Pedestrian Injured in Modesto Hit and Run
A pedestrian was injured in a Modesto hit and run accident on the night of May 15, 2019. The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m. at Standiford Avenue and Dale Road. A pedestrian was crossing the intersection when he was hit by a motorist who then drove away from the scene in a white Toyota Camry. The pedestrian was transported to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Updates on his condition were not immediately available.
What are the Main Causes of Pedestrian Accidents?
Pedestrian accidents may occur for a wide array of reasons. They are often caused by driver error, such as:
- Driving While Distracted: No one is more impacted by distracted driving than cyclists and pedestrians. When a distracted driver collides with someone who is walking, particularly at high speeds, the consequences can prove catastrophic or even fatal.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a severe threat to pedestrian safety. This is due to a driver’s impairment of cognitive and coordination skills, both necessary for safe driving.
- Reckless Driving: When motorists ignore traffic lights and signals, specifically those that control pedestrian traffic, their actions can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
- Passing a School Bus: When a driver ignores or overlooks school bus signals, whether it is the extended stop sign or red flashing lights, their unsafe passing can present a high risk of injury to children. This can affect those minors crossing the road to board the school bus or those who may be exiting the bus.
Recoverable Damages in a Pedestrian Accident
Compensation for a pedestrian accident takes into account the economic and noneconomic damages suffered. The most immediate focus will be on expenses for medical treatment, including those incurred in the future. The cost of medical appliances such as braces and wheelchairs as well as the fees for transportation to medical appointments may also be recovered. Conversely, if a pedestrian is out of work for an extended amount of time due to an injury, the at-fault party and their insurance will be responsible for reimbursement of lost wages. If the pedestrian is not able to return to work due to permanent disability, they may be reimbursed for the loss of future income. Grief and emotional distress suffered from the accident are intangible harms that may also be compensated. To learn about the factors that may affect the value of a claim for personal injury, watch the below video.
How to Recover From a Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident
A common misunderstanding people have about hit and run accidents involving pedestrians is that there is no recourse available. Motorists sometimes leave the scene of a pedestrian accident if they may have been driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, or have no auto insurance. In these cases, a pedestrian can seek reimbursement for their losses through their own car insurance if they have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the pedestrian does not have this coverage, but someone in their household does, this coverage may extend to the injured party to cover damages caused by a driver who has little to no insurance. Conversely, this coverage may also protect those injured in a hit and run accident.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
Handling a claim for a pedestrian accident can be complicated under any circumstances. Pedestrian injuries are often catastrophic in many cases, and proving their value can be challenging. An experienced Modesto personal injury attorney can help in these cases by presenting the facts and circumstances of the claim, including the full extent of injuries suffered and negligence on the part of the at-fault party. An experienced injury lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance company to ensure a fair settlement is obtained to cover subsequent losses.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury attorney. Any pedestrian who has been injured and suffered losses from the negligence of another party or entity needs the assistance of an experienced attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to the fault of someone else, please feel free to call me anytime at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
Read our client comments and reviews at the following sites:
I am honored to belong to the Million Dollar Advocates and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The first group is comprised of top trial lawyers who have won over $1 million for a client. The other organization grants membership to the top one percent of attorneys from around the country who exhibit high standards of legal excellence.
Browse a selection of cases our law office has previously handled on our Verdicts and Settlements page.
Image Attribution: By “StockSnap” via Pixabay
:ds llo [cs 802]