Article source: HHT Law, CA
A moment of inattention can change your life forever. One minute you are walking on the sidewalk, and the next you are lying on the asphalt, in shock and in pain. Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality, and they are on the rise. According to a recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association, California saw an 11% increase in pedestrian fatalities in a single year. These accidents are often devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries and a complex legal journey ahead. Your actions in the first moments after the accident are crucial for your safety and any future claim you may have. This guide will provide a clear, immediate action plan from a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer.
The First 24 Hours: Your Action Plan at the Scene of the Accident
Your safety is the absolute top priority. After the initial impact, your actions can significantly affect your physical health and your legal rights. Your immediate focus should be on following these steps to protect yourself.
- Check for Injuries and Call 911: First, assess your own injuries and those of anyone else involved. Even if you feel okay, do not assume you are uninjured. Shock can mask the symptoms of a serious injury. Call 911 immediately to report the accident. A police report is vital evidence, and the paramedics will ensure you receive the medical attention you need.
- Stay at the Scene and Wait for Law Enforcement: Do not leave the scene of the accident. It is illegal to do so, and leaving could harm your claim. Wait for the police to arrive and create a formal report.
- Gather Evidence: If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the scene. This includes your injuries, the vehicle that hit you, the license plate, and the overall scene. Gather the contact and insurance information of the driver. Also, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Do not apologize or admit any fault. An apology can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt and used against you later by the insurance company.
You should not have to face this difficult situation alone. The final and most important step to take in these initial moments is to contact a San Fernando Valley pedestrian accident lawyer.
Why You Need to Contact a Lawyer Immediately After the Accident
Insurance adjusters for the at-fault party often work quickly to minimize their company’s financial exposure. They may contact you within hours of the accident, offering a low settlement or trying to get you to give a recorded statement that can be used against you. A skilled attorney will handle all communication with the insurance companies for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the stress of dealing with aggressive adjusters.
A pedestrian accident lawyer also acts as your advocate from day one. They can help you with medical scheduling, and they can ensure you get the medical care you need. They will protect your rights and your claim. Our firm, for example, is available 24/7 for this exact reason. We believe that legal guidance should be immediate and accessible. Our “No Fee Unless You Win” promise means you have no upfront financial risk when you hire our firm.
Key Steps to Building a Strong Pedestrian Accident Claim
Building a successful personal injury claim is a methodical process. A qualified pedestrian accident lawyer will guide you through each step, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
- The Importance of Seeking Medical Attention: Your health should be your first priority. Prompt medical treatment is not only vital for your well-being but also for your legal claim. It creates a clear record that links your injuries directly to the accident. Your attorney can work with medical providers to ensure you receive the care you need without worrying about the cost upfront.
- How a San Fernando Valley Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Helps You Collect Evidence: While you should gather information at the scene, your attorney has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation. They will:
- Obtain the official police report.
- Secure traffic camera footage or nearby security video.
- Subpoena phone records and other digital data.
- Interview witnesses and secure their testimony.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts.
- When a Pedestrian Accident Turns into a Different Kind of Claim: A pedestrian accident can become more complex depending on the at-fault vehicle. You may need a specialized lawyer for certain cases.
- **The Unique Case of a San Fernando Valley motorcycle crash attorneys: When a motorcycle is involved, proving negligence can be a challenge. Motorcyclists often face a bias from insurance companies and the general public. An attorney who specializes in these cases understands the stereotypes and knows how to build a strong case by focusing on the facts.
- **Seeking Justice with a San Fernando Valley Wrongful Death Lawyer: In the most tragic of circumstances, a pedestrian accident can lead to a fatality. In these cases, a compassionate yet aggressive wrongful death lawyer is necessary to help the family of the victim seek justice. They will handle the legal burden while the family focuses on grieving and healing.
Navigating the Legal Timeline: What to Expect
The legal process for a personal injury claim can be confusing, but a transparent lawyer will set clear expectations for you. Your case may settle quickly through negotiation, or it may proceed to a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The timeline will depend on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the at-fault party’s willingness to negotiate fairly. Your pedestrian accident lawyer will keep you informed every step of the way, so you never feel lost. They will provide a realistic timeline, manage all communications, and ensure that all legal deadlines are met.
The Difference a Dedicated Local Law Firm Makes
In a time of crisis, you want more than just a lawyer; you want a trusted advocate. Many large, national law firms treat clients like numbers. They will pass you off to a paralegal, and you may never speak to your actual attorney. At HHT Law, we believe in a family-first approach. We are a family-owned and operated firm, and we treat our clients like our own. Our attorneys have over a decade of experience practicing in the Los Angeles Superior Court system. This local expertise, combined with our compassionate and aggressive approach, is what allows us to secure maximum compensation for our clients.
Focus on Healing, We’ll Handle the Legal Fight
The moments after a pedestrian accident are stressful, but you do not have to go through it alone. By taking the right steps and hiring an experienced accident lawyer, you can protect your legal rights and your future. A trusted San Fernando Valley wrongful death lawyer can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At HHT Law, we believe in justice without compromise. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing.
