Walking is usually a pretty safe mode of transportation, but when vehicles strike pedestrians, the injuries can be catastrophic. Vehicles are inherently dangerous, and drivers have a responsibility to be alert and mindful, especially of more vulnerable users of the roads.
What you need to know after you’ve been hit by a car…
You probably won’t be reading this until after the accident has already happened. So, hopefully you got the driver’s license and registration, and took some pictures of the scene. Or, possibly you were taken to the hospital, in which case hopefully the police got the driver’s license and registration.
Drivers are more likely to panic after hitting a pedestrian, and hit and runs happen more often than between cars. If you were struck in a hit and run, you need to do some things right away. Go here to learn what to do if you were involved in a hit and run.
If you don’t have any pictures of the scene, go and take a few, or have a friend take some. Take pictures of your injuries too.
Medical Coverage for pedestrians… You may be covered!
If you were hit by a motor vehicle, this is a motor vehicle accident, and that means you get the benefit of various motor vehicle legislation.
All vehicle insurance policies in Alberta must have Section B benefits. If you have been hit by a car while you were walking, and you were injured, you are entitled to have your medically necessary treatments paid for by the vehicle’s Section B benefits. If the insurance company doesn’t contact you, contact them and ask them for the Section B forms (or you can download them here), and ask them where to send the forms after you – and you doctor – have filled them in.
What is my settlement worth?
First, DON’T even think about settling if you aren’t COMPLETELY recovered. Settling means you are going to sign a waiver that says you will not hold the other party liable for anything that arises in the future. Don’t settle unless you know the full extent of your injuries.
Second, it depends. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, how your injuries affect you and your ability to live your life, and various other things that are different for everyone. A proper assessment of your damages will take time and skill.
But, before you can hope to get any settlement, you need to establish that the driver of the car was at fault in the collision. If it isn’t completely clear who is at fault, you should get someone who can persuasively represent you.
You must commence legal action within two years of the date of the accident, or you will lose any claim.
If you were hit while walking, a personal injury lawyer can help. If you have any questions, or would like to consult with a lawyer, please contact us.
What you need to know after you’ve been hit by a car…
You probably won’t be reading this until after the accident has already happened. So, hopefully you got the driver’s license and registration, and took some pictures of the scene. Or, possibly you were taken to the hospital, in which case hopefully the police got the driver’s license and registration.
Drivers are more likely to panic after hitting a pedestrian, and hit and runs happen more often than between cars. If you were struck in a hit and run, you need to do some things right away. Go here to learn what to do if you were involved in a hit and run.
If you don’t have any pictures of the scene, go and take a few, or have a friend take some. Take pictures of your injuries too.
Medical Coverage for pedestrians… You may be covered!
If you were hit by a motor vehicle, this is a motor vehicle accident, and that means you get the benefit of various motor vehicle legislation.
All vehicle insurance policies in Alberta must have Section B benefits. If you have been hit by a car while you were walking, and you were injured, you are entitled to have your medically necessary treatments paid for by the vehicle’s Section B benefits. If the insurance company doesn’t contact you, contact them and ask them for the Section B forms (or you can download them here), and ask them where to send the forms after you – and you doctor – have filled them in.
What is my settlement worth?
First, DON’T even think about settling if you aren’t COMPLETELY recovered. Settling means you are going to sign a waiver that says you will not hold the other party liable for anything that arises in the future. Don’t settle unless you know the full extent of your injuries.
Second, it depends. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, how your injuries affect you and your ability to live your life, and various other things that are different for everyone. A proper assessment of your damages will take time and skill.
But, before you can hope to get any settlement, you need to establish that the driver of the car was at fault in the collision. If it isn’t completely clear who is at fault, you should get someone who can persuasively represent you.
You must commence legal action within two years of the date of the accident, or you will lose any claim.
If you were hit while walking, a personal injury lawyer can help. If you have any questions, or would like to consult with a lawyer, please contact us.