Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accidents: What Victims Should Do

Being hit by a car as a pedestrian is a terrifying experience. But when the driver flees the scene, it adds a layer of injustice and uncertainty to an already traumatic event. A pedestrian hit and run leaves the victim injured, alone, and facing a complex path to recovery without knowing who is responsible. Victims are often left wondering how they will cover their medical bills and lost wages when the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found.

The legal and financial challenges of a hit-and-run accident are significant, but they are not insurmountable. You still have rights and potential avenues for compensation. Understanding the correct steps to take immediately after the incident and knowing how to navigate the insurance claims process is critical. This guide explains what to do if you are the victim of a pedestrian hit and run and how an experienced hit and run lawyer can help you pursue the justice and financial support you need.

Immediate Steps to Take After a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run

The moments after a driver flees the scene are chaotic and stressful. Your actions during this time can greatly influence your health and the viability of a future pedestrian crash claim.

1. Prioritize Your Health and Safety

If you are able, move to a sidewalk or another safe area away from traffic. If you are seriously injured, do not try to move. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Your well-being is the absolute first priority. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance.

2. Try to Remember and Record Details

The driver may be gone, but any detail you can remember is valuable for the police investigation. Try to recall and write down, or tell someone to write down for you:

• The color, make, and model of the vehicle.
• Any part of the license plate number, even if it’s just a few letters or numbers.
• The direction the car was headed.
• Any distinguishing features like a dent, bumper sticker, or roof rack.
• A description of the driver if you got a look at them.

Do not try to chase the driver. It is dangerous and unlikely to be successful. Your memory is the most powerful tool you have at this moment.

3. Seek Witnesses and Document the Scene

Look around for anyone who may have seen what happened. Ask for their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide an independent account of the accident and may have seen details about the car or driver that you missed. Use your phone to take photos of your injuries, the accident location, any debris left behind from the vehicle, and the surrounding area.

4. File a Police Report

When the police arrive, give them a detailed account of everything you remember. It is essential to have an official police report that documents the incident as a hit-and-run. This report is a crucial piece of evidence for any insurance claim you may file. Be sure to get the officer’s name and the report number.

5. Get a Full Medical Evaluation

Whether you are taken by ambulance or not, see a doctor as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask the severity of injuries like concussions or internal bleeding. A thorough medical examination creates a formal record of your injuries and links them directly to the accident, which is necessary for any pedestrian crash claim.

Pursuing Compensation: The Uninsured Motorist Claim

The biggest question after a hit-and-run is: “Who pays for my injuries?” When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you cannot file a claim against their insurance. This is where your own insurance policy may come into play.

In most states, a hit-and-run accident is treated as if you were hit by a driver with no insurance. This allows you to file an uninsured driver claim under your own auto insurance policy, provided you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?

Uninsured Motorist coverage is a part of your own car insurance policy designed to protect you if you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or by a driver who flees the scene. If you have UM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover damages such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Even though you are dealing with your own insurance company, the process is not always simple. Your insurer can become an adversary, and they may try to dispute the severity of your injuries or the value of your claim to minimize their payout.

The Role of a Hit-and-Run Lawyer

Navigating a pedestrian hit and run case on your own is incredibly difficult. You are recovering from injuries while trying to deal with police investigations and resistant insurance companies. An experienced hit and run lawyer can take this burden off your shoulders and fight for your rights.

Here’s how an attorney can help:

• Investigating the Accident: A lawyer can launch an independent investigation to try and identify the driver. This may involve canvassing the area for surveillance cameras from nearby businesses, interviewing witnesses the police may have missed, and working with experts.
• Handling Your Uninsured Driver Claim: An attorney will manage all communications with your insurance company. They will compile the necessary evidence, document the full extent of your damages (including future medical needs and non-economic losses), and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
• Identifying Other Potential Sources of Compensation: In some cases, other parties may share liability. For example, if a dangerous road condition contributed to the accident, a government entity could be held partially responsible. A lawyer will explore all possible avenues for recovery.
• Providing Legal Guidance and Support: Your attorney will be your advocate, answering your questions and guiding you through every step of the legal process. This allows you to focus all your energy on what matters most—your physical and emotional recovery.

Don’t Give Up on Getting Justice

Being the victim of a pedestrian hit-and-run can leave you feeling powerless, but you are not without options. By taking the right steps and seeking experienced legal help, you can pursue the compensation needed to cover your losses and begin to rebuild your life. The person who hit you chose to abandon their responsibility, but that does not mean you have to face the consequences alone.

There are strict time limits for filing an insurance claim and for taking legal action, so it is important to act quickly. Consulting with a lawyer will help you understand your rights and the best path forward.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian hit-and-run, contact an experienced lawyer today for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

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Meta Description: Injured in a pedestrian hit-and-run? Learn the crucial steps to take, how to file an uninsured motorist claim, and when to call a hit-and-run lawyer.