What to Do If You’re Hit by a Car While Walking

Walking offers numerous benefits, including exercise, fresh air, convenience, and exploration. However, sharing busy streets with drivers can put you at risk for a pedestrian accident, and navigating personal injury claims after an accident can be overwhelming and stressful.

The good news: you’re not alone. Expert advice from a pedestrian injury attorney offers the necessary support after an accident, helps you understand your rights and Colorado pedestrian laws, and provides guidance to prevent future pedestrian accidents.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident​​

Getting hit by a car can often result in catastrophic injuries or worse. Those fortunate enough to survive or remain conscious can feel scared and disoriented. Understanding injured pedestrian rights and post-accident steps will help you find the necessary expert support. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, following as many of the steps below when possible will ensure you properly address your injuries and document your claim after an accident:

Seek safety and call 911

If possible, move to a safe location that is out of the way of traffic and other hazards. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical attention. 

Wait for help and save medical records

Do not leave the scene, as doing so can impact your rights as an injured pedestrian. Wait, so that an emergency medical professional can evaluate your condition and determine whether your injuries may require follow-up observation. If it is recommended that you be transported to an emergency department, you should not refuse, even if you think you are okay. In addition, be sure to keep any medical records associated with the accident so you can use them for legal support.

Related: The Importance of an MRI After an Accident

Document the scene

If possible, gather information and evidence from the scene by taking photos, collecting driver and witness information, and noting any information about the vehicle(s) involved. The more information collected at the scene, the better a pedestrian accident lawyer can understand your legal situation.

File a police report

Due to the seriousness of pedestrian accidents, police are likely to respond to the scene. If officers arrive and you are able to speak, provide them with a clear and accurate account of what happened. Be sure to obtain the report number associated with your accident and request a copy of the police report for your records.

Seek counsel from a pedestrian accident attorney

An experienced and client-focused pedestrian accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal elements of your pedestrian accident with empathy, trust, and reassurance. Insurance adjusters are notorious for taking advantage of pedestrian accident victims who are in a vulnerable situation, and a seasoned pedestrian accident attorney will protect your interests and rights.

Related: 7 Reasons You Need a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident

Colorado Pedestrian Laws You Should Know

Pedestrian injuries are not uncommon. In fact, nearly 140,000 emergency visits in 2022 accounted for non-fatal pedestrian accidents alone. An estimated 70,000 pedestrians are injured in traffic accidents each year. While many of these accidents are completely preventable, understanding your rights as a pedestrian in Colorado is key to protecting yourself. Some important safety tips to consider while walking include:

• Do not cross a street without stopping at a curb and looking for cars in both directions
• Look left-right-left in order to appropriately scan your surroundings
• Do not look at your phone while crossing the street
• Stay alert for cars and traffic while walking
• Utilize crosswalk buttons and follow crosswalk signals

However, even if you think you may share some responsibility for your accident, do not let that deter you from contacting a pedestrian accident lawyer.

While pedestrians should follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents, drivers have significant responsibility in ensuring the safety of everyone sharing the road, including themselves, motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and more. Colorado drivers must be aware of the following:

• Do not assume pedestrians can hear you approaching in your car
• Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections and crosswalks–even while the lines are not visible
• Do not cover a pedestrian crosswalk with your car
• Drive carefully in high-pedestrian-traffic areas like schools, parks, parking lots, and bus stops
• Carefully check blind spots and mirrors when backing out of a parking space

Bowman Law: Your Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

At Bowman Law, we understand the risk of pedestrian accidents and the complications that ensue after an accident. With so much information in the space, you need a professional who can debunk personal injury case myths and identify next steps with you. Our compassionate, top-rated accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the challenges and complications of filing a personal injury claim and the legal waters of Colorado pedestrian accident laws. 

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, don’t wait to seek guidance. We are fully committed to your justice and recovery, and are ready to help. Call us at 720-863-6904 or send us a message to schedule a free case evaluation.