Pedestrian Crosswalk

Getting hit by a motor vehicle, or witnessing a loved one in a traffic accident, is a very traumatic experience. The injured party may experience physical injuries, as well as potential emotional and psychological damages. If you or a loved one is hit by a motor vehicle as a pedestrian, or if you witness the accident, do the following:

• Seek medical attention. The adrenaline and shock from the accident can mask the pain and injuries you or your loved one has endured. Even a minor collision can lead to lingering or serious injuries. If you feel dazed after the accident or temporarily lost consciousness, you may have suffered a concussion or closed head injury. Left untreated, these can cause cognitive or behavioral damages. 
• Document the scene. If you can safely do so, take photos of anything that was damaged in the collision. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Also, write everything down that you can remember about the pedestrian accident, including when and where it happened, and any potential hazardous conditions.
• Call the police. Accidents are traumatic experiences, so you may not be able to accurately recall every detail of the incident. To the best of your ability, tell the officer who arrives at the scene exactly what happened. Do not embellish or make speculations. If the officer asks if you are injured, say that you are not sure. You may feel the injuries incurred from the accidents after the shock and adrenaline wears off. 
• Trade relevant information. Get contact information from other persons involved in the accident, including:
  • Names
  • Phone numbers 
  • Insurance companies 
  • License plate
  • Make and model of the vehicle(s)
• Contact your insurance company. Even as the pedestrian, most car insurance policies will cover you. You need to make a medical or disability claim after your accident to ensure it goes through. 
• Contact Polaris. Do not leave your physical injuries, or your emotional, psychological, and financial well-being, in the hands of an insurance company. While an insurance company may offer to settle your claim, it may be grossly undervalued. Once the claim is settled, you can’t go back and request more money if your injuries end up being more severe than what was originally thought. 

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries 

Even if you are lucky enough to survive a collision with a motor vehicle, there are no shortage of potential injuries you may experience. The most common injuries include:

• Broken bones and orthopedic injuries
• Crushed or amputated limbs
• Internal bleeding
• Several internal and soft tissue damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Extreme lacerations and disfigurement