The victim was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center where he is in critical condition. The highway was shut down for three hours while the accident reconstruction team investigated the incident. Police are asking anyone with information to call the Independence Police Department at (859) 356-2697.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
In a typical accident, two cars collide, and one or more of those involved will be able to call for help. In a pedestrian hit-and-run, the driver isn’t available to call for help leaving the injured to fend for themselves. Over the past several years, hit-and-run accidents have been on the rise, and pedestrian victims make up 60 percent of all hit-and-run crashes.
When a driver flees, the problems for the the injured pedestrian is amplified. First the injured feels twice victimized, once when struck by the car and then when the driver takes off. Also for pedestrians, because they are unprotected, their injuries are likely to be more severe, and they are in need of prompt medical care which may be delayed if the victim can’t get help.
Why do They Run?
According to the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety, there are several reasons why some drivers flee the scene of an accident, and if the injured is a pedestrian, then the chance of the driver fleeing doubles. Some of these reasons are:
- Alcohol: Impairment is the number one reason drivers flee. First, their judgment is compromised by the alcohol or other substance, and then they decide its better to run than face a DUI.
- Warrant/No Driver’s License: Many drivers run because they fear the reprisal once their identity is checked.
- Younger Drivers: Often a younger driver will panic and flee the scene.
- Feel they are at fault: If the driver feels that he or she is at fault when hitting a pedestrian, they are more likely to flee.
Insurance Problems
When a driver flees, it creates difficulties for the victim when dealing with compensation for their injuries. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for the damages, but in these cases, it’s unknown who that is. The insurance company might question the accident if the victim makes a claim against their own auto insurance. Since the at-fault driver is not around, then there is only one side to the story creating problems for the insurance company in determining who was at fault.
Other issue are:
- What injuries can I claim?
- Will my insurance pay for just damages to my car or for medical bills and lost wages too?
- What happens if my insurance pays me for my medical injury and then they find the hit-and-run driver? Do I have to pay my insurance company back?
- Is my Insurance company no longer on my side? Are they going to try and say it was my fault?
- What if they don’t believe me?
Do I need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run?
Not all injuries require an attorney, in cases where the injuries are severe and the law can be a bit complicated such as in hit-and-run accidents, then you need to at the least speak to an attorney who can assess your case and give you advice that you can trust.
The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that experience and few firms in the Louisville area have the same experience and knowledge that Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC have. They have helped countless victims of all types of accidents including hit-and-run crashes. Get this experience and knowledge working on your side. Call (800) 937 8443 or click here to contact an attorney that can start on your case today.
