Thousands of people are killed in pedestrian crashes each year across the United Kingdom, and Scotland has an unfortunately high pedestrian accident rate. Transport Scotland has recorded at least 400 serious injuries resulting from 1,660 pedestrian incidents in 2016, many of which resulted in the death of the victim. Given the high risk of these collisions, it is vital that pedestrians know what to do after suffering a crash injury.
What to Do Immediately After You Have Been Struck by a Car While Walking
The first thing you should do after being hit by a car is to call the authorities. Inviting police to the scene offers many different benefits, including getting you emergency medical treatment, holding the driver accountable, and creating an official record of the incident to be used later in evidence. While you are waiting for police to arrive, you can use your mobile phone to take photos of the scene and the surrounding area, as well as record video of any witnesses and asking for their names and phone numbers.
Once the police have cleared you to leave the scene, it is vital that you:
- Get medical attention. In many cases, a pedestrian’s injuries will be so severe that they will be taken to the hospital via ambulance, and he or she may not be conscious for the journey. Even if you are fortunate enough to walk away from the scene, it does not necessarily mean you haven’t been injured. You should go directly to an urgent care provider to get an accurate medical picture of your condition right after the crash.
- Write down everything you can remember. In the days after the crash, you should start a file with all of the information you can remember related to the accident. This includes the driver’s details (such as the driver’s name, phone number, license and plate numbers, and his or her insurance provider), your description of the events before and after the crash, and any bills or correspondence from the insurance company related to your claim.
- Speak to an attorney. The injuries sustained in these types of accidents can be life-changing, and it may take the intervention of an experienced pedestrian accident lawyers to get you all that you are owed. Our legal team can handle your claim while you focus on your recovery.
If you were struck by a car while walking in the Glasgow area, we can help you get the payment you deserve for current and future losses. Call us today or fill out our enquiry form to set up your no-obligation conversation with a member of our legal team.
Related Links: |