Downtown Austin, Texas, is a pedestrian paradise. There are amazing restaurants, venues, and businesses all within walking distance.
Unfortunately, cities like Austin come with more opportunities for walking also suffer more pedestrian injuries.
The emotional and physical toll of any crash can be overwhelming. Here are some steps to follow if you have been injured in an auto-pedestrian crash.
Seek Medical Attention
If you were in an auto-pedestrian crash, be sure to notify first responders – even if your injuries do not appear to be serious.
Adrenaline and shock can mask pain temporarily. You might feel fine, but beneath the surface, your body could be dealing with life-threatening internal injuries. It is best to let trained professionals examine you for any underlying medical emergencies.
Even if you do not have life-threatening injuries, pain is not always immediate. It is common for people to start feeling pain and discomfort several days after a crash. Getting examined by a doctor sooner rather than later is always ideal.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
After being injured in an auto-pedestrian crash, your responsibilities can become overwhelming. You may be dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, maybe even emotional trauma, but you do not have to do it alone.
Consider hiring a personal injury attorney to help ease some of the burden. A qualified attorney can help you:
- Gather evidence
- Prove who is at fault
- Communicate with insurance companies
- File a lawsuit, if necessary
You will have peace of mind knowing that an attorney is fighting for you.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Though you are not at-fault, you will still want to contact your insurance company to let them know of the crash.
Be mindful of what you say when talking to the insurance companies… even yours.
For example, your insurance adjuster asks, “How are you today?” Most people will say something like, “I’m fine.”
Later, the insurance company will argue, “Well, 5 days after the crash, you told your adjuster you were ‘fine,’ but now you are saying your back hurts. Were you lying before?”
Your personal injury attorney can guide you through these conversations and avoid insurance company traps.
Continue Your Treatment
An auto-pedestrian collision can be life altering. If your injuries are severe, you may have to be treated for months or even years.
The road to recovery may be long and burdensome. It is important to remember each appointment, therapy session, or day of rest is a step toward reclaiming your health and life.
While following up with healthcare professionals ensures your body is on the right path to recovery, it is equally important to care for your mental health. The effects of a crash can linger long after bruises fade, so allow yourself the grace to heal.
Obtain Medical Bills and Records
It is important to keep documentation of all medical bills and records related to your case. These documents show exactly how much your treatment has cost you and serve as evidence when negotiating a settlement.
Include every medical appointment, prescription, and therapy session, no matter how small they may seem. Your personal injury attorney will use this evidence to show the extent of your injuries and build your case.
File a Lawsuit
If a fair settlement offer cannot be reached through negotiations, your personal injury attorney will help you file a lawsuit and take them to court.
Filing a lawsuit may feel intimidating, but it is often necessary to get you the money you need to get your life back to normal. Try to be patient during this process, as it can last several months, or even years depending on the complexity of your case.
Your attorney will support you throughout the entire legal process, advocating for your rights and working tirelessly to keep you from getting taken advantage of by the insurance company. They will handle the legal complexities and negotiations, giving you more time to focus on your recovery and well-being.
If you have been injured in an auto-pedestrian crash, schedule a consultation with a qualified Austin, Texas, personal injury attorney. An attorney can help guide you to your next steps.
