What to Do If You’re Hit While Walking
Pedestrian accidents happen suddenly, leaving victims unsure of what to do. At Bednarz & Bednarz, we guide injured pedestrians in Tennessee on the immediate steps to take after a collision. We protect your health and future legal claim. Contact our injury attorneys if you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident.
Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention
Your immediate priority is safety. If able, move away from traffic to avoid further harm. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal bleeding, may not be obvious at first. If your body is in shock, you might not notice injuries right after the accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2022. This highlights how serious these incidents can be, even at lower speeds. Prompt medical documentation also creates an important record that may later support your injury claim.
Call Law Enforcement and Document the Scene
Always call the police after a pedestrian accident. An official accident report can serve as key evidence. While waiting, gather as much information as possible:
- Driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
- Photos of the scene, your injuries, and surrounding conditions
- Contact information from witnesses
Small details, such as traffic signals, crosswalk markings, or weather conditions, can become important later.
Avoid Discussing Fault
In the aftermath of an accident, emotions run high. You may feel tempted to apologize or explain what happened. It is best to avoid making statements about fault at the scene.
Liability in pedestrian accidents is not always straightforward, and even casual comments can be misinterpreted. Instead, focus on exchanging information and cooperating with law enforcement.
Follow Through with Medical Care
After leaving the scene, continue any recommended medical treatment. Keep records of:
- Doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Missed workdays
Consistent treatment not only supports your recovery but also provides a clear timeline of how the accident affected your life.
Understand Your Legal Options
Pedestrian accidents often involve serious injuries and complex liability issues. Drivers may claim the pedestrian was outside a crosswalk, distracted, or otherwise at fault. However, Tennessee law still provides protection for injured pedestrians in many situations.
Our firm regularly handles pedestrian injury cases as part of our broader personal injury practice. These claims may involve compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impacts on quality of life.
Taking the Next Step With Our Injury Lawyers
The decisions you make immediately after a pedestrian accident can have lasting consequences. Acting quickly, documenting the scene, and seeking appropriate care all help protect your rights.
At Bednarz & Bednarz, our attorneys take a careful, client-focused approach when evaluating pedestrian accident claims. If you have questions about your situation, you can reach out via our contact page or call us at (615) 623-8789 to discuss your options.
