While areas like Fremont Street and the Strip are fairly pedestrian-friendly, other parts of the Las Vegas metro area can be downright hostile to people on foot because they are designed solely with drivers in mind. No matter where it happens, though, being struck by a car while walking is a frightening and potentially life-changing experience—and because of that, it is important to be proactive about protecting your rights in the aftermath of one.
One of your top priorities after being injured in any kind of traffic collision caused by another person’s negligence should be speaking with one of our attorneys here at Shook & Stone. With that said, you should also know the following steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas. Following them can significantly increase your chances of getting fair financial recovery for the harm you have sustained.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
Whether they are a driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, everyone involved in a traffic accident in Nevada who is physically able to do so should move out of the flow of traffic and check to ensure everyone else involved is okay. If anyone is in need of immediate medical attention following a Las Vegas pedestrian crash, calling 911 should always be the first step to take before doing anything else at the scene, and especially before leaving the scene altogether.
Wait for Police to Arrive at the Scene If Possible
If you are able to, it can be very helpful to remain at the scene of a pedestrian crash and give a statement to police officers who respond to your 911 call. That said, if you need emergency medical care after being struck by a pedestrian accident, you should make sure you get the assistance you need from emergency medical services without worrying about any of the other steps mentioned below, as you can always contact the police and give a statement later with help from one of our pedestrian injury lawyers.
Take Preliminary Steps to Gather Evidence
If you are able to stay at the scene of your Las Vegas accident, there are a few things you can do before leaving that can be a huge help to a possible pedestrian accident claim later on, including:
- Getting contact information from eyewitnesses
- Getting insurance information from the driver who hit you
- Taking photos/videos of the place where the accident occurred
- Writing down any details you remember about how the accident happened and who was involved
One thing you should never do, though, is try to chase down a hit-and-run driver. However, any identifying details you can remember about their vehicle may assist police with tracking that driver down.
Learn More About Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident from a Las Vegas Attorney
Even if you do not need emergency care and feel fine afterward, one of the most important steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas is to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible once you leave the scene. Beyond just making sure you do not have any subtle injuries that may grow into huge problems if left untreated, your doctor will also produce documentation of the harm you have suffered and your treatment, which can serve as crucial evidence during civil litigation.
If you have further questions about what you should do after being struck by a negligent driver while walking, our lawyers at Shook & Stone can provide the answers and information you need during a free consultation. Call today to set up a meeting.
