When a pedestrian is involved in a car accident, it can lead to serious injury or even death. If you or a loved one was struck by a vehicle while walking, you may experience a great deal of physical and emotional pain, and this can be made even worse if the driver flees the scene. If you or someone near you is hit by a car and the driver leaves, you need to take immediate action to increase the likelihood of catching the culprit. Finding the driver of the vehicle is critical so that they can be held accountable for paying for the victim’s medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What is a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a traffic accident and flees. In the event of a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, the culprit struck a walking bystander then left the scene without offering contact information, insurance, or assistance to the victim.
A hit-and-run can happen anywhere, so it’s important to be ready to take immediate action to prove that the driver was at fault for the injuries that you or another person sustained. Take these immediate steps if you or someone else suffers from a pedestrian hit-and-run accident:
Call 911
The first thing you need to do if you experience or witness a pedestrian hit-and-run accident is call emergency services. You or the victim may need immediate medical attention, and calling 911 as soon as the incident occurs can save the victim’s life.
Record Details of the Incident
The longer you wait after a hit-and-run accident, the harder it will be for you to recall details. If you’re physically able, record all the details you can remember, including the date, time, and location. Additionally, you need to write down everything you can recall about the assailant and their vehicle, including a description of the driver and the make, model, and color of their car. You can also write down any distinct features of the car you may recall, such as bumper stickers or distinct vanity plates. Recording as many details as possible will be critical for the police to catch the driver.
Collect Information from Witnesses
If others witnessed the accident, make sure to collect their accounts of the event as well as their contact information. Their first-hand accounts of the event can help you in a personal injury lawsuit, so make sure to collect their names and phone numbers. Additionally, eyewitnesses may also be able to provide key information that will help the police find the person responsible for the accident.
Take Photographs or Videos at the Scene
Make sure to take photographs and videos to collect more information. You can capture property damage and other indicators showing proof that a vehicle struck you or another person. For example, if the perpetrator left tire marks at the scene or other indicators of an accident, you can preserve the evidence by taking photographs and videos. Additionally, you should see if any surveillance cameras recorded the accident. Again, the more details you can provide the authorities, the better your chances will be to find the person responsible and hold them accountable for damages and personal injuries.
File a Police Report
The sooner you report the accident, the sooner the authorities will be able to track down the person responsible. Collect the evidence that you obtained from the scene as well as eyewitness reports to increase their likelihood of success. Fortunately, the police do investigate hit-and-run accidents, so there’s a good chance they’ll be able to find the driver. Those responsible for hit-and-run accidents can be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the case.
Keep a Journal of Your Expenses
Make sure to keep track of all bills and expenses relating to the hit-and-run accident. This can include medical bills, bills relating to physical and emotional rehabilitation, and any income you lost because you couldn’t work.
Contact an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were struck by a hit-and-run driver, you need to call an expert personal injury lawyer to help you get the money you deserve. Crossen Law Firm is here to serve the people of Indiana to get the compensation they deserve from personal injuries. The culprit who hit you or your loved one and fled the scene needs to be held accountable, and we can assist you through the process of getting justice as well as money for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’re paid contingency fees, meaning that you won’t pay a cent until you win your personal injury case or receive a settlement. Call us today at (317) 401-8626 or contact us online for a free consultation.
.jpg)