A car driving down the road has no idea what is around the corner or who might be walking to cross the street. Sadly, it is not uncommon for cars to hit pedestrians, often leaving them with serious injuries that can destroy their lives forever. This is an unfortunate situation that can happen to anyone, but there are ways to minimize the damage when you are a pedestrian hit by a car.

Assess the Situation

While you are in the middle of an accident, you do not have time to evaluate your legal options. The best thing you can do is to get out of harm’s way as quickly as possible while contacting emergency responders. If you are unable to call emergency responders, assess the situation and evaluate your options. For example, if you have a cell phone on hand, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Consult an Attorney and Do Not Speak with the Insurance Company

After an accident occurs, the insurance company will send representatives to assess the situation. While they may appear friendly and even helpful, they are only interested in minimizing their pay out and will often fabricate stories against you in order to do this. Do not be fooled by their friendly demeanor; they will say anything to get you to sign away your rights. Call Pittsburgh truck accident lawyer right away and do not speak with the insurance company.

Contact Family Members of the Deceased

If a loved one has been killed in the accident, contact their next of kin to discuss your financial future and legal options. The next of kin can help you make arrangements for burial and funeral expenses, among other things.

Visit an Attorney

After you have spoken with the next of kin, visit an attorney to discuss your legal options and financial needs. The attorney can also help with physical injuries, emotional distress, property damage, and long term care support.

Do Not Accept a Settlement Offered by the Insurance Company

Even after consulting with an attorney, some people still accept a settlement offered by the insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. This is often done out of fear that they do not have the money or ability to fight the claim themselves. The reality is that the insurance company will do whatever possible to minimize what they have to pay out, even if it means making up false stories or fabricating medical expenses. Do not sign away your rights and accept a settlement that you know is not true.