This blog recently discussed the serious dangers of auto-pedestrian accidents to pedestrians. At times, victims may be struck by a driver that leaves the scene resulting in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. Victims of pedestrian accidents can suffer significant damages including physical, financial and emotional damages which can be worsened in circumstances when the negligent driver responsible for the accident is a hit-and-run driver. Victims of hit-and-run pedestrian accidents may wonder what options are available to them.
Despite potential challenges, personal injury legal options exist to protect victims of hit-and-run accidents. This includes circumstances in which the negligent driver cannot be identified. While the circumstances can sometimes be complex, protections are available to victims of auto-pedestrian accidents in a variety of situations. The legal process is designed to account for various situations including when a negligent driver has fled the scene of an accident. It is important for drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, especially if it has resulted in property damage or, worse, injury or death. A driver’s failure to do so may result in criminal charges.
In general, when a personal injury claim for damages has been made, evidence of negligence must be provided. It is also important to note citations or criminal charges can oftentimes be considered evidence of negligence. A failure to abide by laws following an accident, such as a pedestrian accident, may help establish the carelessness or negligence of the driver when making a claim for damages. It is also important to be aware that, as part of the personal injury legal process, options commonly involving insurance may be available to victims even when the identity of the driver is never determined or the driver is not found. Insurance companies are a common part of any personal injury claim process.
The period following a pedestrian hit-and-run accident can be challenging for victims and their families. The legal process seeks to provide resources and options to help resolve the complexities following a pedestrian accident and to ensure that victims are properly compensated for the harm they have suffered.
Source: Traffic.findlaw.com,” Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Hit and Run,” Accessed April 30, 2016
