Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents: Legal Recourse for Victims
Hugh McAngus. | Attorney
Did you know that, according to the NHTSA, nearly 1 out of 4 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2021 were struck by a hit-and-run driver?
Leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a pedestrian is unconscionable, and illegal, yet it’s surprisingly common. This leaves pedestrian victims of hit-and-run accidents without the typical legal recourse to pursue justice.
However, if you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, there are some things you can do.
Attempt to Identify the At-Fault Driver
Most hit-and-run cases are not solved, but some are. You can help in the investigation by gathering as much evidence as you can for law enforcement as soon after the accident as possible. You can gather:
– Make, model, color, license plate, and other identifying details of the car and of the driver you remember
– Physical remnants of the car at the scene, such as a piece of broken taillight or broken side mirror
– Location of the accident, time of day, direction the car came from and headed towards
– Details about the collision and the driver’s behavior before and after the collision
– Video footage from nearby security, surveillance, and doorbell cameras
– Statements from witnesses who saw the accident
An experienced pedestrian accident attorney and their team can often help with investigation and identification.
It’s worth trying to identify the driver as soon after the accident as possible. Not only will you have the option to pursue a claim through the driver’s car insurance to cover your medical bills, but it’s the only way to achieve justice – by holding the irresponsible driver accountable.
Check Your Auto Insurance Policy for Coverage
If you’re not able to identify the driver with the help of law enforcement and/or an attorney, you cannot rely on the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover any medical bills or lost wages.
However, your own auto insurance policy may cover some or all of your medical expenses related to the accident. Look to see if you carry MedPay (as it’s called in South Carolina, which is similar to personal injury protection, or PIP, in other states) coverage on your policy. MedPay/PIP can cover pedestrian accidents.
Keep in mind that MedPay and PIP coverage limits are typically pretty low, so depending on the severity of your injuries, your medical bills may not be fully covered.
Call the Pedestrian Accident Attorneys at The Carolina Law Group
Unfortunately, your options for legal recourse after being injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian case are limited. We know from our clients who have been injured in hit-and-run accidents just how helpless and hopeless the situation feels. But we are here to help. The personal injury lawyers at The Carolina Law Group have experience helping pedestrian accident victims and investigating hit-and-run accidents. We want to bring the at-fault driver to justice and ensure you get the compensation you need to heal fully. Call us today at one of the numbers below to schedule your free consultation today. There’s no obligation and you have nothing to lose, so call today.
The Carolina Law Group has four offices in South Carolina for your convenience: Greenville (principal office; call 864.312.4444), Greer (principal office; call 864.757.5555), Spartanburg (principal office; call 864.312.4444) & West Columbia (principal office; call 803.881.1110).
Call us at one of our four offices or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys. Our business hours are Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm & Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm. Weekend and evening hours by appointment only. Our Greenville, SC law firm offers Spanish, Hindi, and Gujarati language translation services for your convenience.