After a pedestrian accident, you might be feeling confused and disoriented. Adrenaline and injuries can make it difficult to respond. That’s why it’s important to know what to do after a pedestrian accident in North Carolina ahead of time. Our lawyers can help you understand the answer to that question.
Immediate Steps After an Accident
If you’re a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle, there are things you should do immediately to protect yourself. First and foremost, you should try to get somewhere safe where further cars won’t be likely to hit you.
In North Carolina, 66% of fatal pedestrian crashes occur on roads without sidewalks. If you’re on one of these roads, try to get onto the shoulder or into the shelter of trees.
Sometimes, you might not be able to move. In that case, stay as still as you can to avoid worsening your injuries.
Once you’re in a safe place, you should follow these steps. If you can’t do things on your own, see if there are people nearby who can help you:
- Call 911 and request an ambulance and a police officer.
- Follow the advice of the medical first responders. If they say you should go to the ER, then do that. A 2021 study found over 1,300 ER visits due to pedestrian crashes in North Carolina.
- Get the contact, license plate, and insurance information of the driver who hit you.
- Get contact information for any witnesses who may be able to testify on your behalf.
- Document the scene as much as you can, including photos and written descriptions.
- Hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to help you determine what to do next.
Filing a Claim for a Pedestrian Accident Case
Getting injured in an accident can cause many costs, from medical bills to lost work to personal suffering. You might be eligible for compensation after such an accident, but this compensation isn’t always easy to get.
Pedestrian accidents can occur anywhere, although they’re more common in busy cities like Raleigh and along congested roads like Highway 54. No matter where your accident occurs in North Carolina, the process should be similar.
Along with hiring an experienced North Carolina pedestrian accident attorney, there are things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Keep documentation of everything related to the case
- Avoid speaking publicly about details of your accident
- Be careful about admitting fault publicly, as North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule may apply
Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer You Can Trust
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, you need a trusted pedestrian accident lawyer who can give your case the individual attention it needs. At Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, we prioritize giving pedestrian accident victims personalized attention to support their case.
We have helped our clients obtain millions in similar pedestrian accident settlements.* When possible, we try to help you get the settlement you need through negotiation, but we are ready and willing to go to court if your case requires it. Whatever the need, we advocate for you and your rights.
Our firm also helps out the local community through organizations like the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina. If you need legal support after a pedestrian accident in North Carolina, contact our office now. The sooner you enlist our aid, the more time we have to help you prepare a strong case.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
