Pedestrian Rights: What to Do After Getting Hit by a Car in Anaheim

As home to the world-famous Disneyland Resort and a host of other attractions such as Angel Stadium and the Honda Center, Anaheim is one of California’s most visited cities. As a result, traffic-related accidents regularly occur, resulting in pedestrians being hit by cars. 

In 2023, there were more than 7,314 pedestrian deaths in the U.S., with tens of thousands more injured following pedestrian-vehicle crashes. The majority of serious injuries result from pedestrians colliding with vehicle bumpers and hoods. Getting hit by a car often results in serious leg, pelvis, and head injuries.

If you or a loved one were hit by a car in Anaheim, remember that you have rights. Here’s what to do after an accident. 

Seek Medical Treatment for Injuries

The first thing to do after a pedestrian accident is to seek medical treatment for your injuries.

Sometimes, it is very evident the extent of your injuries, such as a broken leg. However, in other instances, it may not be immediately clear. Regardless, you should always contact emergency services.

Unfortunately, in some instances, the accident will result in a hit-and-run. If this happens and you are abandoned or left unconscious, get to safety when you can. Then, call for help.

After, document your injuries. Make a note of the following and report them to the medical staff once they are on the scene.

• The presence of visual injuries
• Areas of your body that are in pain
• Damage to your clothing
• The presence of blood

You may not be able to properly recognize your injury immediately, given the likelihood of shock. Even if you feel fine, you should undergo a full medical evaluation. Never skip this step. Your well-being and your pedestrian injury claim depend on it. 

File a Police Report

File a traffic accident report immediately following an accident. Having a police report can help your chances of receiving a settlement and being compensated for past and future medical costs. However, do not admit fault during this time–even if you are partially to blame for the accident. 

Sometimes, medics will take victims to the ER if they are found unconscious. When this occurs, police are notified. Therefore, the authorities will already have an idea of what happened. However, it’s still important to provide your recount of the incident. 

Gather Evidence and Contact Information

The more information that you can gather following a pedestrian-vehicle accident, the better. If you are able, take a range of photos showing the scene following the incident. The police can also assist with collecting photo and video evidence.

Police body cams, dashboard cams, and local business CCTV (video surveillance) may also prove valuable to any case that you take. Remember, the more evidence you can present about the accident, the stronger your case will be.

In addition to photographing your injuries, keep a log of your injuries. Write down your recollection of the incident, both before and afterward. It is also helpful to collect witness statements and their contact numbers. The more evidence you have to support your story, the better it will be for the outcome of your case. 

Also, it’s important to keep track of all expenses related to the collision. This includes medical costs for your injuries, damages to personal property, and even time missed from work during your recovery period. 

Both medical receipts and records are important to hold on to, as is information about mileage logs and fuel receipts for medical care. If you have had to attend counseling following the accident, take note of this expense, as well.

Again, at no point should you make a statement to an insurance company without speaking to a lawyer. Doing so can compromise your compensation for each area listed.

Seek Professional Legal Advice

All motorists have a 주의 의무 (duty of care)라 칭합니다 to obey traffic laws and act carefully under all circumstances. Those who breach this duty of care are considered to be negligent.

In order to prove that another individual was liable for your injuries (i.e., a motorist), you must prove negligence on their part. This is where your documenting work will prove to be most valuable. 

Additionally, this is why you should consult an experienced pedestrian accident attorney who will guide you from start to finish. Dedicated accident attorneys will help you through every step of the process, allowing you to focus on healing. 

What to Do After Getting Hit by a Car in Anaheim?

Around 20 million people visit the city of Anaheim each year, seeking fun and relaxation. Many people are not prepared for involvement in a pedestrian accident. However, in the event a collision occurs, you must take these safety precautions.

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Anaheim, speak to our team at DK Law today. We are the top-rated personal injury car accident attorneys in California.

Our accomplished law firm specializes in handling police reports, insurance claims, and medical bills, achieving a success rate of more than 99%. Therefore, we know how to get clients the compensation they deserve. 

Schedule a free consultation today.