Being involved in a pedestrian-related incident can be terrifying and stressful. In Salt Lake City, Utah, pedestrian safety remains a critical concern, with the Governor’s Highway Safety Association reporting that Utah recorded 49 pedestrian fatalities in 2022, reflecting a troubling trend seen nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 7,522 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes across the United States in 2022, marking a 0.7% increase from the previous year. Additionally, during the same period, traffic crashes inflicted injuries on an estimated 67,000 pedestrians. These statistics highlight the serious risks pedestrians face and the importance of knowing how to respond after an incident.
What you do after this kind of incident can have a lasting effect on your recovery and on justice. Consulting a Salt Lake City pedestrian accident lawyer can provide essential guidance during this difficult time. This guide summarizes the steps you need to take if you find yourself in that situation.
Ensure Safety First
Make sure that you are safe if you can move. Staying in oncoming traffic is even more dangerous. Signaling to other people to come help is very important when there is no way to move. Bystanders can divert traffic and give first aid.
Seek Medical Attention
You should still make an effort to receive medical care even if it appears that you did not sustain a serious injury. Not every injury is obvious. Doctors will be able to evaluate any underlying damage and provide appropriate treatment. Also, keep a log of your visits and treatments; they could be useful in the future.
Contact the Authorities
Notifying the police is crucial. When you file a report with the police, they will document this incident, and it can provide an official record of what happened. Writing down the details of what happened accurately helps in preparing a comprehensive report. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this document may be important in case of further insurance claims or legal actions.
Gather Information
It’s important to gather information at the scene. That includes the driver’s contact information, registration, and insurance. And if there are witnesses, getting their information also helps in validating the incident. Taking photos of the location, the vehicles, and any visible injuries can prove useful.
Document Everything
Keep track of everything that happens in relation to the incident. This includes dates, times, and descriptions of conversations or interactions regarding the accident. Such records can be vital in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company quickly. Regardless of whether the pedestrian owned a vehicle or not, their health insurance may cover any medical expenses incurred. Providing documentation, such as the police report, helps expedite claims processing.
Consult a Legal Professional
When you consult with an attorney, you can learn about your rights and options. A pedestrian accident attorney can assist in advising you about what compensation you might deserve and what legal actions they can pursue. They can also help in communicating with the insurance company and other third parties.
Follow Medical Advice
It is very important that you follow the medical directives that your healthcare provider has given. The healing will go as smoothly as possible if you attend your follow-up appointments and do the prescribed treatments. Write down symptoms and progress over time.
Consider Emotional Support
Going through an accident can take an emotional toll. Get help from friends, family, or professionals to deal with the trauma or stress. Support groups or counseling services can also help.
Reflect on Safety Measures
After recovery is in process, it can be helpful to consider safety precautions. Being aware of the tips on how to remain safe as a pedestrian and taking extra caution can help you avoid incidents in the future. By sharing this knowledge, we create a safer space for all.
Stay Informed About Rights
Knowing your rights as a pedestrian can help you feel empowered. Understanding the extent of legal protections can help individuals feel safer and more secure. It is important to stay up-to-date on local traffic laws and pedestrian rights.
Educate Others
Talking about the experience and what you learned may help others. Raising awareness of pedestrian safety, in person or on social media, also makes society a safer place. Encouraging others to do the same builds a community of care and vigilance.
Conclusion
Pedestrian accidents can change your life. But there are steps you can take afterward to help in the healing process and receive justice. These situations are extremely difficult and scary, and knowing how to react by focusing on safety, medical and legal help, and awareness is vital to dealing with these cases. You can navigate this difficult time with certainty and grace if you have awareness and some action to guide you.
