According to a recent analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association, drivers struck and killed 3,304 pedestrians in the United States during the first half of 2024. The analysis shows a 2.6% decrease from the previous year and a staggering 48% increase when compared to the fatality rate a decade earlier.

Given the vulnerability of pedestrians, accidents can occur unexpectedly and frequently result in serious injuries. Being hit by a car in a crosswalk, sidewalk, or hit-and-run can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and financial difficulties.

A pedestrian hit by a car in Michigan, or even in other states, should act quickly by moving to a safe area away from the traffic or seeing a doctor right away.

This article explains how to protect your rights and safety as a pedestrian.

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Prioritize your safety after being struck by a vehicle. Check yourself for any injuries and if possible, relocate to a more secure location.

Try to stay entirely still and limit all movement in case you feel pain or have difficulties moving. Quickly ask for help or have someone else call the emergency services on your behalf.

Seek medical attention, even if you think your injury is minor. Some injuries do not manifest immediately and require the assistance of medical professionals to be detected.

Document the Accident Scene

After confirming your safety and receiving medical care, it is time to provide evidence from the accident scene to support your case.

Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicle’s position, the road condition, and any signs or signals that may have influenced the crash. If possible, note the time of day, any contributing weather conditions, or other traffic conditions.

Make some sketch maps denoting the layout and positions of the vehicles involved in the incident. Write your statement of what happened as soon as possible while the details are still fresh on your mind.

Collect other physical pieces of evidence, such as debris. The evidence you have gathered will be used to support your claims later and establish a solid case. Consult a lawyer to help determine liability and strengthen your case for seeking fair compensation for your injuries.

Gather Information From Witnesses and Involved Parties

Collect information from witnesses and relevant parties after any accident. Ask for their names and contact addresses. Request statements regarding the accident. Witness statements can be critical in determining the facts surrounding an incident.

Check if any passers-by in the vicinity of the accident can provide relevant evidence for the case.

Exchange important information, such as names and insurance information, with the other drivers involved in the accident.

If possible, record conversations or take notes to have thorough documentation of the incident. Always ask permission before recording conversations or statements. Check the area for surveillance cameras, which can provide solid visual evidence of what happened.

The more extensive the recorded details, the stronger the compensation case will be for your injuries.

Report the Incident to Authorities

Report the incident to the appropriate authorities after you gather witness accounts and information from involved parties.

Call 911 or relevant emergency numbers to allow police and medical assistance to respond swiftly. Describe the accident scene and situation clearly, including your location, to the dispatcher. 

Once the officers arrive, provide them with all the details you gathered, including eyewitness statements and those concerning the vehicle involved. 

Request a copy of the police report, which will be useful for your insurance claims and can be referenced in future investigations. 

Reporting the incident contributes to overall road safety developments.

Explore Your Legal Options and Rights

Familiarize yourself with your rights and options as a pedestrian. If you are struck by a vehicle when walking in a crosswalk or along a roadway, you are entitled to seek legal action against the liable party.

For insurance claims and lawsuits against unpaid claims, a crossing accident lawyer can help. Their expertise and assistance can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer will remind you of important deadlines, allowing you to successfully comply with the statutes of limitations applicable to your case.

Having skilled legal counsel increases your chance of obtaining justice and securing a favorable outcome for your case.