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Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Rolla

If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a pedestrian collision, you may qualify for financial compensation. There are several important steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Rolla to safeguard your health and protect your rights. A skilled pedestrian injury lawyer with AW Smith Law could guide you through the legal process, helping you understand and enforce your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident

The aftermath of a collision can be scary and confusing. Victims of pedestrian accidents in Rolla should take the following steps.

Seek Medical Treatment

After an accident, seek medical treatment immediately for your injuries. Visiting a doctor not only safeguards your health but also generates a medical record that will likely serve as evidence in a personal injury claim. If there is a medical emergency at the accident scene, call 911.

Report the Accident to the Police

According to Missouri Revised Statutes § 303.040, motor vehicle accidents involving injuries, death, or more than $500 in property damage must be reported to the authorities. Summoning a law enforcement officer to the scene is essential, as they will make an official report that will be helpful in a claim.

Gather Information About the Accident at the Scene

If you do not have an injury that demands emergency medical attention, try to gather information and evidence at the accident scene, including:

  • Photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage
  • A record of the date, time, place, and location of the crash, as well as any relevant lighting or weather conditions
  • The involved driver’s name, contact information, license number, and license plate number
  • The name and contact information of any eyewitnesses

If you were unable to get the above information at the time of the crash due to injury, AW Smith Law could help obtain it through a pedestrian accident investigation.

File Insurance Claims Promptly

Insurance policy deadlines can be short, making it critical to file auto liability insurance claims against the at-fault driver immediately. If legal action is necessary, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120 allows five years to file most lawsuits involving a vehicle accident, including pedestrian accidents.

Be Careful During Interactions With the Insurance Company

Insurance is a business, and businesses aim to make a profit. When speaking with insurance agents, it is important to remember they will likely be looking for reasons to deny a claim or reduce damages.

After a pedestrian accident, it is best not to provide an insurance company with any more details than necessary. It is okay to discuss facts, such as the time and place of the crash, but not to speculate on the cause of the collision or who may be responsible. Do not accept blame for the accident or give information about your injuries or medical treatment. Above all else, do not accept an initial settlement offer. Instead, have the insurer contact us and let our lawyers handle the questions.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available?

If a negligent driver causes you harm, you could be entitled to financial damages. Our attorneys may be able to seek compensation for the following after a pedestrian accident:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Emotional distress

If someone sustains a fatal pedestrian accident injury, their surviving family members could be eligible for a wrongful death lawsuit. AW Smith Law could help a family member seek compensation on behalf of their loved one’s estate and survivors. Our Rolla attorneys could answer any further questions about the steps to take after a pedestrian collision during an initial consultation.

Contact Our Rolla Attorneys About Steps To Take After a Pedestrian Accident

You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a pedestrian crash alone. Instead, enlist the help of our pedestrian accident lawyers. Our attorneys are ready to explain the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Rolla and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries.

We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid when we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.