Pedestrian Accident Lawyer DeLand
Pedestrian accidents can leave victims with lasting physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident in DeLand, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The team at Donaldson & Weston is committed to protecting your rights and helping you get the compensation you need for your injuries. Our pedestrian accident lawyers will work hard to ensure that justice is served. Reach out to us at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and discuss your legal options today.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents are serious and can result in devastating injuries. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in DeLand, your first concern should always be your safety and well-being. In addition to seeking immediate medical attention, it’s crucial to take the right steps after an accident to protect your rights and strengthen any potential legal claims. Knowing what to do after a pedestrian accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Help
The first thing to do after any pedestrian accident is to ensure your safety and well-being. If you are physically able, try to move away from the flow of traffic to avoid further injury. If you are unable to move due to pain or injury, try to remain still and wait for help.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel seriously injured. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, whiplash, or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can perform an evaluation to assess any injuries you may have sustained. Documenting your injuries through medical records is essential for both your health and any future legal claims.
If emergency responders arrive, follow their instructions and allow them to transport you to the hospital if necessary. The medical reports they create will be vital for your personal injury claim down the road.
Call Law Enforcement to Report the Accident
In DeLand, as with any city, calling law enforcement to report a pedestrian accident is crucial. An officer will create an official police report, which can serve as key evidence when determining who is at fault for the accident. Be sure to provide accurate and detailed information about the incident, including the location, the condition of the roadway, and how the accident occurred. This report will help establish the facts and will be an essential part of your legal claim.
If possible, avoid making any statements that might imply fault for the accident. Simply stick to the facts and allow law enforcement to handle the investigation. Sometimes, emotions can be high after an accident, but it is essential to avoid placing blame prematurely.
Gather Information from the Scene
If you’re able to do so, gather as much information as you can at the scene of the accident. The more details you collect, the stronger your case will be. Here are some key things you should try to collect:
- Driver’s Information: Get the name, contact details, and insurance information of the driver involved in the accident. Make sure to also note the make, model, and license plate number of their vehicle.
- Witness Information: Ask any bystanders who witnessed the accident for their contact information. Their testimony could be vital in establishing who was at fault.
- Photographs of the Scene: If you are able, take clear photos of the accident scene, including the position of the vehicle, your injuries, any damage to the vehicle, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. These photographs can provide important evidence to back up your claim.
- Traffic Signals and Conditions: Document the status of traffic lights, signs, or other traffic control devices at the time of the accident. If the driver failed to stop at a red light or ran a stop sign, this information can strengthen your case.
Cooperate with Medical Personnel and Keep Records
Following the accident, continue to work closely with medical professionals to ensure that you receive the proper treatment for your injuries. Keep records of all medical appointments, prescriptions, diagnoses, treatments, and any other relevant information. This documentation will help establish the extent of your injuries and the ongoing treatment you need.
Even if your injuries seem minor at first, be cautious about downplaying their significance. Some injuries may appear to be minor initially but could lead to long-term complications. For example, soft tissue injuries, brain injuries, and fractures can worsen over time if left untreated.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps you can take after a pedestrian accident is to contact an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in DeLand. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Insurance companies may try to settle quickly or deny your claim altogether, especially if you do not have legal representation. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side ensures that your rights are protected, and your best interests are kept in mind throughout the process.
A lawyer can also help gather evidence, such as surveillance footage, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf. They will be able to review the circumstances of your case and determine whether negligence on the part of the driver or another party contributed to the accident. If necessary, they will also advise you on how to proceed with litigation.
Understand Your Legal Rights and Compensation Options
After a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to compensation for several aspects of your suffering, including:
- Medical Expenses: You can seek compensation for both immediate medical costs and any future medical treatments related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost wages and future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages can compensate you for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: In some cases, pedestrians may have property damage, such as damaged personal belongings like a cell phone, laptop, or clothing. These can be factored into your claim.
Your lawyer can help you understand what compensation you may be eligible for and assist you in pursuing a fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Follow Up with Your Insurance Company
In some cases, your own insurance policy may cover certain expenses, such as medical bills or lost wages. Even though Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, it is still essential to contact your insurance company after a pedestrian accident. Your insurance may be able to help cover your medical costs and other expenses, depending on the specifics of your policy.
However, dealing with insurance companies can be complex. They may try to minimize your claim or deny compensation altogether. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you ensure that you receive the full benefits to which you are entitled.
Stay Organized and Keep Track of Everything
Throughout the process, it’s important to stay organized. Keep track of all documents, communications, and medical bills related to the accident. This will make it easier for your attorney to handle your case efficiently and can help ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines.
If you are unable to manage everything on your own, consider enlisting the help of a family member or friend to assist with collecting and organizing your paperwork.
DeLand Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Being involved in a pedestrian accident in DeLand can be a traumatic experience, but taking the right steps afterward can help protect your health and your legal rights. From seeking medical attention to contacting an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer, the actions you take immediately following an accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. If you’ve been involved in one in DeLand, don’t hesitate to reach out to Donaldson & Weston. Our pedestrian accident attorneys have the experience and resources to secure the compensation you need. Call us today at 866-382-1494 for a free consultation and let us help you pursue justice.
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