When a car collides with a pedestrian, the pedestrian usually loses. If a vehicle strikes you, or you see a car collide with a pedestrian, the first priority is getting the driver’s information.
But what if the driver who hit you leaves the scene?
Get a description of the vehicle
If you are conscious after the accident, it is easy to let adrenaline take over. But it is important to stay at the scene and make an effort to put together a description of the vehicle. If you can, take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate, or ask witnesses around you if they can describe the vehicle.
Call the police
Do this even if you think your injuries are minor. Even if you were jaywalking or did not have the right of way, a hit and run is still a serious criminal offense. Filing a police report right away creates an official record of what happened. But this only happens if you call from the scene and stay there until police arrive.
See a doctor
Shock and adrenaline might make you feel as if your injuries are only minor. But some injuries – such as fractures, whiplash and brain trauma – are hard to detect or might not manifest until later. Seek medical attention as soon as you can to ensure you get the care you need.
Check your own insurance plan
Even though you weren’t driving at the time of the accident, if your auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, you may still be covered.
Don’t let yourself be stuck with medical bills, pain and suffering. Even if the driver who caused your injuries leaves the scene, you may still have options to recover compensation for your injuries.