What to Do If You Get Hit by a Car While Walking

Our Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers will protect your rights

Being hit by a car while walking is a frightening experience that can leave you feeling shocked, confused, and unsure of what to do next. As a pedestrian, you are vulnerable to serious injuries. You don’t have the protection of a seatbelt, airbag, or vehicle frame.

Knowing what steps to take immediately after a pedestrian accident is key to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. A Tampa pedestrian accident lawyer at Armando Personal Injury Law can guide you through the process every step of the way.

What should you do first when you get hit by a car?

Your immediate priority after being hit by a car is your safety. If you can, move safely away from traffic to avoid further harm. Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 911. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should have medical professionals evaluate you on the spot.

While some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, they can still be serious. Our attorneys often see this with concussions and internal injuries. Seeking medical attention promptly addresses your condition early on and creates an official record of your injuries.

I was hit by a car. Should I gather evidence at the scene?

Once you are in a safe location and have contacted emergency services, it’s important to document the pedestrian accident scene as thoroughly as possible. If you can, take photos of the scene, including your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and any damage to property or surrounding areas. These images can serve as powerful visual evidence in your case.

Additionally, contact information should be gathered from the driver involved and any witnesses who saw what happened. Keep a detailed record of everything you remember about the pedestrian accident, including the time of day, weather conditions, and anything unusual that may have contributed to the incident.

How can a police report protect your rights?

At the scene of your pedestrian accident, you should contact the police and wait for an officer to arrive. Even if the driver cooperates and offers help, law enforcement will need to analyze the crash scene and document the details in a report. The police report will include important details about the accident, such as the driver’s information, witness statements, traffic violations, and the officer’s observations.

This report will act as a key piece of evidence in your case. Our attorneys can obtain a copy for you. Be sure to review the crash report and make sure all the details are accurately recorded. If any details are missing or don’t reflect what actually happened, a lawyer can help you set the record straight.

Should I talk to the driver’s insurance adjuster?

After a pedestrian accident, you may be contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. While it may seem like they are trying to help, their primary goal is to settle the claim for as little money as possible. Insurance adjusters are skilled at getting crash victims to make statements that could be used to minimize or deny their claims.

It’s important not to give recorded statements or accept settlement offers before consulting with a Tampa pedestrian accident attorney. A lawyer at Armando Personal Injury Law can handle communications with insurance companies to ensure that you don’t unintentionally harm your case or accept an inadequate settlement offer.

How much is my settlement worth after being hit by a car?

Your compensation after a pedestrian accident primarily depends on the extent of your injuries. If you’re facing high medical costs and pain and suffering while you’re unable to work, your injuries likely have a major impact on your life. The greater the impact, the higher your settlement or court award will likely be.

It’s important to be patient when seeking compensation and not accept the first settlement offer you receive. Our Tampa attorneys can accurately value your claim and factor in all current and future losses. We can also negotiate with insurance companies, so you receive compensation for every dollar you’re eligible for under Florida law.

When should I hire a Tampa lawyer after being hit by a car?

If you were hit by a car, your primary focus should be on your recovery. Dealing with insurance claims and adjusters can be complicated and exhausting. That’s where the skilled pedestrian accident lawyers at Armando Personal Injury Law come in. We have the experience and determination to take on insurance companies that might try to take advantage of you.

With a proven track record of getting maximum compensation for our clients, you can trust that your case will be in good hands. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Don't wait to take action if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident. Contact our Tampa law firm today for a free consultation. We’re here for you every step of the way.