim so that they can get some assistance with covering their medical bills. The claim can also help make sure the at-fault party is held responsible for their negligence.

Everyone who’s been through the process before will tell you that dealing with all the paperwork, insurance calls, and legal stuff can be super overwhelming. That’s why having a good lawyer on your side is so important.

The Do’s for Filing a Claim for a Pedestrian Accident

Here are the things you can do to increase your chances of success in a pedestrian accident.

Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do is see a doctor. Even if you feel okay, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your health comes first, no matter what. Getting checked out right away isn’t just smart; it’s how you make sure nothing serious gets missed. Plus, the medical reports will be considered legal documents when it’s time to file a claim.

Gather Evidence

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, one of the smartest things you can do is gather evidence. Take pictures of everything where it happened, your injuries, and even the car that hit you.

If anything at all seems like it might matter in court, snap a photo of it. If anyone saw what went down, ask for their name and number. Witnesses can back you up later if you need them. And write down everything you remember while it’s still fresh in your mind.

Consult a Pedestrian Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, talking to a lawyer is a smart move. A good lawyer can explain what you’re entitled to, help you get the evidence you need, and even talk to the insurance companies for you.

Having a lawyer is especially important if the driver says it wasn’t their fault or if things start to get tricky. They know how to make sure your rights are protected and that you get a fair shot at the compensation you deserve.

The Don’ts for Filing a Claim for a Pedestrian Accident

Doing any of the following can hurt your chances of success when you have a pedestrian accident case in the works.

Don’t Delay Taking Action

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait too long to take action. Time matters a lot when you’re filing a case.

Every state has a deadline for when you can file, and if you wait too long, you might not get anything. It’s better to get started right away to make sure you don’t miss your chance.

Don’t Sign Anything Without Consulting a Lawyer

If the insurance company offers you a settlement after your pedestrian accident, don’t sign anything just yet. Even if it looks good, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer first.

They’ll check if the offer is fair and make sure you’re getting what you deserve for everything you’ve been through. You don’t want to sign away your rights without making sure it’s the right deal.

Don’t Talk to the At-fault Party’s Insurance Company without a Lawyer

If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident, don’t talk to the other person’s insurance company. They will probably try to pay you less than you deserve.

It’s much better to let your lawyer handle everything. They know how to deal with the insurance people and make sure you get what you’re owed, no matter what tactics they pull.