Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians happen every day across the U.S. When a pedestrian is struck by a car, truck, or SUV, the effects can be devastating. Many victims in a pedestrian crash suffer serious, long-lasting injuries as a result.
When a pedestrian accident involves a hit and run (wherein the driver who is responsible flees the scene), the experience can be even more distressing. Without information on the driver that caused your injuries, you may not know where to turn to recover compensation.
If you were the victim of a hit and run pedestrian accident, William Mattar is here to help. We know how isolating a hit and run incident can be, and we have experience handling these types of cases. Our legal team can fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait to call— dial (844) 444-4444 today to speak to one of our dedicated accident attorneys.
Hit and Run Laws in New York
According to New York State Vehicle and Traffic Laws, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without reporting it to police if you have reason to believe someone has been injured. Drivers who commit a hit and run where the accident in question involved an injury can face a felony charge involving fines, or even jail time. The at-fault driver in a hit and run pedestrian crash may also be liable for civil damages suffered by the injured victim.
Why do Hit and Run Pedestrian Crashes Happen?
For many people, it may be difficult to understand why a motorist would intentionally leave the scene of a serious accident. As discussed, the legal consequences of doing so, especially when a person has been injured, can be severe. And still, hit and runs happen all the time.
Here are a few frequent causes of hit and run pedestrian accidents:
- The driver panicked. In some hit and run cases, the driver may panic and drive away from the scene out of fear. This decision may be a result of split-second instinct to flee rather than confront what has happened.
- The driver was under the influence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that almost half of all pedestrian crashes involve alcohol-impairment, either on the part of the driver or pedestrian. If a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they also may be more likely to leave the scene of the accident.
- The driver is in legal trouble. If the driver who hits a pedestrian is already under legal pressure of some kind, they may be motivated to leave an accident to avoid law enforcement. For instance, a hit and run driver may have an outstanding warrant or invalid driver’s license.
- The driver is uninsured. Auto insurance is mandatory in the state of New York. And yet, some drivers still travel the roadways without insurance coverage. A driver who causes a pedestrian accident may leave the scene if they know they are not carrying insurance.
No matter the reason for the hit and run that caused your injury, you should not have to deal with the consequences alone. Call William Mattar law offices today to see how our pedestrian accident lawyers can help you after your accident.
Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
When it comes to pedestrian accidents, fatalities are sadly common. According to the CDC, 5,977 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2017. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable in traffic crashes because, unlike the occupants of cars, they are physically exposed. As a result, pedestrians may suffer from severe and life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
Common injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries: An injury to the spinal cord can be caused by a sudden, forceful impact that damages the disks, ligaments, or vertebrae of the spine. For some sufferers, a spinal cord injury can result in a loss of sensation, strength, or mobility that may be permanent or require long-term rehabilitation.
- Traumatic brain injuries: In a pedestrian crash, a violent blow to the head can cause what is known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This type of injury disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. Pedestrian victims who suffer a TBI may experience a range of potential physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.
- Broken bones and fractures: The trauma of being struck by a motor vehicle can result in broken bones or bone fractures. Depending on the severity, a broken bone or fracture can be extremely painful and take time to heal or treat.
- Lacerations: Serious lacerations, along with bruises and other serious soft tissue damage, can be caused by a collision. These injuries may cause pain, discomfort, and even scarring.
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a pedestrian accident, seek legal representation now. You may be entitled to receive financial compensation.
Compensation for a Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident
Seeking compensation in a hit and run pedestrian collision can be complex. One reason for this is that, in order to bring a claim against the at-fault driver, you must identify them first. In some cases, the driver may not be found and identified.
However, and even if the driver who caused your accident is not found, you may still be able to receive compensation by filing a claim with your own insurance company. A personal injury lawyer can help identify potential sources of compensation and guide you through the step-by-step process of bringing a claim.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a hit and run pedestrian crash, contact William Mattar Law Offices. Hit and run cases can be challenging, but our team has the experience and resources to tackle your particular case. Your initial case consultation is free and confidential and there’s No Fee Until We WinSM. To schedule your consultation, call (844) 444-4444 or submit our online form today.
