You are pursuing your dream while managing the whole company on your own. This is a delightful thing for any dreamer, right?
Your day starts like any other by grabbing a coffee in hand, heading to the office, and focusing on your schedule. The sidewalk is familiar. And then wait, what? Out of nowhere, a vehicle hits you. This changes everything. Moreover, for busy women juggling careers and life, this scenario is more than an inconvenience. It’s a legal and health matter that deserves serious attention.
Notably, pedestrian injuries are unfortunately on the rise, especially in cities like Portland, where walking is part of everyday life. That said, if you’ve been injured while walking to work, it’s essential to know your rights and take steps to protect your well-being. Hence, dive into the article!
Can the Aftermaths Be Severe?
Yes, and these are often more than people expect. Even a report of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that over 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2021. Simply put, it shows one death every 72 minutes.
Even more alarming, a pedestrian is injured every 10 minutes. Also, these numbers are increasing as more people walk to work or rely on public transit. According to the experts at ELG, these accidents may cause injuries ranging from mild to severe. If left unaddressed, they can have long-term consequences. They can evolve into chronic pain, mobility issues, or emotional trauma.
In crux, between commutes and the need to move quickly and efficiently, women professionals face increased exposure to street-level dangers. This doesn’t just affect their daily life. Beyond that, this all impacts their careers, income, and independence.
What to Do Immediately After a Pedestrian Injury
If you’re ever injured while walking to work, here are the most important steps that you should take:
1. Seek Medical Attention
After the hit, adrenaline can mask pain. However, it can turn into something bigger over time. Common injuries include concussions, fractures, spinal injuries, and internal trauma. Therefore, obtaining medical documentation as soon as possible is crucial for both recovery and any potential legal claim.
2. Document the Scene
If you are capable of doing so, then take photos of the accident site, your injuries, and traffic signals. Plus, you should also note the other relevant information regarding any potential hazards, e.g., broken sidewalks, speeding vehicles. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information also.
3. File a Police Report
No matter whether the injury is minor or major, this should be done on time. This provides an official account of the incident, which can be critical if you choose to pursue a claim. If officers don’t arrive at the scene, you can file a report at a local station or online shortly afterward.
4. Notify Your Team
Even if you’re self-employed or running your own business, it’s important to communicate what happened to your team. You may need to cancel meetings, reschedule deadlines, or delegate tasks. Keeping your team or collaborators in the loop early can reduce stress later and give you time to focus on healing.
Your Legal Rights as a Pedestrian
In Portland, pedestrians have clear legal rights, especially in crosswalks and at intersections. If a driver is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Economic damages (Medical expenses, Lost wages, etc.).
- Non-economic damages (Pain and suffering, Ongoing therapy or rehab, etc.).
- Punitive damages (In case of gross negligence to penalize the at-fault party).
That’s where working with a qualified lawyer can make a huge difference. A skilled attorney can help you by:
- Investigating the fault and collecting evidence.
- Dealing with insurance companies on your behalf
- Making sure you get fairly compensated, without delays or lowball offers.
In short, they understand how a sudden accident can impact not just your health but also your career, finances, and peace of mind.
How a Pedestrian Injury Can Impact Your Career
For women professionals and entrepreneurs, time lost is income lost. A pedestrian injury can lead to missed client meetings, postponed projects, or lost business opportunities. There’s also the mental and emotional stress that comes with dealing with legal claims and medical treatments.
This is why early action is key. The faster you seek help, the easier it is to preserve your legal rights and focus on healing.
Final Thoughts
Being injured while walking to work can feel like life has been turned upside down, but you are not powerless. Knowing your legal rights, taking swift action, and getting trusted help can make all the difference.
You don’t have to navigate recovery alone. Whether it’s handling paperwork, negotiating with insurers, or making sure your voice is heard, legal experts can support you. So, you can focus on your health, your work, and your future.
