3. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
You should always seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you do not believe you’ve been seriously injured. Pedestrians are more likely to suffer physical injuries, including bruises, fractures, and internal injuries. Some injuries, including whiplash and traumatic brain injuries, are not always immediately noticeable.
Additionally, seeing the doctor will show the insurance company that you had legitimate concerns about your physical well-being and are not simply trying to profit from an unfortunate accident.
4. Talk to Eyewitnesses
If you believe that another person—a driver, a cyclist, or a nearby homeowner—may have witnessed your accident, ask for their full name, their phone number, and other contact information.
5. Contact an Attorney
You likely stand your best chance at making a fair legal recovery when you have an experienced Rhode Island car accident attorney on your side. Your lawyer can help you explore your options for compensation, which could include:
- Your own car insurance policy. Under certain, limited circumstances, your automobile insurance policy could provide uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits, even if you were not driving your car when the accident occurred.
- Your health insurance policy. If you have private or subsidized health insurance, your policy should help you cover the costs of recovery. However, health insurance policies will not typically provide benefits beyond reimbursement for medical expenses.
- A personal injury lawsuit. Even if the police are still trying to locate the hit-and-run driver who caused your Rhode Island pedestrian accident, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer could help you coordinate with police, obtain additional evidence, and begin preparing for a potential civil lawsuit.