After a pedestrian accident in Meridian, Idaho, your immediate priorities should be getting medical attention, reporting the accident, preserving evidence, and protecting your right to compensation. Even when your injuries initially appear minor, taking the right steps can make a considerable difference in your recovery and any personal injury claim you pursue.
At Craig Swapp & Associates, our Meridian pedestrian accident lawyers help injured pedestrians establish liability, handle insurance claims, and seek compensation for their injuries and related losses. Having legal representation early can help protect your interests while you focus on recovering from the accident.
1. Move to Safety and Check for Injuries
Your first priority should be avoiding further injury. If you can move safely, get away from moving traffic and find a secure location nearby. However, if you suspect a serious injury to your neck, back, or spine, avoid unnecessary movement and wait for emergency responders unless remaining where you are poses an immediate danger.
Check yourself for visible injuries, including bleeding, swelling, or difficulty moving. Remember that some injuries, particularly concussions and internal injuries, may not immediately produce noticeable symptoms. If someone else witnessed the accident, ask them to help secure the area and alert approaching drivers without putting themselves in danger.
2. Call 911 and Report the Pedestrian Accident
After a pedestrian accident involving injuries, call 911 and request medical assistance and law enforcement. Under Idaho Code § 49-1305, drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death must immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency. When Meridian police officers respond, they may document the accident scene, collect statements, and investigate possible traffic violations.
When speaking with responding officers:
- Explain what happened as accurately as possible.
- Identify the direction you were walking and where the vehicle approached.
- Mention traffic signals, crosswalks, and other relevant conditions.
- Provide the names of available witnesses.
- Avoid guessing about details you cannot remember.
Ask how to obtain the police report and record the incident number, if available. This documentation can become important when establishing the circumstances surrounding the collision.
3. Gather Evidence From the Accident Scene
Evidence can help demonstrate how a pedestrian accident occurred and whether a driver failed to exercise reasonable care. If your physical condition allows, take photographs or videos of the accident scene before vehicles move or conditions change.
Important evidence may include:
- Vehicle information: Photograph the vehicle’s license plate, make, model, and visible damage.
- Road conditions: Document nearby intersections, crosswalk markings, signs, and traffic signals.
- Accident location: Capture photographs showing where you were walking and where the collision occurred.
- Physical evidence: Photograph damaged clothing, personal belongings, and visible injuries.
- Driver information: Obtain the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details.
Also identify nearby businesses or properties with security cameras. Surveillance recordings may show whether the driver was speeding, turning without checking for pedestrians, or failing to yield. Because footage may be deleted or overwritten, a pedestrian accident attorney can help request and preserve relevant recordings promptly.
4. Obtain Contact Information From Witnesses
Witness statements can be particularly useful when the driver and injured pedestrian provide conflicting accounts. For example, a driver may claim that you suddenly stepped into the roadway, while a witness may have observed the vehicle turning into an occupied crosswalk.
Ask anyone who witnessed the collision for their name and contact information. If they are willing, request a brief description of what they observed. Independent observations generally provide stronger support for an accident investigation.
5. Seek Medical Attention and Follow Your Treatment Plan
Even if emergency responders determine that you do not require immediate hospitalization, arrange a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Pedestrian collisions can cause broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding. Certain symptoms may become more apparent hours or days following the impact.
Medical documentation serves two important purposes. First, it helps ensure that injuries are identified and treated appropriately. Second, it establishes a record connecting your medical condition to the pedestrian accident.
Continue following your prescribed treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments. If new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen, seek additional medical attention.
6. Notify the Insurance Companies Carefully
Once your immediate medical needs have been addressed, the accident will likely involve communications with an insurance company. You may need to report the incident to your own insurer, depending on your policy and available coverage. The driver’s liability insurer may also contact you to obtain information about your injuries.
Be cautious when discussing the accident with the other driver’s insurance adjuster. The adjuster may ask for a recorded statement, request broad access to medical records, or propose an early settlement. You should provide truthful information, but avoid speculating about liability, minimizing your injuries, or accepting compensation before understanding your medical needs.
A pedestrian accident lawyer in Meridian can evaluate the available coverage, communicate with insurance adjusters, and help determine whether a settlement offer reasonably reflects your losses.
7. Keep Records of Your Injuries and Financial Losses
A pedestrian accident can affect much more than your immediate medical condition. Your injuries may prevent you from returning to work, completing household responsibilities, or participating in everyday activities.
Keep organized records of your medical treatment and accident-related expenses, including:
- Hospital bills, prescriptions, and rehabilitation expenses.
- Medical appointments and anticipated future treatments.
- Pay stubs and other documentation of lost income.
- Transportation expenses related to medical care.
- Receipts for damaged personal belongings.
- Notes describing your symptoms, physical limitations, and recovery.
These records can help establish the financial and personal effects of your injuries when pursuing compensation.
8. Contact a Meridian Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Before accepting a settlement or pursuing a lawsuit, consider discussing your case with a pedestrian accident attorney. An attorney can examine police reports, medical records, witness statements, and available footage to determine whether the driver or another responsible party acted negligently. If the parties cannot reach a reasonable settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to pursue compensation.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident, Craig Swapp & Associates is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Meridian can review your case, investigate liability, and handle negotiations with the insurance companies. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp
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Client Reviews
“I was concerned with all the paperwork”
Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.
Amber W.,
Spokane, WA
"I would hire them in a second"
My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.
Robert N.,
Spokane, WA
"I was afraid of the fees"
I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.
Lacey B.,
Salt Lake City, UT
"I was afraid that my issue was too small"
I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.
J. Rohas,
Caldwell, ID
"I am very pleased with the results"
My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.
Dollie J.,
West Jordan, UT