How to Document Your Case in a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

If I’m Injured in a Pedestrian Accident, What Should I Do First?

Hit-and-run accidents are bad enough, but when these accidents involve pedestrians, they can be devastating. Most hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians often result in severe injuries that can forever alter the victim’s life in an instant. If you or a loved one has been involved in this type of accident in Louisiana, you must understand the legal steps to take, especially if the driver is located, and you must sue for compensation.

The following are just a few of the necessary actions to take after your hit-and-run pedestrian accident in Louisiana:

• Always seek immediate medical attention – This step is critically important after being involved in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident. At first, your injuries may seem minor, but receiving an evaluation from a healthcare professional is crucial. Many types of injuries, particularly internal injuries or head trauma, may not immediately present obvious symptoms but could be severe.
• Report your accident to the police as soon as possible – Once your medical care has been secured, you must report your accident to the police. This is a legal requirement in Louisiana, and reporting any accident that results in injury is mandatory. Also, your official police report is vital evidence in any legal claim you may have to pursue.
• Collect as much information and evidence as possible – If you can, it’s best to have law enforcement involved in gathering evidence at the scene of any hit-and-run pedestrian accident. Suppose you, as the pedestrian, are able. In that case, you should attempt to obtain as many details as possible, such as the vehicle’s make, model, and color involved, as well as any potential identifying features, even a partial license plate number.

Pedestrian accidents are always traumatic incidents, particularly when the driver responsible flees the scene. However, obtaining a professional, experienced, and compassionate personal injury lawyer gives you the best chance to get the compensation you need to recover and hold the responsible party accountable.

What Type of Documentation Should I Collect for My Case?

There are many items that your skilled and thorough personal injury lawyer would recommend you keep track of, and each case differs. However, the following is a general example of what you should collect:

First, you must follow through with all the medical treatments your doctor and medical team prescribe.

However, after the initial emergency care, depending on your prognosis, you may have physical therapy, ongoing tests, head injuries, cognitive issues, etc. Following through with your treatment not only helps you recover but also creates a detailed medical paper trail that links your injuries directly to the accident.

• Just some of the medical documentation should be included are:
  • ER and initial examination records.
  • Any hospital admissions.
  • All diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.
  • Your prognosis and ongoing treatment plans.
  • Prescriptions, physical therapy notes, and much more.

The above documents and more are vital when determining the extent of your injuries and the financial impact your accident has on you and your family.

Although it is not an official medical record, keeping a journal of your condition, the pain it causes, etc., is a powerful and significant tool your lawyer can use in court.

• Collect and preserve all supporting documents. Today, in most urban and suburban neighborhoods, businesses or residences have cameras that could capture the accident. Either request the footage yourself, or your thorough lawyer will send a preservation letter to ensure any video evidence is not erased.
• Traffic or intersection cameras – Most Louisiana municipalities install traffic cameras at busy intersections. These cameras may provide crucial evidence and even catch a hit-and-run vehicle.
• Official police report – Always obtain a copy of the report as soon as it’s available. This report will describe, in detail, the officer’s observations, the time and location of the incident, any vehicle descriptions, and any leads that may have been identified.
• Insurance policies and documentation – If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in Louisiana, it may help considerably in a hit-and-run situation. Contact your insurance company and provide them with all relevant documentation.

Remember that these hit-and-run cases can be extremely challenging. Still, a professional, empathetic, and well-versed personal injury lawyer will know what must be done and help you successfully navigate this entire process.

So, Can I Pursue Legal Action If I Must?

The simple answer is, in most cases, yes, you can. However, you must locate the driver if you wish to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party.

However, let’s say the driver is uninsured or underinsured or cannot be located. In this case, you may have to file a claim with your insurance provider under the uninsured motorist coverage. As you may guess, this can become highly complex legally.

Additionally, other issues may have contributed to your accident, such as obstacles to seeing a clear and safe path or distractions.

No matter what the unique circumstances of your accident may be, your highly experienced personal injury lawyer can significantly help you determine the best course of action and handle the myriad legal complexities involved.

Why Should I Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer After My Accident?

With all the resources at their disposal, the police and your lawyer have the best chance of finding who caused the accident. When they’re found, in most cases, you may be forced to take legal action to pursue the fair legal compensation you deserve.

This often involves filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, their insurance company, or both for damages; always remember that all insurance companies will only pay what they must.

Therefore, your personal injury lawyer will help you with a hit-and-run claim by:

• Investigating, independently, the cause of your hit-and-run accident.
• Following through on the investigation by law enforcement.
• Gather evidence proving what caused your accident.
• Verifying your (and the at-fault driver’s) insurance coverage, policy limits, etc.
• Thoroughly document your damages to determine how much your hit-and-run accident claim is honestly and fairly worth.
• Professionally and expertly negotiate with all the insurance companies for a fair settlement and more.

Any compensation you obtain from a hit-and-run accident depends on numerous factors. Therefore, you should never attempt this challenging legal task on your own. The professional help and compassionate guidance of your aggressive and experienced personal injury lawyer will be invaluable to your future recovery and financial stability.

I’ve Been Struck by a Hit & Run Driver; How Should I Proceed?

If you’re a pedestrian, being hit by any vehicle can be a horrific and often life-altering experience. You and your family will find yourselves dealing with painful injuries, loss of income, possibly huge and ever-growing medical expenses, and much more; due to the negligence and fault of another.

At this vulnerable and critical time, you must have the professional help you need to find answers and provide just accountability and the compensation you deserve.

The personal injury and hit-and-run lawyers at Landgrave Garcia Injury Attorneys have extensive, professional experience representing and fighting for clients and their families during this daunting time. Call them today at 337-242-7604 and schedule your free initial consultation on your unique case. They will proudly and vehemently provide you and your family with the sound legal guidance you need at this difficult time.