What Should I Do If Don’t Know Who Hit Me in a Pedestrian Accident?

If you are struck by a hit and run driver, not only has the motorist committed a crime but obtaining payment for your medical expenses becomes more difficult. That is why one of the first things you must do is engage an attorney to protect your rights and help you receive compensation.

Always call the police immediately after a pedestrian accident. Since the victim is often severely injured, a companion or bystander may have to make the call. The police will investigate, as leaving the scene of an accident is either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on whether anyone was injured.

The New York City pedestrian accident lawyers at Douglas & London will help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. While the NYPD will investigate the criminal aspect of the case, they do not concern themselves with whether the victim receives compensation for their injuries.

What to Do at the Scene

Because pedestrian accident victims are usually seriously injured, it is not always possible for them to do much at the accident scene. However, if they can, after notifying the police, it is important to try and recall the type, color, and size of the vehicle in question. Eyewitnesses may provide valuable information and getting the names and contact information from them is critical.

Accident victims should go to the emergency room at once, even if they think they are fine. Many injuries do not appear right away, and failure to undergo an immediate examination can affect your health and your claim if the driver is ever located.

Obtain Legal Counsel Promptly

While it is always crucial to obtain legal counsel after a pedestrian accident, it is especially necessary to promptly consult with an attorney if the driver fled the scene and is still unidentified. A personal injury lawyer from Douglas & London can investigate the situation and attempt to identify the vehicle that hit you. This is done via an available surveillance video, which may reveal the license plate number. It is then possible to pursue a claim against the driver.

Know Your Car Insurance

If you or someone in your household own a car, under New York’s no-fault auto insurance laws, your policy should cover your medical expenses up to at least $50,000. That is the minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage New York drivers must carry. Rather than deal with your insurance company on your own, let your lawyer handle it. You could inadvertently give the insurance representative information– which they will use to attempt to deny or reduce your claim.

Know Your Health Insurance

Because New York is a no-fault car insurance state, hospitals and doctors will not accept the accident victim’s medical insurance. However, if the driver is never identified, and you do not own a car, you must rely on your health insurance to cover your medical expenses. Your lawyer will write a letter to your health insurance company, explaining that the driver was never identified. Your insurer should then pay the related bills, minus any deductibles. Your attorney will follow up if there are issues with your medical insurance.

The Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation

Another alternative is seeking payment via the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC). This non-profit, governmental agency was established in 1958 to provide bodily injury coverage for eligible accident victims, including those who were victims of hit and run drivers. If the victim dies from their injuries, the family may file a death benefit claim.

Contact us at Douglas & London for a free consultation

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a hit and run pedestrian accident, you need the services of the experienced New York City personal injury lawyers at Douglas & London. Schedule a complimentary consultation by calling or texting 24/7 or submitting our online form. After listening to your story, we will advise you of your options. Because personal injury claims are conducted on a contingency basis, there is never a fee unless you receive compensation. Hablamos Español.