Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents happen more often than one might think, and they can have devastating consequences. Pedestrian injuries rank among the top 10 causes of hospital admissions and fatalities related to injuries across various age groups in New York State. Annually, around 300 pedestrians lose their lives, and 15,000 sustain injuries due to motor vehicle accidents on the state’s roads.
Furthermore, over 3,000 pedestrians require hospitalization each year. Drivers who flee the scene of these accidents are committing a crime, but they are also leaving victims to suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens without any assistance.
If you happen to be a victim of a pedestrian accident, you must consider consulting with lawyers at a pedestrian accident injury law firm. This blog post will cover the legal implications of pedestrian hit-and-run accidents and how victims can seek justice.
What is a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident?
A pedestrian hit-and-run accident occurs when a motor vehicle driver collides with someone walking on foot or riding a bicycle and then leaves the scene without providing their contact information or rendering aid to the victim.
These types of accidents can happen in many ways: a driver may ignore traffic signs or signals, make illegal turns, drive too fast for the conditions, or operate their vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Pedestrian hit-and-runs can occur on busy city streets, residential neighborhoods, and parks.
Legal Implications
When someone is involved in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident, both civil law – which covers personal injury cases – and criminal law come into play. Under civil law principles, if someone is injured due to another person’s negligence (i.e., careless driving), that person may be entitled to compensation for their damages. This could include medical bills, lost wages from missing work while recovering from injuries sustained during the accident, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Under criminal law principles, however, fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death is considered a felony offense that carries serious ramifications, including fines & longer jail sentences depending on whether victims were killed during the incident.
Victims’ Rights
Fortunately, there is legal recourse for pedestrian hit-and-run victims who have been injured because of someone else’s negligence. The first steps include reporting to the police immediately so that they may gather evidence and investigate the case. Victims should also receive medical attention as soon as possible to document any injuries.
Once the evidence has been gathered, victims can retain a personal injury lawyer to file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for causing the accident. In some cases, insurance companies may offer a settlement to victims before litigation is initiated.
Victims of pedestrian hit-and-runs may be entitled to several types of damages, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages or earning capacity;
- Damaged property (if any);
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Getting Help from an Attorney in Seeking Justice
Navigating the aftermath of a pedestrian hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming for victims and their families – especially while dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma sometimes caused by such accidents.
By retaining an attorney specializing in personal injury claims related to pedestrian accidents, such individuals can get help in obtaining compensation for their damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout legal proceedings. They will see to it that justice is served on behalf of victims who have suffered from these offenses committed by negligent drivers.
Conclusion
Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents are heart-wrenching tragedies that could upend someone’s life experiences at any time without warning; however, seeking justice ensures proper redress against those accountable and provides financial support required during recovery periods.
If you or someone you love has been involved in such an accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to legal experts specialized in handling claims related specifically to pedestrian hit-and-run cases. They will ensure that all relevant laws are taken into consideration and will guide you through your case while providing necessary emotional support too!