What to Do When a Car Hits You While Walking
It is important to always follow the law when you are out and about, whether that is in a vehicle or on foot. For example, pedestrians generally have the right of way at a crosswalk. However, they can also be held liable for an incident if they try to cross when it is clearly unsafe to do so. They must obey walk signals and let vehicles that are already in the crosswalk pass.
If you are struck by a vehicle, it is important to get to safety immediately. You should check your body and document any injuries. Then, call 911 to file a police report and get medical care, even if you think you are fine. You should document the accident with photos and videos, as that will serve as critical evidence later. Then contact your car insurance, as they often have coverage for these types of accidents. Finally, it is essential to hire a legal representative to help you.
There is a two-year deadline in California for plaintiffs to file a lawsuit for their car accident-related injuries, which includes pedestrians. The two-year clock begins at the time of the accident. If a plaintiff misses the deadline imposed by law, they most likely will lose their chance to get compensated. To ensure your pedestrian collision lawsuit is timely and as strong as possible, it is wise to speak with a Bakersfield attorney.
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