You likely saw on television news about the report of another hit and run victim, which seems to occur all too frequently in the greater Daytona Beach area.
A motorist who doesn’t stop to help and accept responsibility for their part in asuch an accident commit’s a horrible, unspeakable act. Hit and run victims often suffer serious injuries or even did, leaving grieving family members to question why someone would injure or kill someone, and then just leave?
Drivers have a legal responsibility under Florida law to stop and exchange information after an accident involving property damage or personal injury. This of course includes drivers who hit pedestrians. It is known as the ‘Duty to Give Information and Render Aid.’ A driver who leaves the scene of an accident with injury can face criminal charges.
Nationwide, police say 4 out of 5 drivers who flee the scene of an accident have something to hide such as bad licenses, drunk driving, no insurance or outstanding warrants. The reality is hit and run accidents killed 1,557 people in the U.S. in 2003. And 1 out of 5 pedestrian deaths involve hit and run drivers.
Being an alert pedestrian is the best way to avoid becoming a hit and run victim.
Top 7 Pedestrian Safety Tips Around traffic:
- Obey traffic light signals
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street, even in a crosswalk
- Watch for turning vehicles before crossing
- Remain aware and alert as cars approach and pass you
- Just because you see the drivers does not mean they see you.
- When there are no sidewalks, walk as far from the roadway as possible
- If walking at night wear light-colored and retro reflective clothing
Seeking compensation against a negligent driver in a hit and run accident requires an attorney who understands how to find insurance coverage that may apply to help pay for injuries suffered by a pedestrian.
Contact a Daytona Beach pedestrian accident lawyer who is committed to holding irresponsible drivers accountable when they:
Do not obey stop signs or traffic lights or both
Fail to understand that green lights are for walkers too
Do not stop at crosswalks
Don’t bother to look before making right turns
Fail to yield right of way to pedestrians
Exceed posted speed limits in residential areas
For more on traffic safety issues, see the library of articles by Daytona Beach pedestrian accident attorney.
