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Pedestrian Car Accident
Any time a vehicle strikes a person, the damage is going to be significant. If this happened to you, you may be unsure how to manage the situation and how to remain safe as you walk along the street. If you hit a pedestrian, you may be worried about the outcome – what will happen to you? It is important to know what your auto insurance will cover in this type of event, too. Here is what you should know about a pedestrian car accident.
Why Do Car Pedestrian Accidents Happen?
Most people do not set out to cause a car accident to happen. However, they may not pay as much attention to the roadway as they should. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of a pedestrian being hit by a car. When this happens, a person does not focus on the road in front of them. Rather, they may look at their phone to check for a text message. They may be turning the radio station or applying makeup. In other cases, they just lose focus because of all the things on their mind.
It is always important for people to pay close attention to the road when they are behind the wheel. Not doing so, even for a moment, can lead to a fatal car accident. If you are in a dark area, be sure your bright lights are on to ensure you can see anyone even along the side of the road. If you are driving on a busy highway, turn down the radio so you can focus on what is ahead of you.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents. Yet, they can happen for other reasons, too. You may lose control over the car. In other cases, there may be an ice patch that you cannot react to fast enough to stop the car from hitting the pedestrian. In still other cases, you may find an accident causes your car to slide into someone walking along the road.
What to Do When an Auto Accident Involves a Pedestrian
If you are in a car accident that hurts any other person, your first responsibility is to call the police and medical personnel. Doing so is the single most important step you can take no matter what happened or who caused the incident. You do not want to allow the circumstances to worsen.
Once the police arrive, be sure to document what happened. The auto accident involving a pedestrian should have ample documentation and evidence collected to prove what happened. Ultimately, the police will assign blame after using this information and evidence to make a decision.
Your role is to provide accurate information. When a car accident involves a pedestrian, there is likely to be injuries. There is always the risk of a lawsuit or an auto insurance claim. Again, even if you are just a witness to the incident, provide as much information as possible to the police and then, later, to the insurance company.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
A car accident like this can leave a lasting impression. It is always a good reminder to prevent distracted driving from occurring. It is very easy to become distracted behind the wheel. However, you can prevent it as well.
Place your cell phone behind your car seat, such as on the floor in the backseat. This way, you are not tempted to reach for it to check your messages. Be sure to keep the radio low so you can hear what is happening around you. You can also minimize distracted driving by focusing on keeping two hands on the wheel at all times.
If you need to make a phone call, get something to drink, or are not feeling well, pull to the side of the road. Taking this single step can help protect your life and that of another person.
How Auto Insurance Helps When You Are Hit By a Car
If you are in a car accident as a pedestrian, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party’s auto insurance policy. In most states, individuals have a requirement to maintain general liability insurance. This helps pay for the losses you experience as a result of their negligence.
In any type of accident like this, including a pedestrian car accident, gather the contact information, insurance information, and license information from the driver. Then, contact the local police department to get a report of the incident. You can then call the insurance company to file a claim for all of the losses you have.
A pedestrian car accident can be devastating. Take steps to be a responsible driver to avoid them. And, be sure to work hard to always be a focused driver, one that is not distracted in any way.
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