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How Common Are Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States of America sees over 680,000 hit-and-run accidents on average annually. Drivers flee the accident scene for many reasons, mainly because they know they’ve done something wrong and are concerned about getting into deeper trouble.
Among the most common reasons drivers flee the scene of a crash are the following:
- Driving under the influence is against the law in every state. Impaired drivers may flee accident scenes in hopes of avoiding criminal charges for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated
- If a motorist has an outstanding warrant out for their arrest, they may flee the scene of the accident instead of remaining there and getting arrested once the police arrive
- Individuals on probation or parole may leave the scene of the crash to prevent law enforcement officers from identifying them
- Lack of auto insurance is a common reason for hit-and-run incidents, as drivers can flee accident scenes in hopes of avoiding traffic violations for driving without proper insurance
- Motorists driving too fast, driving on suspended licenses, or acting recklessly behind the wheel of a car may flee from car crashes to avoid criminal charges, like reckless driving offenses
- Operating a vehicle without a valid license is a crime. If a car accident investigation involves the police, the lack of a driver’s license is likely to be discovered, potentially resulting in civil and criminal penalties for the offending party
- And, in some cases, the at-fault driver may leave the scene of the crash simply out of indifference for the pain and suffering they have caused
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident?
Document as much as you can about the collision, including details about the driver’s appearance or identity, the vehicle, the license plate of the car, as well as the car’s color, make, and model. If possible, attempt to get a photograph or video of the vehicle as it flees the scene.
You must ensure your safety and well-being after a pedestrian accident. Once it is safe to do so, move to the side of the road out of the way of oncoming traffic and assess your injuries. Then, call 911 to summon law enforcement and paramedics to the scene.
When police officers arrive at the accident scene, provide them as much information as possible about the crash, including your description of the vehicle or its driver. The official police report will be valuable evidence for you and your personal injury lawyers.
Even if you feel relatively okay, it’s still vital that you seek immediate medical attention after being hit by a car. Some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent but could worsen with time, and failure to get medical treatment could hurt your health and the strength of your case.
After you have spoken to the police and received the medical care you require, you should report the accident to your insurance company and contact a hit-and-run accident attorney to discuss your case. Your insurer will assist you throughout the claims process and inform you of your options for recovering compensation. Your hit and run attorneys will protect your rights, investigate the crash, gather evidence, and represent your interests in negotiations and necessary legal actions.
Does Insurance Cover Victims Injured in Hit-and-Run Incidents?
Seeking financial compensation after a hit-and-run accident can be challenging if the at-fault party cannot be located and brought to justice.
In accident cases where the driver cannot be located, your options are limited, but that does not mean you have none. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for traffic accident-related expenses when drivers lack the required liability coverage or leave the scene of an accident. Uninsured motorist coverage is not necessary in every state, so you must review your insurance policy to determine whether you have this coverage included in your plan.
In Indiana, MedPay coverage is an optional add-on that can help accident victims with costly medical bills regardless of who is deemed to be at fault for the accident. MedPay can provide financial coverage for ambulance fees, hospital stays, and other related medical expenses.
Pedestrians who do not have personal injury protection insurance may need to rely upon their health insurance to cover certain expenses related to their pedestrian accident.
Those who do not have insurance or whose insurance will not cover the full extent of their medical treatment may need to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, provided you are able to identify and locate them.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim if the At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene?
With the help of a highly skilled attorney, it may be possible to thoroughly investigate your pedestrian accident and potentially locate and identify the hit-and-run motorist. However, even if you can never bring the driver to justice, you may still have options for making a personal injury claim.
In insurance terms, hit-and-run accidents are treated like accidents involving uninsured motorists. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company should provide financial compensation for your injuries and other related losses.
Pedestrian accident attorneys will explore other possibilities for recovering financial compensation for your damages so that you get the relief you deserve and require. Contact our law firm to discuss your case in more detail.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Today
Pedestrians struck by motor vehicles often suffer catastrophic or even life-threatening injuries. Whether a hit-and-run driver struck you or a loved one, our compassionate personal injury lawyers have the experience and in-depth knowledge to assist you throughout your pedestrian accident case in hopes of helping you find justice and recover a fair settlement. Though your options may be limited in a pedestrian accident involving a hit and run, that does not mean you are without hope. We will explore all options and keep you informed throughout the legal process while defending your rights and representing your best interests.
To learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time, please get in touch with our law firm to schedule your free initial consultation.
You can reach our legal team at our Evansville, IN, law office at 812-213-4551 or our Owensboro, KY, office at 812-646-3277.
