Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Accident in Loveland
Pedestrian accidents can be devastating to everyone involved, including witnesses. They rarely have simple explanations, and the effects on the injured person can worsen over time. However, knowing the proper steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Loveland can make a significant difference in recovery.
Our diligent pedestrian accident attorneys could use all the information available in your case to help you receive maximum compensation for the injuries and damages you incurred. Call our office today to find out more.
What to Do After Calling 911
If a person is severely injured, the first thing to do is call 911. The operator will walk the caller through the necessary steps to take after a pedestrian accident and can provide emergency response with the exact Loveland location.
Attempt First Aid or CPR If It is Safe
Implement first aid or CPR if it is safe enough to do so. If it is not a matter of life and death, no one should attempt to do something they do not know how to do or that the injured pedestrian objects to. For example, avoid the following:
- Do not remove impaled objects. If a pedestrian is punctured, wrap a cloth around the bottom of the object and do not move it
- Do not use a tourniquet on the torso or neck
- Do not force an injured person to stand or sit up, risking worsening their injuries
- Do not move an unconscious person if possible. If they are not in immediate danger, leave them until the first responders arrive.
It is important to note that, in Colorado, people who attempt first aid and CPR in good faith are immune to lawsuits if the injured person is hurt by honest attempts to save their life.
Seek Medical Attention
If medical attention is not given on the scene, a pedestrian should go to the emergency room for an evaluation. Some debilitating injuries, such as whiplash, do not appear immediately.
Other injuries, like concussions and slipped spinal discs, get worse over time. The sooner a pedestrian seeks medical attention, the better they can treat and avoid problems becoming worse or disabling.
Gather Essential Information
Pedestrian accidents are alarming and confusing for all parties. Even if the incident was caught on a security or traffic camera, information anyone has would be helpful to the investigation and the injured pedestrian. This is especially true for anything a camera cannot record, like the names of witnesses, if the driver smelled like marijuana or alcohol, or if they admitted fault.
If Necessary, File a Police Report
If the police were not called and did not arrive on the scene, the pedestrian or a legal representative should file a police report as soon as possible. This will ensure that the hurt individual recalls the most information and that the evidence has less time to be tampered with or changed.
Doing so also helps if a crime was committed, such as a hit-and-run or DUI. The police will know who to look for and remove from the road. A Loveland attorney could represent their client in court following a pedestrian accident and take the necessary steps to help them obtain compensation for their injuries.
Learn More About the Steps to Take After a Loveland Pedestrian Accident
A person injured in an accident has two years to file a lawsuit. During this time, much can happen, including the destruction of evidence or the loss of witnesses. A professional lawyer could ensure all necessary documentation is submitted on time for their client.
It can be challenging to remember and follow all the steps to take after a pedestrian accident in Loveland. A reliable personal injury attorney could provide invaluable support in the aftermath of an incident you were in, gathering evidence and evaluating possible damages. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today for a free case evaluation.
