We always teach our children the importance of road safety. How they should always look both ways before stepping out into the road and to use a crossing where possible. Sadly, even when we’re looking and listening for cars and vehicles on the road, drivers aren’t always applying the same courtesy. Failing to spot us, pedestrians, until it’s too late.

The injuries you can sustain after being hit by a car can vary, but the emotional trauma you and your loved ones might experience afterward can impact you just as hard. Click here if you’re looking for an Atlanta pedestrian accident lawyer.

If you were hit by a car, would you know what to do? Assuming you weren’t unconscious, are you aware of how to handle the situation and ensure that your rights and your safety are protected? Here we’ll take a look at what you should if you’re hit by a car. 

Remain calm and get out of the way

You’ve been hit and shunted into the road, you’re undoubtedly in a lot of pain, and a strange mixture of emotions ranging from terror and fear to fury and shock. You must try to remain calm as best you can, as keeping a level head will allow you to analyze the situation and take the following steps. Getting angry won’t help anyone at this stage, so if possible, move out of the way of more traffic.

Don’t let the driver leave

After a road accident, it’s illegal for the driver to leave the scene without speaking to the police. Even if your injuries are minor, or you’re not currently experiencing pain because of the adrenaline or due to embarrassment, don’t brush off what has happened and ask the driver to stay at the scene.

If they try to leave or it’s a hit and runs, try to get a picture of the car, and the registration plate.

Contact the police

It’s important to get in touch with the police at the scene of the accident. That way they can create a police report to determine what happened and who was at fault. It’s also better to give a statement whilst what happened is fresh in your mind. Of course, it was an accident, but the driver should still speak with the police about what they did.

Get information

The driver’s name, contact and insurance details are important if you want to file a personal injury claim. 

And finally…gather evidence

If possible, ensure that you take plenty of photographs at the scene. The car involved, the injuries and take note of the road conditions and anything else that could have contributed to the crash. Again, this will help your personal injury claim.