If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, you could be in shock, feeling serious pain, and you may have suffered a serious or life-threatening injury. These conditions can make it difficult to take steps to protect your health and your right to financial compensation.
Fortunately, the Davie pedestrian accident lawyers at the Schiller Kessler Group are here to inform you on what you should do after a pedestrian accident in Davie, FL. Taking the following steps will not only safeguard your health but will also improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your losses and suffering.
Seek Medical Attention
After any kind of accident, your health and well-being should always be your number one priority. That’s why you should take a second to evaluate your injuries after a pedestrian accident in Davie, FL. If you’re in a lot of pain and need immediate medical attention, call 911 immediately and wait for an ambulance.
If your injuries aren’t severe and you think you can wait a little while to seek medical attention, you’ll want to proceed with the following step. That being said, once you’ve done everything you can do at the scene of the accident, you’ll want to get checked out by a medical professional right away.
Some accident victims suffer injuries that don’t become apparent until a few days after the incident. That’s because the initial shock of the accident masks the pain of the injury. Failing to see a doctor could cause an unnoticed injury to develop into a life-threatening condition. That’s why it’s of utmost importance that you eventually seek the proper medical care.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Write Down the Driver’s Information
Sadly, some at-fault drivers flee the scene of an accident to avoid the consequences of their actions. If your Davie, FL, pedestrian accident was a hit and run, you should write down everything you remember about the vehicle and the driver. Any information you can provide your attorney with can help in the search for the at-fault motorist, including:
- The license plate number
- The color of the vehicle
- The make and model of the vehicle
- Physical characteristics of the driver
- Dents or scratches on the vehicle
If the at-fault driver pulls over after the incident, you’ll want to go up to them and take down their name, contact information, and insurance details. Remember, when you speak to the driver, don’t apologize or admit that you were partially at fault. Anything you say to them could be used to delegitimize your claim, so keep your conversation brief.
Report the Accident to the Police
If you’ve been in a pedestrian accident in Davie, FL, it’s important to notify the police. According to Florida Statutes § 316.065(1), a driver involved in an accident that causes injury or at least $500 of damage must report the incident to local law enforcement. While it’s likely that the driver who hit you will call the police, you should do so if they don’t.
That’s because informing the police about the incident can help your case when it’s time to pursue compensation for your losses. Law enforcement will investigate the incident and file an accident report that your attorney can refer to when building your claim.
Document the Scene
Taking photographs of the accident scene after a pedestrian crash in Davie can provide your attorney with the evidence they need to win your case. Use your phone’s camera to capture images of the overall accident scene, the vehicle that hit you, any other cars that were involved, and your injuries.
In addition to documenting the scene of the accident, you’ll also want to keep a record of how your injuries affect you in the days and weeks following your pedestrian accident in Davie, FL. If you feel physical discomfort, intense pain, symptoms of anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, or any other negative effects, make a note of it and make sure to tell your attorney.
A lawyer can use the evidence and testimony you provide to build a strong case on your behalf and obtain the damages you need to cope with the pain and suffering you’re experiencing.
Hire an Attorney
Once you’ve done everything you should do after a pedestrian accident in Davie, FL, and sought medical care for your injuries, you’ll want to hire an attorney to help with your claim. It’s critical to the success of your case that you get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible, as you don’t have long to file an accident claim in Florida.
According to the state’s statute of limitations, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you submit your suit even a few weeks after the two-year mark, you won’t be able to collect the damages you need to get back on your feet.
To ensure you get the money you need to cover your medical bills, repair your vehicle, replace your lost wages, and cope with the physical pain and emotional distress you’re dealing with, reach out to an experienced pedestrian accident attorney from Davie today.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Davie, FL, Pedestrian Accident Attorney
One of the most important things you can do after a pedestrian accident in Davie, FL, is to hire an experienced attorney to help you with your claim. A seasoned Davie car accident lawyer from SKG can investigate your incident, construct a facts-based claim, and fight for the financial recovery you deserve.
To get started on your case, contact our firm and schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. They’ll meet with you to discuss your case and determine what your best course of action is. If you decide to hire them, they’ll get started working on your case ASAP.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today