If you take long walks, or bike rides on city streets, chances are good that you might one day be struck by a car. You hope that won't happen, and you do everything you can to prevent it. However, with all the cars on the road, it only takes one distracted driver to send you to the ground. If it does happen, you need to be prepared. Being prepared for the possibility of a pedestrian versus vehicle accident will ensure that you know what to do every step of the way. Here are four steps you need to take if you're ever struck by a car while you're walking, or riding a bike.

Call 911

If you're struck by a car, the first thing you need to do is call 911, even if you think you're fine. With the amount of adrenaline that will be flowing through your body, not to mention the shock of being struck, you might not know whether you're injured or not. Don't take chances. Call 911, and let the emergency personnel take a look at you.

Take an Inventory of Your Injuries

While you're waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, use that time to take an inventory of your injuries. As stated earlier, you might think you feel fine. However, an inventory of your body may help you find something that you didn't know was there. Begin by feeling all your extremities, including your face. Look for signs of abrasions and blood. Carefully rub your face, neck and chest, and then look at your hands. You might not be able to look at those areas for blood, but it will be visible on your hands. By taking an inventory of your body, you'll be able to identify injuries once the emergency personnel arrive.

Give a Detailed Report

Once police officers arrive on scene, be sure to provide them with a detailed report of what happened. Try to remember what you were doing prior to being struck. It's also important to remember what the driver was doing when they struck you. For instance, were they on their phone? Were they speeding? Did they stay at the scene once they struck you? This is information that will help law enforcement. It will also help you when you file your insurance claim.

Discuss the Events with an Attorney

After you've received medical care, you'll need to discuss the events with an attorney from a place like the Law Offices of Rickie T. Weiner P.C. Don't try to talk to insurance companies, make statements, or file claims prior to speaking to an attorney. Your attorney will help you avoid problems that could undermine your case. They'll also walk you through the process so you know how to deal with the insurance companies.