The holiday season is an extremely busy time in Coeur d’Alene, with people driving and walking all through the city. Whether you’re going to the Holiday Parade on Sherman Avenue or seeing the Light Show at Coeur d’Alene Resort, there’s any number of scenarios where you could be hit by a careless driver. CCD Law and our Coeur d’Alene pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover in this situation by guiding you through a claim. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why is the Holiday Season Dangerous For Pedestrians?
Not surprisingly, the holiday season–which generally runs from late November to early January–is a very dangerous time for pedestrians. Not only does it get dark quicker, but it’s also a time of the year where there’s:
- Cold, sometimes snowy or icy weather
- Low light conditions
- More drivers and pedestrians around, on average
- Higher likelihood of impaired driving
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36% of fatal pedestrian accidents in 2022 happened during the winter months (December through February.) This also coincides with Christmas and New Year’s, two of the busiest times of the year for pedestrians in Coeur d’Alene. So, it’s important to be prepared, and understand what you need to do.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured as a Pedestrian?
Whether you’re walking through downtown Coeur d’Alene during the holiday season or in your own neighborhood, pedestrian accidents can happen. You never want to be involved in one of these accidents–especially during the holidays. Still, they’re common during this time of year. So, when one doest happen, here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911 – If you’re able, move to a safe place and call 911. This will alert the police and get an ambulance to the scene to take care of your injuries.
- Gather important information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the driver. If others are involved, collect their information too–you’ll need it later.
- See if there are any witnesses – If anyone saw the accident, get their contact information. Their statements can help support your claim.
- Take pictures or videos – Use your phone to document the accident scene, vehicle damage, your injuries, and road conditions.
- Preserve evidence – Keep records of your medical treatments, bills, and any other expenses related to the accident. Also, keep track of the pictures and videos you take, as well as any communications with insurance companies.
- Be careful with what you say – Try to keep from discussing the accident with the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken to our lawyers. Don’t admit fault, and if you talk about the accident, stick to the facts. Also, avoid posting about it on social media.
- Keep track of your losses – Keep track of how the accident has affected your life–missed work, emotional distress, and changes to your daily routine. Also, follow your doctor’s instructions to show you’re taking steps to recover.
Every pedestrian accident is different, and during the busy holiday season in Coeur d’Alene, things can get hectic. If you’re unable to take all these steps, focus on what you can. The more information you have, the stronger your potential claim will be.
Legal Support for Pedestrian Accidents During the Holidays in Coeur d’Alene
As a pedestrian in Coeur d’Alene, you always have to watch out for moving cars. It’s even more important to be aware during the holiday season. Our team at CCD Law knows what you’re going through when one of these accidents happens, and we can help you make your way through the claims process by:
- Explaining your legal rights and options
- Helping you gather crucial evidence to support your claim
- Figuring out who is responsible for the accident
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair payout
- Filing a lawsuit, if needed
Our experienced team provides guidance tailored to your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation to get the recovery process started.
