Nowadays, a pedestrian-car accident is becoming a very common phenomenon worldwide. And this can be one of the deadliest and traumatic car accidents that you can ever experience. Nonetheless, some pedestrian accident happens for the unconsciousness of the driver or even the pedestrian themselves.
But sometimes, it also can happen unfortunately or unintentionally. So, there are plenty of reasons behind a pedestrian-car accident. No matter what the reason or case is, it is really important for you to know what you should do after a pedestrian-car accident.
In this writing, we are going to discuss what to do when a pedestrian hit by a car in Edmonton and everything about the pedestrian accident. So keep reading to learn more.
What are Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
In a pedestrian-car accident, the driver and the pedestrian both can be equally responsible for the accident. Also, in some cases, only one side can be responsible. Generally speaking, most of the pedestrian accident occurs for the unconsciousness and carelessness of the drivers. Below are given some reasons in this regard.
Careless Driver or Pedestrian
This is the most common reason behind a pedestrian accident. Most of the accidents happen when the driver is texting or calling while driving. And this put them at great risk. Statistics say that 90% car accident occurs for using a mobile phone while driving.
When a driver is not that conscious and careful with their surroundings, ultimately it leads them to a serious accident. On the other hand, the same can happen with the pedestrian too when a pedestrian is too busy with their digital device. They fail to cross the road carefully, which leads them to an accident.
Impatient and Drunk Driver
Some drivers are really impatient. They do not follow the traffic rules properly. And they always in a hurry while driving. So when pedestrians try to cross the road, impatient driving can lead them to a serious accident. And an ideal driver always should maintain the road rules and keep in their own lane.
When a driver frequently changes their driving lane, it also can be a reason for the accident. On the contrary, drunk driving is a huge problem in our modern time. When people try to drive under the influence of alcohol or drug, it can be dangerous for not only themselves but also the people on the roads. Even this is a felony or criminal offense in the sight of Canadian law.
Related Article: Auto Accident Fault Determination Rules in Canada
Overtaking Tendency
Recklessness or overtaking tendency is another serious reason for the pedestrian accident. Some drivers are so reckless that they cannot control their car when someone comes in front of their car. The problem becomes worse when someone older tries to cross the road.
When the driver is in over speed, it is quite impossible for them to spot the car. As a result, it ends up with an accident. Likewise, there is also some pedestrian who do not follow the traffic rules properly and do not use the crosswalk while crossing the road. Eventually, it ends up with a serious accident.
Rush Weather
Driving in bad weather is also very risky for the drivers and for the pedestrian too. In some cases, because of the slippery road, an accident can happen anytime in any place. Bad weather conditions can include foggy weather, muddy road, and many more.
It is not only risky for the drivers but also it is extremely dangerous for the pedestrian. Because so many accidents occur for the pedestrian too. When a pedestrian slip and fall in the muddy or the slippery road. A running driver cannot stop their car in that instant. That is why rush weather condition is a big problem for the pedestrian accident.
Can a Pedestrian Be at Fault for a Pedestrian Accident?
This is a very generic type of question. The answer to this question is, yes, a pedestrian can be at fault for a pedestrian accident. In a pedestrian accident, the driver is not always necessarily at fault. The pedestrian also can be at fault. Some pedestrian does not follow the traffic rules and signs properly. As a result, it causes a serious pedestrian accident.
In some cases, some pedestrian uses their digital device while crossing the road. They also use earphones while crossing. As a result, they cannot be able to hear the horn of the cars. So these are some common reasons for the pedestrian accident. Some pedestrian fails to use the zebra crossing or crosswalk, which is another reason for the pedestrian accident.
Things to do When Pedestrian Hit by a Car
A pedestrian accident can be fatal and serious in some cases. However, each case and accidents are different from another. But there are certain things that you do when a pedestrian is hit by a car. Regardless you are the driver, witness, or victim. So, below are given a brief explanation of what you should do after a pedestrian accident.
Seek Medical Help
This is the first and most important thing you should do. If you are the victim and you are conscious after the accident, then you should seek medical help by yourself. You should take any injuries lightly. Because sometimes minor injuries can end up with serious damages.
But generally, after an accident, the primary responsibilities fall on the driver and the witnesses to seek medical help. If you are the driver, then you should not leave the accident scene unless or until you call the emergency for medical assistance.
Spot Your Injuries
No matter how minor your injuries are. You should not ignore your injuries. Even in some cases, minor insignificant injuries can lead to serious bodily damage. There can be broken ligaments, fractures, and many more. That is why after an accident, it is important to spot your injuries.
When you seek medical assistance, you will get to know it better. Try to spot which body part is in pain. If you have any visible injuries and bleeding, then try to spot the bleeding area. You should try to spot all the injuries and note them accordingly. In the settlement claim, this report will help you a lot.
Call The Police
The next thing you should do is to call the police. This is one of the important things that you should not ignore. No matter you are the driver or victim. You should immediately call the police, so they can come and make a report of the accident scene.
If you are the driver, then you should not leave the place until the police have come to the scene. Then you should be honest with the police then give them as detailed information as you can. Then they will make an accident report. Try to collect a copy of that report because the insurance company may ask for this report later.
Contact Insurance Company
It is always recommended to inform your insurance company, so they can come and examine the accident scene. This is how it would be easier for you to claim compensation. Try to collect as much evidence as you can from the accident scene.
Then try to explain to the insurance company what exactly happened in that incident. And you should not discuss who is at fault in front of the insurance company. The insurance company always tries to pay less to their client. But in most cases, they try to cover all types of pedestrian accidents in settlement claims.
Seek Professional Help
In the next and final step, you can seek professional help. In most cases, all these legal processes for settlement can be very difficult for you. Even if you fail to follow the legal process, then the insurance company may trick you with their insurance policies.
That is why it is always better to seek a professional lawyer in this regard. A lawyer can assist you in every step of the legal process. Nonetheless, they will make sure a good amount of settlement amount that you deserve from the insurance company.
What if The Pedestrian was Not at a Marked Crosswalk?
This is one of the common mistakes that most of the victims make. They failed to follow the marked crosswalk or follow the assigned traffic rules. Both sides, the driver and the pedestrian, can be responsible for an accident at the same time.
But if the pedestrian fails to follow the marked crosswalk in order to cross the road, then the guilt will be at the pedestrian, not at the driver. That is why it is so important to the pedestrian to always follow the marked crosswalk and traffic rules.
Common Injuries Suffered in Pedestrian Accidents
There are some common injuries suffered in a pedestrian accident. In most cases, an accident ends up with some minor injuries like neck injuries, minor fractures, jaw fractures, and many more. But unfortunately, some accidents end up with some extreme injuries like head injury, arm broken, ligament tear, and many more.
But statistics say that almost 50% pedestrian experiences neck, head or face injuries after hit by a car. And the rest of them experience major injuries which require them to go through medical assistance. Even in the worst-case scenario, some pedestrian has to deal with a permanent disability after an accident.
Important Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists Who are Hit
Basically, the pedestrian and the cyclist are at the most risk in such an accident. Most of the victims of a pedestrian accident are the cyclist and the pedestrian. That is why they always should follow certain things in order to keep them safe from such accidents.
Cyclists should always maintain their assigned lane for the cycle. Also, they should be all aware of the traffic rules. And for the pedestrian, they always should use the crosswalk or zebra crossing while crossing the road. They also should care about the traffic rules.
The Bottom Line
No matter how concern and careful you are about the traffic rules, you can get involved in a pedestrian accident. That is why it is always better to know what to do if you have to deal with such a situation. You can follow the above-mentioned steps if you are a victim of a pedestrian accident.
If you find them difficult for you, then you should seek professional help in this regard. A professional lawyer can always assist you in your next step. So, hopefully, this writing helped you to know what to do when a pedestrian hit by a car in Edmonton.
