Pedestrian accidents often occur because drivers fail to observe the rules of the road. They fail to check for pedestrians in clearly marked crosswalks, run stop signs and red lights, or are engaged in distracted driving. If you have been the victim of such reckless behavior, you need to contact a qualified pedestrian and accident attorney as soon as possible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a pedestrian is killed in a motor vehicle accident roughly every two hours in the United States. More than 150,000 pedestrians are treated for non-fatal injuries. And 1 out of every 5 children under the age of 14 killed in a motor vehicle accident is a pedestrian.
What to Do Following a Pedestrian Accident
Getting hit by a car is a frightening experience. Your first priority is understandably seeking medical attention. But if you arrive at the accident scene, there are some basic steps you can take:
- Contact the police right away. Police officers will take statements from you, the driver, and any witnesses, and prepare an official report. This report can be helpful when determining liability and dealing with insurance companies.
- Do not provide anything beyond basic information. You should exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information with the driver who is at fault. But do not say anything else until the police arrive. Any statement you make may be used against you later.
- Assume counsel represents the driver. If the driver is smart, the first thing they will do is call an attorney. Even if the driver does not immediately retain counsel, their insurance company will.
At Bednarz & Bednarz, we have over 60 years of combined experience representing accident victims. We know how to thoroughly investigate a pedestrian accident and ensure that the negligent driver and their insurer are held accountable for the harm caused to you.
Dealing With Hit-and-Run Accidents and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Unfortunately, many pedestrian accidents are “hit-and-run” affairs, where the negligent driver speeds away without even stopping to see if the victim is alright. In many hit-and-run cases, the police are unable to find the driver. And even where the driver is known, he or she may lack sufficient insurance to fully compensate the victim (which may explain why they sped away from the accident scene).
When that happens, pedestrian accident victims may have recourse to their own insurance company. Tennessee requires all auto insurance carriers to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage must equal your policy’s limits for bodily injury and property damage. So if you carry the minimal level of insurance required in Tennessee, your UM policy would provide $25,000 in coverage for bodily injury, or $50,000 if two or more people are hurt.
You may prefer to deal with your own insurer after an accident. But all insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts to accident victims. You still need experienced personal injury lawyers at your side to protect your best interests.
Call Us Today for a Free Consultation
Bednarz & Bednarz has been serving pedestrian accident victims in Nashville, Hendersonville, and Tennessee for over 30 years. Let us help you. Contact us online or call 615-256-0100 to schedule a free consultation.
