What Happens When Walkers or Joggers Get Hit by Cars in California?
You, or a loved one, were walking or jogging when you got hit by a car. A car can do irreparable damage to a pedestrian. After the injury (or death) what can be done? What happens when walkers or joggers get hit by cars? What legal recourse do they have? Fortunately, you can hire a personal injury lawyer to help you through this.
If you, or someone you know, were hit by a car when you were walking or jogging, we are here for you. Riverside, California personal injury lawyers Heiting & Irwin have over four decades of experience assisting clients with personal injury. We have retrieved more than $500 million for our clients, and we’ll work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Pedestrians and Car Accidents
In 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed on highways and streets in the United States, and nearly 55,000 pedestrians were injured. The number of pedestrians killed was at a 30-year high.
Just like when you’re in a car accident with another vehicle, you can file a claim if you are in a pedestrian-involved incident. We can help you recover your damages from the collision, including your medical bills (past and future), loss of wages (past and future), pain and suffering, and more.
In addition to a claim against the involved car, you may have a claim against other persons or entities. For example, the road may have had a large pothole or other defect, which caused the driver to strike the pedestrian. Many different claims may be available and an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine the number of viable claims available to you.
It’s possible that the pedestrian involved in such an incident might bear some responsibility for the collision – if so, they may still be able to recover albeit with their recovery reduced by the percentage of their own fault.
It’s best to enlist the help of a personal injury attorney no matter what situation you’re currently dealing with. A personal injury lawyer will be able to look at the facts of the case and determine the best course of action.
What to Do When You Get Hit
When you get hit by a car, the first thing to do is have someone call emergency personnel such as an ambulance and the police. Law enforcement officers may create a report that includes all the details leading up to the accident including the names and contact information of any witnesses.
If you are able to, it’s critically important to collect as much evidence as you can. If you’re not able, see if someone else can engage in information gathering for you. This would include contact information of any involved motorists and witnesses, photographs of: the scene, involved vehicles including license plates, visible injuries, and damage to your belongings. Make sure to get the driver’s insurance information, too.
Note if there are any cameras nearby that may have captured the incident. Speak to witnesses and get their contact information so that you, or your attorney, can speak to them later on for a statement.
Most importantly, get immediate medical treatment if necessary. Follow all doctor orders and go to follow-up appointments as necessary. Take medication as prescribed and do everything you can to assist in your recovery.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When a car hits a pedestrian, it can result in minor or life-changing, traumatic injury and often death. Some non-fatal injuries may include:
- Face, neck, and head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Sprains
- Strains
- Tears
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries, paralysis
The injuries you experience may require care for a few weeks, or they could last the rest of your life. You may need to go to physical therapy, undergo surgery, take medicine, use medical equipment, hire an aid to help you, and more. Additionally, you might have to quit your job or change your profession, and you might not be able to partake in your favorite hobbies or help your spouse out anymore.
You may not realize all the consequences of your injuries, which is why it’s crucial to seek immediate, comprehensive medical attention and contact a personal injury lawyer for assistance.
Protecting Yourself When You’re Walking or Jogging
When you are walking or jogging, it’s critical that you protect yourself in order to prevent an injury. Here are some things one can do to be safe:
- Don’t listen to music too loudly
- Avoid walking or joggin in the street
- Wear a reflective vest or highly visible clothing at night
- Pay attention to your surroundings
- Avoid alleyways
- Bring a phone in case there’s an emergency
- Jog or walk with others, if possible
- Obey all traffic laws including crossing signals and other traffic lights
- Cross at crosswalks; never jaywalk
By following these rules, you may be less likely to get into a collision with a vehicle.
Resolving Your Claim
Sometimes, when a pedestrian-involved collision occurs, the driver may try to offer cash on the spot to avoid filing a claim with their insurance company. Accepting such an offer may not be the best choice. You should make sure you know the full nature and extent of your injuries before accepting any offer of settlement.
Personal injury attorneys, such as the professionals at Heiting & Irwin will take your case on a contingency basis meaning there are no up-front costs or fees and you will only pay them if they are successful in pursuing your claim.
After a pedestrian collision, or really any type of injury, you should not post information about it on social media. Anything said about the incident or the resulting injuries will likely be found by the insurance company for the other party and may be misconstrued and used against you.
Get in Touch With Heiting & Irwin for Help
If you, or someone you know, were injured by a car when you were walking or jogging, then you should consult with the personal injury lawyers at Heiting & Irwin. We have dealt with countless personal injury cases and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us online at hilegalgroup.com or call us at 951-682-6400 to discuss your case now.
