If you are hit by a motor vehicle while you are walking in Henderson, you could suffer much more serious injuries than in other types of accidents. Your medical and financial needs may be greater for months – or the rest of your life. You need to do everything you can to build the strongest case possible against the negligent driver so that you receive the compensation you deserve from his insurance company.
Mistakes to Avoid After You Are Hit by a Car in Las Vegas
The last thing that you want to do is to make errors that jeopardize your case. Here are some mistakes that victims of pedestrian accidents make – sometimes without even realizing it – that you want to avoid.
Not Getting Prompt Medical Care
While you know to call an ambulance at the accident scene if you suffered obvious injuries, you may not realize the importance of being examined by a doctor soon after your collision even if you do not feel hurt or believe that your injuries are “minor.” Unfortunately, adrenaline can initially mask the symptoms of some injuries. In addition, the symptoms of back or spinal injuries, traumatic brain injury, internal bleeding, and other injuries can take days or longer to develop.
By seeking medical care promptly, you can begin treatment for these hidden injuries before they become worse or even life-threatening. Also, you avoid disputes with the insurance company about what caused your injuries or their seriousness. This is a common argument they make to try to deny or reduce a claim when victims wait to start medical treatment.
Failing to Obtain a Police Report
The negligent driver may try to convince you not to involve the police. However, it would be a big mistake not to call them to the accident scene. You could lose contact information for the driver, his insurance company, and neutral observers who may be compelling eyewitnesses for you. In addition, the officer would include a narration of how the accident occurred, who was at fault, and whether a driver was issued a citation that can help you prove the other motorist’s negligence. If you do not obtain a police report, the insurance adjuster could argue about whether the accident really occurred or who was to blame for it.
Not Taking Pictures
Pictures of the accident scene, damage to the car that hit you, and your injuries paint a vivid picture of the seriousness of your accident for the insurance adjuster and jury. If you are too hurt to take pictures yourself, ask a passenger or someone else to take them for you. If you don’t, you may lose this helpful evidence.
Not Getting Contact Information
Obtaining contact information for the at-fault driver and eyewitnesses is crucial. You should not rely on the police to interview all bystanders. If you fail to get these individuals’ contact information, you may not be able to locate them to take their statement while the accident is fresh in their minds.
Agreeing to Give a Recorded Statement
A recorded statement is a session where the insurance adjuster asks you questions, and your answers are recorded. A transcript is later created from the recording, which can be used in court hearings.
You are not required to give a recorded statement to settle your claim. The insurance adjuster wants to take it to dig up damaging information or get you to make statements that hurt your claim. Even if you try to be careful, you could inadvertently say something that you did not mean or that could be misinterpreted.
Accepting a Quick Settlement
While you may be anxious to settle your claim quickly and move on with your life, it would be a mistake to do so right away. The danger of doing so is that your settlement will not include all your future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to wait until you reach your maximum medical recovery before settling your claim to ensure that you receive all that you deserve. This is the stage where you have fully recovered or recovered as much as you will and have been given a definite prognosis.
Not Retaining an Attorney
You may consider trying to save money and settle your claim without hiring an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. However, you would be at a serious disadvantage when negotiating with the insurance adjuster. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process of filing your claim so that you do not make these and other errors. He can also collect the evidence you need, properly value your claim, and fight for the compensation you are entitled to. You should never accept a settlement offer without first consulting with a lawyer.
What Should You Do If You Made One of These Errors?
Did you make one or more of these mistakes? Do not panic! You have most likely not ruined your case. You should retain an experienced pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. He will have helped other clients who made these or other more serious errors.
Have You Been Involved In A Henderson Or Las Vegas Pedestrian Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a pedestrian accident we are here to fight for your rights aggressively. We represent visitors here on vacation and business as well as local residents. Contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free initial consultation.
