If you have been in a pedestrian accident, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe harm, ranging from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
Navigating the aftermath of such an accident can be complicated, especially when you are dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and potential legal action. To ensure you get the compensation you deserve, it is crucial to learn the right steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Fresno. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. Reach out to the Valero Law Group today to learn more.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
One of the first actions to take after a pedestrian injury in Fresno is to seek medical attention. Even if you do not feel hurt initially, many injuries, especially internal ones, may not be immediately apparent.
Getting checked by a healthcare professional will help document any injuries, which is vital for personal health and any potential legal claims. A medical record of the injuries will help prove the extent of harm in the case and may be essential when dealing with insurance companies or appearing in court.
Report the Accident to Authorities
After seeking medical attention, it is important to report the accident to the authorities. When Fresno law enforcement responds to the scene, they will create an official police report. This report can be a key piece of evidence, especially if liability is unclear.
The police report will contain details about the accident, including statements from witnesses, and can support your claim that the other party was at fault. An experienced pedestrian injury attorney can explain how to use this report in a legal case.
Gather Evidence From the Scene
Next, victims should gather as much evidence as possible from the scene of the pedestrian accident in Fresno. If injuries do not prevent them from doing so, they should take photos of the location, any visible injuries, and damage to property, if applicable. If there were any witnesses to the accident, they should try to get their contact information. Witness testimonies can provide critical support in establishing liability.
It is also important to document everything, including the weather conditions, time of day, and exact location of the accident. This information may help to prove negligence, especially if a driver was speeding or distracted at the time of the incident.
In many instances, a person may be too injured or too frazzled to collect evidence. This is ok. Our team can step in and gather the necessary information. Call to learn more about this process.
How an Attorney Can Help
After gathering the necessary evidence, victims should contact an experienced pedestrian injury attorney. Working with a lawyer can be incredibly beneficial when filing a claim for compensation.
A Fresno attorney can help with the complex legal process, deal with insurance companies, and account for all injuries and damages in a claim. They will also investigate the accident thoroughly, which could include consulting accident reconstruction experts to determine fault.
While many pedestrian accident claims are resolved through settlements, an attorney can protect a victim’s rights and ensure they receive the maximum possible compensation. Personal injury laws are governed by the comparative fault system, meaning that even if an individual were partially responsible for the accident, they may still receive compensation. A skilled attorney can help explain how this law applies to a person’s case and guide them in securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call a Fresno Pedestrian Injury Attorney for Assistance
Pedestrian accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. But by knowing the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Fresno, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Whether through negotiation or litigation, an experienced attorney can fight for the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident, do not wait to get the help you need. Contact Valero Law Group today for a free consultation.
