As a pedestrian, being struck by an automobile can be a traumatic experience. Serious injuries and death are often the result of Missouri car/pedestrian accidents: you can be seriously injured or even disabled if you are hit by a car traveling at just 10 miles per hour. The faster the car is going, the greater the chances of critical or even fatal injuries. Our Nixa, Missouri car accident lawyers want to remind both drivers and pedestrians to be cautious of each other throughout the warm spring months ahead.
Here are a few statistics related to collisions between pedestrians and automobiles, courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):
• In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States.
• There were 59,000 pedestrians injured in traffic crashes in 2009.
• On average, a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 120 minutes and injured in a traffic crash every 8 minutes.
What Do I Do Immediately After a Missouri Car/Pedestrian Accident?
If you have been hit by a car, truck, or motorcycle, do not move until you are sure you are not seriously injured. Often, the shock and adrenaline that follow an accident make it difficult for victims to realize how badly they're hurt. You will need to be assessed by a professional emergency medical technician, which means that you may need to wait as calmly as possible for help. If you can move and you are still in danger due to oncoming traffic, move to the side of the road and make sure someone has called 911.
If you have a cell phone, and you're physically able, take pictures of the scene and your injuries. Also, when possible, make notes of the road, weather, and traffic conditions. We recommend that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as is reasonably possible, so that witnesses and evidence can be located quickly.
Whose Fault Was It?
Perhaps the driver was speeding, or driving drunk, or just failing to pay attention. Or perhaps, you, as the pedestrian, crossed in the middle of the block, didn't look both ways, or were otherwise distracted or crossing illegally. Every accident is different: an accident investigator will help determine who was at fault, and therefore, who should be financially responsible for any damages, injuries, or other losses.
The police, of course, will conduct their own investigation - and this investigation can be a crucial part of a personal injury case. It is important to have a report made that will document the accident and the police officer's observations and findings from interviews, along with their initial investigation and accident reconstruction. Do not hesitate to call 911.
Medical reports from the ambulance company and hospital are also used to determine the extent of injuries and can include information from the accident scene.
The insurance company(s) will also likely investigate the accident and prepare a report for their own records to determine if they are indeed liable to pay a claim. If this step is taken, it is done after a claim has been filed.
All of these reports and observations are used together to determine fault as well as the extent of injuries and damage. It is important to have someone represent your side of the pedestrian accident. The more evidence that is gathered, including photos and witness information, the easier it will be to support your claims.
The personal injury lawyers at Aaron Sachs and Associates represent victims of car, truck, and motorcycle crashes. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, or Rogersville, contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation. You can reach us by calling 1-888-777-AUTO, or by visiting our website.
