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Whether you walk to work or enjoy walking as a leisure activity, the last thing on your mind is that it can end with a visit to the hospital. While most pedestrians get to their destination without incident, a certain amount of risk is imposed on walkers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 76,000 pedestrians were injured in the U.S. in 2019, and 6,205 lost their lives. When careless drivers ignore traffic rules or drive recklessly, it can lead to a devastating situation for nearby pedestrians. To make matters worse, drivers fleeing the scene of a pedestrian accident is not an unheard-of occurrence. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that in 2016, 1,980 fatal hit-and-run crashes caused 2,049 deaths. Of all the reported crashes, 1,398 involved non-vehicle occupants, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians struck by a hit-and-run driver have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Here are some critical steps to take.
If you can do so, contact 911 for help. If you are severely injured, a bystander or witness can call on your behalf to ensure that the accident scene is handled appropriately. When the police arrive on the scene, they will ensure that emergency medical care is available to you. They will also proceed with making a police report. However, it’s critical that you also obtain as much information on your end as possible, as police reports may not have all the critical information necessary to begin a hit-and-run pedestrian accident claim. Read on to learn more about what information you should gather.
Gathering information in a hit-and-run crash can be tricky since you won’t be able to collect contact and insurance information from the driver that hit you. However, if witnesses to the accident are present, get their names and phone numbers. If your witnesses agree, ask them to record the details of what they saw, including photographing the scene and your injuries. If you are severely injured, you may need assistance gathering information from a loved one or a personal injury attorney on your behalf.
After calling 911, emergency medical professionals will arrive to assist you. Do not refuse medical care. Getting medical attention is a critical step after being involved in a pedestrian accident. Even if you don’t have any visible or severe injuries, getting medical care is vital. In some cases, symptoms of serious injuries can be delayed and not show up for days or weeks after your accident.
Being involved in a hit-and-run crash is a devastating event. When severely injured and unsure where to turn for help, it can make the situation that much more daunting. However, know you have options. The lawyers at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys put our clients first. We will be with you every step of the way and want to help you move forward with your life.
As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, we have proven our ability to negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients successfully. Retain us to put our tactical strategies to work for you. These skills are what make our legal team such a formidable opponent in any courtroom or negotiation setting.