Pedestrian Injured After Modesto Hit and Run
A pedestrian was injured after a hit and run accident in Modesto, CA, on the morning of May 4, 2020. The pedestrian accident occurred around 8:10 a.m. at Church Lane and Atlantic Drive. A pedestrian was walking in the area when they were struck by an unidentified vehicle. The driver of the car involved in the incident reportedly fled the scene, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). An American Medical Response ambulance was requested to transport the injured party to a local hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. Updates, including the condition of the injured pedestrian and description of the suspect vehicle, was not immediately available.
Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrians often suffer catastrophic injuries in accidents caused by negligent drivers who leave the scene. When the identity of the at-fault party is unknown, it may be challenging for the injured pedestrian to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Fortunately, California law provides recourse in such situations. An injured pedestrian may be able to file a personal injury claim under their car insurance company policy if they carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). If the pedestrian did not have car insurance at the time of the incident but lived with someone who carries UM/UIM coverage, a claim may be brought under that policy so long as they were not listed as an excluded party.
What is the Statute of Limitations on a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
It is essential to act quickly if you have been injured in a Modesto pedestrian accident. The state places a limitation on the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of your auto-pedestrian accident. If you wait too long to file your claim, it may be dismissed by the court, and you may lose the right to recover compensation. Since many other criteria and deadlines may apply in UM/UIM claims, it is best to work with an experienced injury attorney. If you are unsure of what to look for in a reputable personal injury lawyer, watch the video below.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Pedestrian Accident?
When dealing with your own insurance company for a hit and run pedestrian accident, you will still need an experienced Modesto personal injury attorney to protect your best interests and your right to fair compensation. Insurance companies are in the business of protecting their bottom line, meaning they will find any fact and detail to dispute the value of a personal injury claim or deny its validity. This is their way of paying as little as possible on a case. An injury lawyer can investigate independently into the accident to build a strong case for fair compensation. If all attempts for a favorable recovery fail in the claim negotiations process, the attorney can take the case to court, if necessary.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Seeking compensation after a hit and run pedestrian accident can be complex to do on your own. Such cases are not always straightforward, and even if the driver is located by police, there are several challenges to overcome with insurance companies. To discuss your personal injury claim with a dedicated injury lawyer, call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly advice. I handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay any attorneys’ fees unless I recover fair compensation on your behalf.
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As a Modesto personal injury attorney, I have been representing people injured in pedestrian accidents and helping them get the compensation they deserve since 1982. If you would like to learn more about how I have helped other clients with their cases, go to our Verdicts and Settlements page.
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