If you were hit by a car while walking or running in New Jersey, you have rights under the law. You can seek compensation under the driver’s insurance policy, and if you have auto insurance, you may also be able to file a claim under your policy. Depending on what happened, you may have other claims as well, and you will want to hire a New Jersey personal injury lawyer to help you seek the maximum compensation available.
5 Important Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident
In addition to hiring a personal injury lawyer, there are some other vital steps you will want to take to protect your legal rights. For example, here are five important steps to take after a pedestrian accident in New Jersey:
1. Collect as Much Information as Possible
After being injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to collect as much information as possible. If you were able to get the driver’s insurance information, be sure to keep it in a safe place. The same goes for any photos you took with your phone. Write down as many details as you can remember about the car, truck or SUV and the location where you got hit and start a file where you keep your medical bills and other records related to the accident.
2. Report the Accident to the Police
Unless someone called 911 from the accident scene, you should report your pedestrian accident to the police. Call the local police department’s non-emergency number or ask your lawyer to report the accident for you. This will create an official record of the accident, which may help with your claim for compensation. Additionally, if you do not have the driver’s vehicle or insurance information, the police may be able to assist with identifying the driver.
3. Report the Accident to Your Auto Insurance Company
If you have auto insurance, you may also want to report the accident to your insurance company. You can use your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to help cover your expenses from the accident. This coverage is available on a “no-fault” basis, which means that you can collect payment without evidence that the driver is liable for your injuries.
4. Follow Through With Your Medical Care
Once you receive a diagnosis and your doctor prescribes a treatment plan, you should follow through with your doctor’s recommendations. Not only will this help ensure that you recover as quickly and thoroughly as possible, but it will also help prevent the insurance companies from blaming you for your own losses.
5. Keep the Details of the Accident to Yourself
When you need to seek compensation for a pedestrian accident, you should keep the details of the accident to yourself. While you may want to talk about what happened with your friends or on social media, doing so could potentially create challenges for your claim(s).
Talk to a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident and need to speak with a lawyer about seeking just compensation, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To speak with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer, call 877-435-6371 or request a free consultation online now.
