Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, anytime, even when you think are paying attention. Perhaps, before crossing a street, you checked left and right and saw that the coast was clear of cars. Or you saw a car and believed that you and a driver made eye contact and it was safe to cross the street, but the driver didn’t slow down. Long story short? Accidents between motorists and pedestrians in Woodland Hills are common. If you are a pedestrian who was hit by an automobile driver, there are several things you should know.
First, the driver of the car, truck, or motorcycle may face both civil and criminal liability. Civil liability means that as the injured pedestrian, you may sue for damages sustained as a result of the accident. An experienced pedestrian accident attorney will be able to help you with this. You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and for injuries suffered. Additionally, a local government agency, such as the District Attorney’s Office, could charge the driver with criminal liability. This means the state would prosecute the driver for injuries caused to you if the driver was determined to be breaking the law, such as driving under the influence or engaging in a hit and run. Criminal liability could result in fines, probation, jail time, and loss of a driver’s license.
Legal Obligations of Driver Who Hits a Pedestrian
If a driver hits a pedestrian, the driver has several legal obligations, including:
– Stop the car. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident where there is an injury. Even if a driver is not sure whether there has been an injury, it is up to the driver to stop the car and check in with the pedestrian.
– Offer aid. The pedestrian may need immediate medical help.
– Call the police. The driver should contact the police so the authorities can take statements from any and all involved parties, such as passengers or witnesses.
– Remain at the accident scene. Preservation of evidence is crucial. A driver must wait at the scene until he/she has exchanged information with the pedestrian or until the police or medical providers allow both sides to leave.
– Cooperate with police and medical personnel.
– Report the accident to your insurance company.
This list is not exhaustive and an experienced personal injury attorney in Woodland Hills can go over the specifics that your pedestrian accident required.
For more information on how to file a lawsuit against a motorist who hit you or a loved one while you were walking, contact pedestrian accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
