Austin is such a wonderful city to get around on foot that it’s earned a rank within the Top 50 most walkable big cities in the US. However, a more sobering statistic also exists: there were 61 fatalities and over 1,100 people seriously hurt in pedestrian accidents in 2017.
Victims who are injured in pedestrian accidents already suffer tremendously, but there is a far worse scenario: Seeing the motorist drive away from the scene of the crime. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should contact an Austin pedestrian accident attorney immediately. You may feel hopeless to seek compensation for your losses, but a legal professional can assist you throughout the process.
Fault in a Pedestrian Accident
Texas is an at-fault state for purposes of auto insurance. Therefore, victims of vehicle crashes, including incidents involving pedestrians, would file an injury claim with the insurance company that provides coverage for the at-fault motorist.
In the majority of pedestrian accidents, the driver of the motorized vehicle is responsible for causing the collision. These cases fall under the legal concept of negligence, which requires you to show that the motorist engaged in careless conduct while behind the wheel and these acts caused the accident. If successful in proving your claim, you can recover compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical costs;
- Lost income;
- Pain and suffering; and,
- Many others.
Strategies for Finding the Hit and Run Driver
However, enforcing your rights in a negligence case is very different if you’re hurt in a hit and run pedestrian accident. Instead of focusing on fault, your first priority is to identify the responsible driver so you can file a claim with his or her insurance company. You can increase the chances of finding this person if you:
- Call 911 right away;
- Note a physical description of the vehicle and driver;
- Track down any witnesses who may have observed the incident; and,
- Approach businesses in the vicinity to find out if they have security cameras;
Obviously, some of these tasks may be difficult – or impossible – depending on the nature of your injuries. Do your best to get as much information at the scene as possible.
Your Legal Options as the Victim of a Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident
After you’ve gotten necessary medical care, your next step should be consulting with an attorney to assist with your claim. In addition to the details you collected at the time of the pedestrian accident, your lawyer may have additional strategies and investigation techniques.
Contact an Austin Pedestrian Accident Lawyer to Discuss Fault Issues
To learn more about proving fault after a hit and run pedestrian accident, please contact Robert Littlefield Buford III, Attorney at Law. We can set up a free consultation to discuss strategies and your legal options. Our pedestrian accident lawyers represent injured victims in Austin, TX and throughout Travis County, and we’re happy to explain how these claims work.
