Call us 24/7Getting hit by a car while walking is scary and can happen to anyone. Maybe you were crossing the street in downtown Tampa, walking through a parking lot, or just going for a jog in your neighborhood. Even if you think you’re okay after being hit, you should always get medical help right away. Here’s why this could save your life and protect your legal rights.
Your Body Hides Injuries After an Accident
Adrenaline Masks Pain
When you’re in an accident, your body releases adrenaline. This hormone is meant to help you deal with emergencies, but it also hides pain and injury symptoms. You might feel fine for hours or even days after being hit, but serious injuries could be developing.
Shock Can Hide Symptoms
Being hit by a car puts your body into shock. This means your body is focused on keeping you alive and might not send pain signals right away. You could have broken bones, internal bleeding, or head injuries without knowing it.
Some Injuries Take Time to Show Up
Many serious injuries don’t cause pain or symptoms right away. These “hidden injuries” can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Hidden Injuries That Can Be Deadly
Brain Injuries
Head injuries are very common when pedestrians are hit by cars. Even if you didn’t hit your head directly, the force of being thrown can cause your brain to bounce around inside your skull.
Signs of brain injury include:
- Headaches that get worse
- Feeling confused or dizzy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Problems with memory
- Feeling unusually tired
- Changes in mood or behavior
Why this is dangerous: Brain injuries can cause bleeding or swelling inside your skull. This can be deadly if not treated quickly.
Internal Bleeding
When you’re hit by a car, your internal organs can be damaged even if you don’t see any cuts on the outside. Your liver, spleen, kidneys, or other organs might be bleeding inside your body.
Signs of internal bleeding include:
- Stomach pain that gets worse
- Feeling dizzy or weak
- Pale skin
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling like you might faint
Why this is dangerous: Internal bleeding can cause you to go into shock or die if not treated right away.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Your spine protects your spinal cord, which controls movement and feeling in your body. Being hit by a car can damage your spine even if you can still walk.
Why this is dangerous: Spinal cord injuries can cause permanent paralysis or death if not treated properly.
Herniated Disc and Nerve Injuries to the Neck and Back
- Back or neck pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Problems with balance
- Difficulty moving normally
Broken Bones
You might have broken bones even if you can still walk or move. Some fractures don’t cause severe pain right away, especially if you’re in shock.
Signs of broken bones include:
- Pain that gets worse over time
- Swelling or bruising
- Difficulty moving a body part
- Deformity or unusual shape
- Grinding feeling when you move
Why this is dangerous: Broken bones can damage blood vessels, nerves, or organs if not treated properly.
Why Tampa Pedestrian Accidents Are Especially Dangerous
Heavy Traffic Areas
Tampa has many busy streets where pedestrians are at risk:
- Downtown Tampa business district
- Downtown St Petersberg
- The beaches
- Westshore Boulevard
- Dale Mabry Highway
- Areas near University of South Florida
- Tourist areas like Ybor City or near Busch Gardens
Weather Conditions
Florida’s weather can make pedestrian accidents more dangerous:
- Sudden rainstorms reduce visibility
- Bright sun can blind drivers
- Frequent thunderstorms create hazardous conditions
Tourist and New Drivers
Tampa attracts many tourists and new residents who don’t know the roads well. This increases the risk of accidents with pedestrians.
Getting Medical Care Protects Your Legal Rights
Medical Records Are Important Evidence
If you decide to file a personal injury claim, medical records from right after the accident are very important. These records prove:
- That you were injured in the accident
- How serious your injuries are
- What treatment you needed
- How the injuries affected your life
Insurance Companies Look for Gaps in Treatment
If you wait days or weeks to see a doctor, insurance companies will try to say your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident. They might say you were injured somewhere else or that you’re faking your symptoms.
Delayed Treatment Can Hurt Your Case
The longer you wait to get medical care, the harder it becomes to prove your injuries were caused by the accident. Insurance companies and defense lawyers will use any delay against you.
What to Do Right After Being Hit
Call 911 Immediately
Always call 911 even if you think you’re okay. Tell them:
- You were hit by a car
- Your location
- If you’re hurt
- If you need an ambulance
Don’t Refuse Medical Care
If paramedics want to take you to the hospital, go. Even if you feel fine, let medical professionals check you out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Go to the Emergency Room
If you don’t take an ambulance, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Don’t wait to see if you feel worse later.
Types of Medical Care You Might Need
Emergency Room Visit
The emergency room can check for:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
Diagnostic Tests
You might need:
- X-rays to check for broken bones
- CT scans to look for internal injuries
- MRI scans to check soft tissues
- Blood tests to check for internal bleeding
Follow-up Care
After the emergency room, you might need:
- Visits to specialists
- Physical therapy
- Pain management
- Surgery
- Mental health counseling
Don’t Let Money Worries Stop You
You Don’t Have to Pay Right Away
Most hospitals will treat you even if you don’t have insurance or money. You can work out payment plans later.
The Driver’s Insurance Should Pay
If the driver who hit you has insurance, their insurance should pay for your medical bills. A personal injury lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies.
You Might Be Able to Sue
If the driver was careless or reckless, you might be able to sue them for money to pay for your medical bills and other damages.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case
Saying You’re Fine
Don’t tell the police, witnesses, or insurance companies that you’re fine. You might not know how badly you’re hurt yet.
Not Getting Medical Care Right Away
Waiting even a day or two to see a doctor can hurt your case. Insurance companies will use any delay to argue that you weren’t really hurt.
Not Following Doctor’s Orders
If you don’t go to follow-up appointments or don’t do what your doctor tells you, insurance companies will say you weren’t really hurt.
Talking to Insurance Companies Without a Lawyer
Insurance companies will try to get you to say things that hurt your case. Don’t give recorded statements or sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
How Medical Records Help Your Case
They Show the Extent of Your Injuries
Medical records document exactly what injuries you have and how serious they are. This helps prove how much money you deserve.
They Connect Your Injuries to the Accident
Medical records that show you were treated right after the accident help prove that the accident caused your injuries.
They Show Your Pain and Suffering
Medical records document your pain levels, how the injuries affect your daily life, and what treatment you need. This helps prove non-economic damages.
Long-term Health Problems
Some Injuries Get Worse Over Time
Even minor injuries can cause long-term problems if not treated properly. For example:
- Minor head injuries can cause ongoing headaches
- Small fractures can lead to arthritis
- Soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain
Early Treatment Prevents Complications
Getting medical care right away can prevent minor injuries from becoming major problems. Doctors can:
- Stabilize injuries before they get worse
- Start treatment to promote healing
- Identify problems before they become serious
What Your Medical Records Should Include
Details About the Accident
Make sure you tell your doctors all the details so your medical records can include:
- That you were hit by a car
- When and where the accident happened
- What symptoms you’re having
- What injuries were found
All Your Symptoms
Tell doctors about every symptom you’re having, even if it seems minor:
- All areas of pain
- Headaches or dizziness
- Nausea or stomach problems
- Problems sleeping
- Emotional symptoms like anxiety
Follow All Treatment Recommendations
Do everything your doctor tells you to do:
- Take all medications as prescribed
- Go to all follow-up appointments
- Do physical therapy if recommended
- See specialists if referred
Getting Help with Your Pedestrian Accident Case
Being hit by a car is traumatic and can change your life forever. You shouldn’t have to deal with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies on your own. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you get the money you deserve while you focus on getting better.
Why You Need a Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Pedestrian accident cases involve:
- Complex insurance laws
- Medical evidence
- Accident reconstruction
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Proving the driver was at fault
What a Lawyer Can Do for You
An experienced lawyer can:
- Make sure you get proper medical care
- Deal with insurance companies
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence to prove your case
- Fight for maximum compensation
- Handle all legal paperwork
If you’ve been hit by a car while walking in Tampa, don’t wait to get help. Your health and your legal rights depend on taking action quickly. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Chris Ligori & Associates have helped many pedestrian accident victims get the medical care and compensation they deserve.
Call Chris Ligori & Associates Now at 813-223-2929 or Visit ChrisLigoriLaw.com for your free consultation.
Our team will fight for the money you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you when you’re hurt – get the experienced legal help you need.
Legal Disclaimer: This article gives general information only and should not be considered legal advice. Every pedestrian accident case is different, and you should talk with a qualified Tampa Bay personal injury lawyer about your specific situation.
