3 Mistakes to Avoid After a Pedestrian Accident
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, knowing what steps to take can make a major difference in your recovery and your legal rights. Three major mistakes to avoid after a pedestrian accident are skipping medical attention, not gathering evidence, and talking to insurance companies without understanding your legal options.
These actions can affect your injury claim and reduce the compensation you may get. A Richmond pedestrian accident lawyer can explain why and help you build a strong case. Below, we present to you some of the most common mistakes to avoid, especially when dealing with medical care, insurance claims, and personal injury law.
1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After being hit by a vehicle, some pedestrians feel fine at first. Adrenaline can hide symptoms of concerns like internal bleeding, whiplash, or a concussion. Waiting too long to get medical care may harm your recovery and weaken your injury claim.
Medical documentation is key in any personal injury case. A delay in treatment may lead insurance adjusters to question whether the injuries were serious or related to the crash. Getting an ambulance, going to the hospital, or seeing a doctor helps establish a clear timeline.
It is natural to wonder how much and who is going to pay for medical bills after a car accident where a pedestrian was harmed. Yet, keeping track of all treatment and acting promptly can support an insurance claim or even a lawsuit against the liable parties.
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2. Not Documenting the Scene Thoroughly
Collecting evidence at the scene of an accident is important. Without clear photos, witness statements, or police reports, proving fault can be more difficult. Even if emergency services respond, you should gather basic information if you can.
Take photos of the vehicle, visible injuries, road signs, crosswalks, and license plates. Get the contact information of the driver and any witnesses. Look for physical evidence, such as tire marks, traffic signals, and damage to your belongings.
Later, organize your documents into a personal journal or folder. Include medical bills, clinical records, prescription receipts, and notes about your recovery timeline. This documentation may support your case during mediation or litigation in civil court.
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3. Not Getting Legal Counsel
Some people try to manage their personal injury claims without a lawyer. However, insurance companies often push for a fast settlement offer that may not cover all your medical expenses or future costs.
A Richmond personal injury lawyer can help explain the legal consequences of signing paperwork or giving a recorded statement. They may also assist with gathering additional evidence, working with investigators, or preparing a case for court if the claim cannot be resolved.
Missing legal deadlines or misunderstanding your rights under local or state laws—such as Virginia’s statutes of limitations—can limit your ability to recover full compensation.
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Things You Should Do After a Pedestrian Accident
On the other side, taking the right steps after a vehicle collision can help support your personal injury claim and your long-term recovery. Knowing how to respond at the scene and in the days that follow may help you avoid legal and medical setbacks.
Here are a few actions that may protect both your health and your rights during the claims process.
Keep Calm and Do Not Engage in Arguments
Stay calm and avoid confrontations at the accident scene. Do not argue with the driver, witnesses, or passersby. Emotional responses can make it harder to focus on your safety and may lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.
Wait for law enforcement to arrive and give a clear factual statement. Focus on getting medical attention and ensuring that an accident report is completed. If possible, write down any immediate details while your memory is still fresh.
Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media
Posting about your accident on social media might seem harmless, but it can create problems for your injury claim. Photos, messages, or updates could be found by insurance companies or defense attorneys and used to challenge your account of the accident.
To protect your case, it’s safer to keep accident-related information off of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter). Here are a few things to avoid posting:
- Photos of your injuries, the accident scene, or your recovery
- Comments about the driver or fault
- Updates about your physical or emotional condition
- Details of your medical treatment or appointments
- Personal opinions about the claim process or the insurance company
Even casual posts can be misinterpreted or used as evidence in court or settlement negotiations.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Always follow your doctor’s recommendations after the accident. Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow any orders for rest or physical therapy. Consistent care helps with recovery and builds strong medical documentation for your case.
Missing appointments or ending treatment early can raise doubts about the seriousness of your injuries. Keeping a record of medical bills, treatment notes, and your progress can help support your claim for damages like lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
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Get Answers from a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
After a pedestrian accident, it’s normal to have questions about medical bills, insurance claims, and the legal process. A personal injury attorney from the Pendleton Law Team can help you understand what steps to take and how to protect your rights. These cases often involve insurance companies, police reports, and medical documentation.
Virginia law also includes strict limitation periods for filing personal injury claims. Under Code of Virginia § 8.01-243, victims have two years from the date of their incident to take legal action. Missing those deadlines can affect your right to seek compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, or emotional harm, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Legal guidance can help clarify the timeline and next steps for your injury claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer assists with every aspect of your legal case, including:
- Reviewing medical documentation, such as doctors’ notes and physiotherapy records
- Helping collect evidence like photos, ambulance reports, and witness statements
- Explaining settlement negotiations and the potential for courtroom litigation
- Understanding insurance policies, liability rules, and the benefits you may be entitled to
- Answering questions about long-term recovery, future costs, and civil court procedures
If you’re dealing with pain, confusion, or pressure from insurance adjusters, a personal injury lawyer may help you move forward with clarity and support.
Reach Out to The Pendleton Law Team as Soon as Possible
If you’re worried about handling your pedestrian accident case the right way, don’t hesitate to seek help from a personal injury lawyer. At The Pendleton Law Team, we have served thousands of clients facing situations just like yours, and our Heavy Hitters® know how to get results.
We can help you stay on track as your case progresses and pursue the compensation you need to move forward after this unfortunate incident. Contact our team today to schedule your free consultation.
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