What To Do When You Are The Victim Of A Hit And Run Accident
As a pedestrian, you are frequently aware of the speeding of cars around you. Drivers who do not slow down or stop when there is a crosswalk are not obeying the law. Worse still are the drivers that hit and run, leaving you a smashed mess on the road or sidewalk. If you have been a victim of a hit and run, there are steps you can take to insure a better financial future for yourself.
File a Full Police Report
Traveling on foot and then hit by a car, it is highly unlikely you saw anything other than the color of the vehicle that hit you. You should file a full police report anyway, because whatever you can remember leading up to when you were hit is important to their investigation. With the installation of several road cameras in many cities now, police are able to catch drivers in the act by reviewing footage around the time an incident took place. They can also look for witnesses and speak to them on your behalf. As soon as you are able and can speak to an officer, do so.
Apply for Victim Assistance Through the Legal System
Some states and counties offer a victim assistance program for victims of a crime wherein their attackers or assailants have not been found. You would qualify for such a program since you were attacked and assaulted by someone with a deadly weapon, i.e., his or her vehicle. Check to see if there is such a program where you live, as it will definitely help with your expenses.
Keep All of Your Bills and Receipts
Keep all of your bills and receipts from the expenses you incurred from the accident. This includes any property damage such as a smashed cell phone, torn clothing, etc. Anything of value that was destroyed should be included with your medical and hospital expenses. If the police cannot locate the hit and run driver right away, these expenses are, unfortunately, your own, but you can sue the driver in full once he or she is caught.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
While this may be more than you can afford, the personal injury lawyer can keep a running tally on your expenses, including your legal fees and physical therapy, if needed. When you are finally able to pursue a lawsuit against the driver who did this to you, you can recoup everything, including your lawyer's fees. In the event that the driver is indigent and cannot pay, your lawyer at places like Law Office Of Daniel E Goodman can continue to pursue the matter for you until the courts force the driver to pay via paycheck withholdings and/or seizure of the driver's income tax refunds.