Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fremont helps pedestrians that have been injured in accidents throughout the city. Whenever you’re injured by a driver, the hope is that they’ll stay behind and at least help with the situation. Unfortunately, though, many driver-pedestrian accidents result in a hit-and-run. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a pedestrian hit-and-run accident in Fremont, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Get a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Any hit-and-run accident is going to leave you, the victim, facing pretty significant challenges. On top of your injuries, you’re also going to lack the necessary information you need to file a claim against the driver that hit you. And while this is certainly increased when you’re a pedestrian, you still have legal options. The question is, should you get a lawyer? Obviously, getting a lawyer in this situation is in your best interest. Our team can help you by:
- Explaining your rights and options so you understand the steps you can take after a hit-and-run accident.
- Investigating the accident to find the driver who fled or uncover others who might be responsible.
- Handling your insurance claim, even if it involves working with your own insurance company.
- Filing a lawsuit if the driver is found.
Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents in Fremont can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’ve helped many clients get the financial support they need to heal and move forward.
What Are the First Steps You Should Take After a Hit-and-Run?
The steps you take immediately after a pedestrian hit-and-run accident are crucial, even before you start thinking about potential legal options. Basically, it’s all about getting as much information as you can. So, when you’re hit by a driver and they flee, here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 – Get to safety and call 911 for help. If you’re injured, ask for an ambulance so paramedics can provide medical care right away. Also, make sure to tell 911 that the driver fled and have them send the local police.
- Remember details – Try to recall and note any details about the driver and their car, such as its make, model, color, and, if possible, the license plate number. These details can greatly increase the chances of finding the driver.
- Gather as much information as you can – If you can do so safely, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Focus on injuries, damage to property, skid marks, debris, and anything else that could help document what happened.
- File a claim with your insurance – Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with details, including the police report number.
- Keep detailed records – Save all documentation related to the accident, such as medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any other expenses tied to your recovery.
Obviously, these steps are even more important in the case of a pedestrian accident. But also, you’re likely looking at pretty serious injuries that can make this harder. That’s where you can lean on our team’s experience and guidance. But there’s another facet to these accidents: understanding why they happen.
Why Do Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Understanding why hit-and-run accidents happen doesn’t make them less frustrating, but it can help you make sense of the situation and better prepare for what comes next. Like a hit-and-run between two vehicles, these kinds of situations happen based almost totally on the action of the person driving. But here’s a few of the more common reasons why these accidents happen:
- Fear of legal trouble – Some drivers flee the scene because they fear the legal consequences, such as being arrested for DUI if they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Lack of awareness – In busier areas like Fremont, distracted or inattentive drivers might not realize they hit someone. This is especially common among older drivers who may not sense the impact.
- Lacking insurance – Drivers without insurance or a valid license may leave the scene to avoid paying for damages or facing legal consequences.
- Panic or shock – Some drivers panic or feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of an accident. They may flee in confusion or fear rather than bad intent. This doesn’t change their legal liability, though.
No matter why the driver fled, your first priority is to get medical help and report the accident to the police. From there, our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can help you through the claims process.
What’s the Claims Process Like After a Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accident?
Legally, you have the same rights after a hit-and-run accident as you would in any other pedestrian accident. The challenge is that without the driver’s information, it’s harder to file a claim directly against them. In most cases, you’ll need to rely on your own insurance coverage, which usually involves:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – In California, drivers are not required to carry UM/UIM coverage, but many policies include it. This coverage treats the fleeing driver as uninsured and pays for your damages, up to policy limits.
- Health insurance – If you’re injured as a pedestrian, your health insurance can cover immediate medical costs, helping with hospital bills and other related expenses.
Once the insurance process is underway, you can recover the same damages that you could in any other accident, including:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care costs
- Lost wages or loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses, if applicable
- Punitive damages in cases of severe negligence
Keep in mind, hit-and-run accidents are both civil and criminal matters. Police will investigate to locate the driver, and if they are found, the penalties can be severe, especially if your injuries are significant. In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a civil claim.
Support for Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Victims in Fremont
A pedestrian hit-and-run accident in Fremont can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re left wondering how to handle medical bills or other expenses. But you don’t have to face this alone. Our experienced team at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fremont is here to provide legal support to help you navigate the process and fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation to take the first step toward getting the results you need to get better.