The only thing you should have to worry about while running or biking is hitting your personal fitness goals. Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time, and it’s not a bad idea to prepare a game plan in case the worst should happen. Here are the steps you should take after experiencing a pedestrian hit and run.
Call 911
The very first thing to do is contact emergency response. Not only can they provide you with medical attention, but they will document the incident. Doing so creates a paper trail, which will come in handy should you press charges or file an insurance claim.
See Your Doctor
Even if you think your injuries are negligible, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, including concussions, don’t always develop symptoms until time has passed. Seeing a doctor will help catch these problems before they worsen.
Document Everything
Another important step after experiencing a pedestrian hit and run is to record everything about your injuries, their symptoms, and how they affect your daily activities. Include information about following your doctor’s orders because that will help prove you’re not at fault.
Gather Evidence
Regardless of whether you are looking to file an insurance claim or seek damages from the responsible party, you’ll need lots of evidence to support your case. Typically, you’ll need a copy of the police report, photos of the accident and your injuries, medical records and bills, and documentation of any time off requests you’ve filed with your employer.
Get a Lawyer
No matter what, don’t talk to your insurance company without talking to a lawyer first. It’s common practice for insurance companies to try and get you to admit fault so they don’t have to pay up. It’s always best to talk to a legal expert first so you get the best outcome possible.
Even if you do everything to avoid accidents while you’re out exercising, they can still happen. Have a plan ready so you can have a successful recovery and get back to doing what you love.