Tampa traffic is no joke, and being a pedestrian amongst the many cars that frequent the roadways each day can be more than intimidating.
As a state, Florida continues to be one of the most dangerous for pedestrians. The Tampa area, specifically, has a long record of high pedestrian accidents. In 2016, 100 people died due to pedestrian accidents. In 2017, unofficial data suggested that the dangerous trend continued.
What to do after a pedestrian accident [5 steps]
Pedestrian accidents occur everyday, but understanding the aftermath of such an accident can help if you fall victim or witness. What happens in the moments following can set the pace for everything that takes place in the months following.
1. Are you injured?
The first thing to do is check for injuries. Stay calm and assess yourself by slowly trying to move and, if you can, move yourself out of the street to a safe place.
2. Call 911
If you are able, call 911 to contact the police. Most likely, a witness will have already taken care of this step, but it pays to make sure. Even if you don’t feel you’re injured, police should come to the scene.
3. Gather evidence
As soon as you’re able, begin gathering important evidence pertaining to the accident. Start with the driver responsible, and make note of his or her contact info and insurance. Next, start taking photos of the accident scene. This could include the vehicle, the surrounding area, and yourself.
After the fact, be sure to not wash or throw away the clothes you were wearing or anything else that could potentially tell police what happened.
4. Medical aid and insurance
Get checked out by a doctor immediately, even if you don’t believe you are injured. Once a doctor has assessed your injuries, it’s time to let insurance companies know what happened. Be prepared to answer questions from both sides, and be truthful.
5. Find an attorney
If you’re injured in a Tampa pedestrian accident, it’s always a good idea to speak with an attorney. This will give you a much better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve and help you understand your legal rights.
