Orange County Accident Lawyer Blog

Do pedestrians, that are injured or killed outside of the crosswalk, still have rights to recovery?

Does a pedestrian that is struck by a hit and run driver have any ability to recover damages.  Read on to see why the answer is yes!

In a publicized San Bernardino County pedestrian accident, Dustin Martin, a 17 years-old was killed when he was struck by a hit and run driver. The accident occurred while he was riding his skateboard on Cottonwood Avenue near Poplar Street. 
 
He was hit by a sedan, and the driver left the scene. The driver did however return later and was arrested for a felony hit and run. 
 
If the driver had not returned to the scene, the pedestrian may have the ability to be compensated for his or her injuries. Many people do not realize that a pedestrian, when struck by a car, has the right to make a claim on the uninsured motorist coverage of their automobile policy if they were struck by a car that flees the scene. This may, in certain circumstances, provide an avenue of recovery for the family of someone wrongfully killed or seriously injured.  

Where a pedestrian is struck by a car and the driver flees, it is worthwhile to hire a San Bernardino or Riverside County pedestrian accident attorney to consider whether you have a pedestrian accident claim.
 
Pedestrian accidents are a very serious and troubling issue in San Bernardino County. San Bernardino City and the outlying cities surrounding it have a significant pedestrian accident rate according to traffic collision Reports.  San Bernardino had 6 accidents killing pedestrians in 2000 and the same accident rate per population as major larger cities like Dallas and San Diego.

Pedestrians have rights. If you feel that you or a family member has become a victim to a pedestrian accident, either hit and run, or an identified driver, contact an experienced Riverside and San Bernardino County pedestrian accident attorney to discuss those rights.

You can call us at 1-866-981-5596 for free consultation. We always try to help any person that calls our office and inquires about such matters as a serious injury or a wrongful death. If we can't help you, we'll get somebody who can. 
 
We hope that all persons involved in pedestrian accidents, are protected under the law, particularly when they are involved in a hit and run collision.