Pedestrian accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even death. It is essential to take immediate action if you are involved in a pedestrian accident, and one of the first steps you should take is to report the accident to the police.
At Pacific Injury Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming and confusing it can be after being involved in an accident. That's why we want to emphasize the importance of reporting a pedestrian accident to the police.
Ensuring Safety
All parties' safety should always be a top priority after an accident. Calling the police will ensure that they arrive at the scene quickly and assess any injuries that may have occurred. They can also help direct traffic and prevent further accidents from happening.
In addition, reporting an accident can help authorities identify any hazards or dangerous intersections that may require additional attention or safety measures.
Legal Action
Reporting an accident to the police is also important for legal reasons. The documentation created by a police report can be valuable evidence if legal action needs to be taken later. This could include filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action against those responsible for causing the accident.
Without proper documentation, proving fault or demonstrating damages sustained due to the accident may be difficult or impossible.
Insurance Claims
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident caused by someone else's negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. Filing an insurance claim will require proper documentation, such as medical bills and reports documenting your injuries.
Having a police report filed at the time of your accident can provide additional evidence supporting your claim and help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
What Information Should You Provide?
When reporting an incident involving pedestrians, several pieces of information should be provided:
- Location: Be sure to provide details about where exactly it happened on streets/roads/highways.
- Date/Time: Reporting when exactly this happened is crucial.
- Parties Involved: Provide names/contact information (if possible) for all parties involved, including witnesses.
- Vehicle Description: Make/model/color/license plate number (if available) for vehicles involved.
- Injuries/Symptoms: If anyone was injured/suffered symptoms (such as whiplash), describe them with detailed notes, so they know what kind/severity level each person experienced during this event.
Get Professional Legal Help
Reporting a pedestrian accident promptly is critical for ensuring everyone's safety and protecting yourself legally from future complications like insurance claims, etcetera. If you've been involved in such an incident recently, contact us at Pacific Injury Law Firm today so our top personal injury attorneys and pedestrian injury lawyers can help guide you through this tough time while ensuring your case gets handled properly.