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Getting hit by a car is a traumatic experience, often leaving car accident victims confused and overwhelmed about what steps to take next. Whether it's a hit and run, or another motor vehicle collision, the aftermath can be daunting. As a personal injury lawyer, I’ve handled countless car accident cases where individuals didn’t know how to protect their legal rights or ensure they received fair compensation.

In this blog, I’ll provide valuable legal advice and share actionable tips to help car accident victims navigate the aftermath.

First steps after getting hit by a car

While it's impossible to predict or prevent every accident, it's important to know what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Whether you're a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, knowing the right steps to take can help you protect your health, safety, and legal rights. In this section of the blog, we'll explore some essential tips for what to do if you get hit by a car, including how to seek medical attention, gather evidence, and navigate the legal processes associated with a personal injury claim.

1. Stay calm and call for help

The first thing you should do after a car crash is to stay calm and call for help. Dial 911 immediately and report the scene of an accident, letting the operator know you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle collision. If you're unable to call, ask someone nearby to do it for you. This step ensures that emergency services and police can arrive to document the accident and provide medical assistance if needed.

2. Seek medical attention

Even if you don’t feel any pain or see visible injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical attention right away. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen without treatment. Medical records from a thorough exam will not only protect your health but also serve as key evidence in a car accident claim. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to support your recovery.

3. Get information from the driver

If the at-fault party remains at the scene, collect their name, contact details, and insurance policy information. Additionally, document the make and model of their vehicle, license plate number, and any other details that may be useful for your claim. If witnesses observed the accident, ask for their contact information as well, as their statements can support your personal injury claim.

4. Document the scene

Take detailed photos of the accident scene, including your injuries, any damage to the car, and relevant details like road conditions or traffic signs. If you’re unable to take photos, ask someone else to document the scene for you. Make a note of the time, date, and location of the incident to provide accident reports and evidence that can support your claim for fair compensation.

5. Contact a personal injury lawyer

If you've been hit by a car, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Legal representation ensures your rights are protected and that you can navigate the complexities of a car accident lawsuit. A skilled legal team will help you gather accident reports, handle insurance adjusters, and pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, non-economic damages, and other losses. Whether your case involves contributory negligence or a no-fault insurance system, a personal injury lawyer will guide you every step of the way.

Common car accident injuries

When you're involved in a motor vehicle accident, the injuries you sustain can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening conditions. As a personal injury lawyer, I've seen countless car accident victims suffer serious injuries as a result of being hit by a car. Understanding these common injuries is essential for building a strong personal injury claim and seeking maximum compensation. In this blog, I'll discuss some of the most frequent injuries resulting from vehicle accidents.

1. Head injuries

Head injuries are among the most severe injuries a person can sustain in a car crash. These can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries, which may lead to long-term disabilities, cognitive impairments, or even fatalities. Head injuries often occur when the victim’s head strikes the ground, the car’s windshield, or other hard surfaces at the scene of an accident. Medical records documenting the extent of these injuries play a crucial role in securing fair compensation.

2. Spinal cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are life-altering and often result in permanent damage, such as paralysis or loss of sensation. These injuries typically occur when the force of the car wreck jolts or twists the spine. Victims with spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, contributing to significant non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Legal advice from a personal injury lawyer can help victims hold the at-fault party accountable.

3. Broken bones

Broken bones are another common injury in car accident cases, ranging from simple fractures to complex breaks requiring surgical intervention. The most frequently fractured bones include the arms, legs, and ribs. Accident reports documenting the severity of these injuries, along with medical records, are crucial for building a strong car accident claim.

4. Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and whiplash, are common after vehicle accidents. These injuries can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, often taking weeks or months to heal. Whiplash, in particular, is a frequent result of rear-end collisions and requires proper documentation for a successful personal injury claim. If you're dealing with lingering symptoms, seeking legal representation can help ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills and other damages.

5. Internal injuries

Internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, are some of the most serious outcomes of car accidents. These injuries often go unnoticed at first, as they may not present symptoms immediately after the collision. Prompt medical attention is critical to diagnosing these life-threatening injuries. Victims pursuing a car accident lawsuit for internal injuries should rely on a legal team experienced in handling complex cases involving catastrophic damages.

Expenses for pedestrians hit by a car

As a personal injury lawyer, I've seen many cases of pedestrian accidents where the victim was hit by a car and was unsure of their legal rights and who was responsible for paying their bills. Here are some common expenses and information on who should be paying them.

1. Medical bills - Use health insurance!

If you're a pedestrian hit by a car, the driver's insurance company is responsible for paying your medical expenses. This is because drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which covers the cost of medical bills and other damages if they cause an accident.

However, you want your medical bills to initially be covered by your own health insurance carrier. Why? Because your health insurance has negotiated discounted rates with all of the medical providers while  the at-fault driver’s automobile carrier has not. If you run the medical bills through your health insurance first, the at-fault carrier still will have to pay the full cost of the bills. This means more money in your pocket. Plus, auto carriers have policy limits. If you incur $300,000 in medical bills and the at-fault negligent driver only has $100,000 policy limits, the math dictates the importance of having your health insurance be the primary payer.

Finally, using your health insurance means the bills are paid right away. This is obviously beneficial for your credit rating. If the driver doesn't have insurance or their insurance doesn't cover the full cost of your medical bills, you may be able to file a claim with your own auto insurance company to receive benefits through uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage.

2. Property damage bills

If your property, such as your clothing or personal belongings, get damaged, you may be able to file a claim with the driver's insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacement. However, property damage claims can be more difficult to prove than medical bills, as you'll need to provide evidence of the value of the property that was damaged.

3. Legal assistance

A lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies and get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, property damage, and other damages.

In conclusion, if you're a pedestrian hit by a car, the driver's insurance company is typically responsible for paying your medical bills and property damage bills. However, if the driver doesn't have insurance or their insurance doesn't cover the full cost of your bills, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company or sue the driver for damages.

How does the legal process work with a personal injury lawyer?

Here's how the process works when you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you after an auto accident:

1. Initial Consultation

The first step in the process is to schedule an initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer. During this consultation, the lawyer will ask you questions about the accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you've received. They'll also explain the legal process and your rights as a victim of the accident.

2. Investigation

Once you hire a personal injury lawyer, they'll begin investigating the accident to gather evidence that can be used to support your case. This may include reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining any surveillance footage or other evidence that may have been captured at the scene of the accident.

3. Medical Treatment

If you haven't already done so, your personal injury lawyer will help you obtain any necessary medical treatment for your injuries. They may also work with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries and the long-term effects they may have on your life.

4. Negotiation

After your lawyer has gathered evidence and obtained medical documentation, they'll begin negotiating with the driver's insurance company to obtain compensation for your injuries. This may include filing an insurance claim, negotiating a settlement, or taking the case to court if a fair settlement can't be reached.

5. Settlement or Trial

If a settlement is reached, your personal injury lawyer will review the terms of the settlement with you and help you decide whether to accept it or continue to trial. If you decide to go to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court and argue your case to a judge or jury.

6. Compensation

If your case is successful, you'll receive compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of normal life and/or disability. Your personal injury lawyer will help you obtain this compensation and ensure that you're fairly compensated for your injuries.

The psychological impact of being hit by a car

People who have been hit by a car can experience a range of psychological problems as a result of the accident. These problems can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, affecting a person's quality of life and ability to function. Here are some of the psychological problems that people who have been hit by a car can experience:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as being hit by a car. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers related to the event, and feelings of detachment or numbness.

2. Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common psychological problems that can develop after a car accident. These conditions can be caused by the stress of dealing with injuries, medical bills, and other consequences of the accident.

3. Fear of Crossing the Street

After being hit by a car, some people may develop a fear of crossing the street or being near traffic. This fear can be debilitating and can affect a person's ability to get around and participate in daily activities.

4. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a physical problem, but it can also lead to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and anger. People who are experiencing chronic pain after being hit by a car may struggle to cope with the pain and may become isolated or depressed as a result.

5. Insomnia

Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a common problem that can develop after a car accident. This can be caused by physical pain, anxiety, or other psychological factors related to the accident.

What differentiates a personal injury lawyer from other lawyers?

When it comes to handling an accident case, hiring a personal injury attorney is different from hiring another kind of lawyer. Here are some of the key differences:

1. Expertise

Personal injury lawyers specialize in handling cases related to accidents and injuries. They have extensive knowledge of the legal system and understand the complexities of personal injury cases. Other types of lawyers, such as family law attorneys or criminal defense lawyers, may not have the same level of expertise when it comes to personal injury cases.

2. Contingency Fees

Car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they don't get paid unless they win your case. This is different from other types of lawyers, who may charge hourly fees or require a retainer upfront.

3. Negotiation Skills

Personal injury cases often involve negotiating with insurance companies to obtain compensation for your injuries. Personal injury lawyers have experience negotiating with insurance companies and know how to get the best possible settlement for their clients. Other types of lawyers may not have the same negotiation skills or experience.

4. Medical Knowledge

Personal injury lawyers often work with medical experts to document the extent of their clients' injuries and the long-term effects they may have on their clients' lives. They have a deep understanding of medical terminology and can effectively communicate with medical professionals. Other types of lawyers may not have the same level of medical knowledge.

5. Focus on Client Needs

Personal injury lawyers are focused on meeting the needs of their clients. They understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that accidents can take on their clients and work to ensure that their clients receive the compensation they deserve. Other types of lawyers may not have the same level of focus on client needs.

Get in touch with a personal injury law firm today. If you’ve been hit by a car, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Seeking the guidance and support of an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand the statute of limitations for filing a claim, ensure your rights are protected, and secure the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s dealing with car insurance adjusters or ensuring you receive the medical care you need, having legal representation can make all the difference. 

At Palermo Law Group, we understand how overwhelming and stressful this experience can be for you and your loved ones. Our team of skilled and compassionate attorneys is here to help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and help you explore your options. Don’t wait to get the help you need—delaying action could affect your ability to file within the statute of limitations. Contact Palermo Law Group today and let us fight for your rights.