Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Car Accident in Orlando
Orlando is quickly becoming one of the most desirable cities in Florida. The rapidly-expanding metropolis continues to sprout enticing attractions, upscale restaurants, luxury shopping destinations and practical housing options to draw more residents. As the city grows, so too does the traffic problem. Pedestrians in particular face a hostile environment as the planning of city streets widely caters to private car ownership.
As a pedestrian in Orlando, your safety is a top concern. You may frequently encounter wide streets several lanes across and spread out crosswalks that can pressure you to jaywalk. Sidewalks may not lead to where you need to go. All of these factors increase the odds that you will one day get hit by a car, truck, or other vehicles in motion. Before that happens, it’s important to know just what steps you need to take to get back on your feet. If you have already been hurt as a pedestrian, call our Orlando pedestrian accident lawyers to learn your options for recovery.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
On average, eleven percent of all fatal car accidents from 2000 to 2009 involved pedestrians. It stands to reason that when pitted against a machine weighing several thousand pounds, the human body will sustain some damage. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable demographic on the road and often endure traumatic injuries.
Some of the most common injuries after a pedestrian accident are:
- Scrapes, cuts, and bruises to the head and face
- Closed head injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Spinal cord injuries
- Serious fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, hips, and pelvis, including:
- Fractured shinbone (tibia fracture)
- Fractured forearm (ulna fracture)
It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the sooner a record of your injuries is established, and the better your prognosis can be.
Step 2: Document Your Injuries and Surroundings
If you can take photographs of the accident scene and the injuries and other damages you incurred before an ambulance takes you away, it’s crucial to do so. You should also document your injuries and treatment during your recovery. Your attorney can use the evidence captured in these photographs to show the extent of the harm you sustained.
When taking photographs, get images of:
- Your car and the damage it sustained
- Other cars involved
- Skid marks
- Debris from the accident
- Accident site
- Visible bodily injuries
- Weather and road conditions
- Placement of traffic signals
Step 3: Call the Police to Report the Accident
One of the first people you need to call after surviving a car accident as a pedestrian in Orlando is the local police department. Police will appear at the accident scene to take note of the:
- Date, time, and location of the collision
- Identifying information for all parties involved, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information
- Identifying information for witnesses
- Location of vehicle damage
- Weather and road conditions
- A diagram of the accident
- Any violations of the law that lead to the accident
- Witness statements
- Police officers’ opinions as to the cause of the crash or a determination of fault
If the police do not show up, thoroughly document the accident and damages and report it as soon as possible within 10 days.
Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
If you have car insurance, your policy may cover this incident. Notifying your insurer will allow you to make medical or disability claims before pursuing a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Step 5: Call an Orlando Car Accident Lawyer
Pedestrians don’t typically fare well after being struck by a moving car or truck. They usually sustain more severe injuries than vehicle occupants, which can lead to many obstacles. Drivers typically try to avoid liability by pinning the blame on the pedestrian, which is why it’s important to reach out to a car accident lawyer in Orlando who can investigate the case properly. An attorney with The Umansky Law Firm will do everything in his power to protect your rights and recover the necessary compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, lost wages, and more.
Call 407-228-3838 for a free consultation or contact us online. Our team of Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyers is ready to go to work for you.