Being struck by a vehicle is a tragic experience. When the driver speeds away and leaves the individual injured at the scene, the experience becomes even more harrowing.
Pedestrians have little protection in a collision. Hit-and-run crashes often leave them with severe injuries and possibly delayed medical attention due to the driver’s decision to flee the scene rather than call for help.
Here’s what to do if a pedestrian accident involves a hit-and-run driver.
Get to Safety and Call 911
If you are able, move out of the roadway to avoid further harm. Call 911 immediately to report the crash and request medical help. A prompt police report is essential in a hit-and-run, both for your health and for the investigation that may identify the driver who fled.
Try to Remember Details About the Vehicle
Anything you can recall about the fleeing vehicle may help law enforcement track it down. If you are able, try to note:
- The make, model, and color of the vehicle
- Any part of the license plate number
- The direction the vehicle traveled
- Visible damage or distinguishing features
Do not put yourself at further risk to gather this information. Anything you remember, even a partial detail, can help.
Gather Witness Information and Evidence
Pedestrian accidents often happen in areas where other people are present. Bystanders may have seen the vehicle or even captured it on a phone. If you are physically able, ask witnesses for their names and contact information. Look for nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras that may have recorded the crash. This evidence can be helpful for any car accident claims you file later on.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Always see a doctor after a pedestrian accident, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Serious conditions like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries are not always immediately obvious and may take time to present symptoms. Prompt medical care protects your health and creates a record that links your injuries to the crash.
Recovering Compensation After a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run
Fortunately, you may have options for recovering compensation even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a tremendous resource if you have it. A hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified is generally treated as an uninsured driver. If you carry UM coverage on your own auto policy, it can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This coverage may still provide protection even if you were on foot rather than in your vehicle. Medical payments coverage can also help with initial medical costs.
If law enforcement later identifies the driver, you may pursue a claim directly against them. However, hit-and-run drivers usually lack adequate insurance resources or personal assets to cover claims.
If you were injured by a hit-and-run driver while walking, contact an experienced St. Charles pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free consultation. An experienced attorney can investigate the crash and identify every source of compensation available to you. Call Feagans Law Group to learn more about your rights.