English 
Spanish Did you know that most pedestrian accidents occur between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m.? About 3 out of 4 accidents where a car hits a pedestrian take place in the dark. This is why it’s so important to wear bright, reflective clothing. If possible, wear flashing lights that can be seen from different angles.
Children only account for 21 percent of fatalities and 9 percent of pedestrian injuries. People in the age range of 20 to 24 have the highest rate of pedestrian injuries. Fatalities happen the most in pedestrians between the ages of 50 to 54.
These are all statistics, but it’s become personal. You or someone you care about has been hit by a car while crossing the street. You need advice on what to do next.
How Much You’re Able to Do Will Depend on the Accident
Depending on your injuries, you may not be able to do a lot at first. If you’ve been hit by a car or truck, you’re going to have some injuries. The speed at which the car was traveling and the point of impact affect what injuries you receive.
At a bare minimum, you’ll have contusions and scrapes. It’s very likely you’ll have fractures and brain trauma. The most common injuries in adults are leg injuries where the car’s bumper hits the lower legs. The body may then snap and hit the hood while the head hits the windshield. Additional injuries occur when the body hits the ground after. You need to have a medical professional examine you.
Don’t Move
To start, don’t get up. If you have a spinal or neck injury, moving could worsen it. Stay where you landed until paramedics arrive. If you’re cleared, they will help you get up. They may want to put you in a cervical collar to avoid any injury to your neck or spine. Don’t refuse this treatment even if it is uncomfortable.
It can take a few hours for adrenaline to wear off. In that time, you may not feel injuries that are there. Go to the hospital and have areas that took the brunt of the impact examined and scanned for fractures. You should have your injuries assessed to make sure there’s no internal bleeding.
After being hit by a car, you may be unconscious. You’ll wake up to find these tests have already been started. That’s good. Make sure you ask questions if you don’t understand anything the doctor says. Ask to have a trusted friend or family member with you to have someone else listening and understanding what you need to do in the next few hours, days, and weeks.
Call the Police
Don’t let the driver leave if you feel okay. You want a written report. Make sure the police are called and ask for a copy of the accident report. Ask for a copy of it. Get the driver’s insurance details. If you’re alert at the scene, you can talk to the police then.
Never admit to doing anything wrong, even if you’re not sure. If you know you were crossing at the end of a countdown timer at the crossing, you don’t have to say anything. The other car may have jumped the gun and started moving before the light was green. You’re in shock, and witnesses and traffic cameras may have more detail than you do, which can help your case.
Gather Any Details You Can at the Scene
If you have a camera on your phone, take photos of your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, and the area. Note if there were lights at an intersection, street lamps, and crosswalks. If you’re badly injured, you won’t be able to do this. See if a witness will do so on your phone.
When you’re in the hospital, you can get more pictures of your injuries. Don’t be too stressed if you’re unable to get them at the scene. The medical reports will help you in regard to the injuries you sustained.
Consult With an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
We want you to focus on taking care of yourself first. It’s important to see a doctor and schedule any follow-up appointments with a doctor or physical therapist. Seek the expertise of KJT Law Group next. Our free consultations will help guide you through the possibility of bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the driver that hit you.
