Road accidents can happen anytime but the problem here is that in case you are the victim you can claim compensation but in case you aren’t then you need to pay a lot more than for your car damages. This case is especially tough during pedestrian accidents when the first instinct of any person is to blame the driver, which is when driver liability comes into the picture. Even when the pedestrian is at fault he might want to charge you with negligence on the road and obtain compensation for his damages, whether physical or emotional.
Driver liability cases can become ugly especially if the damages done are intense. The pedestrian who is hit can file charges once he stabilizes and compensation requested can mount to tens of thousands of dollars. Hence, the first and the basic instinct of any driver involved in such a pedestrian accident, is to flee the accident area as fast as possible, especially when there are no witnesses. Though this is a normal way in which any person reacts, fleeing the accident scene is a very bad idea. This single action can turn a simple driver liability case into a hit-and-run for which criminal charges will be awarded.
Hence however intense the damage, the best thing you can do and you must do is stay put until a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene. In the mean time you can always contact your lawyer and ask for help and advice. In case the accident was through no fault of yours, the officer’s report might be able to save you in case the injured decides to file charges at a later stage. Driver liability cases aren’t always a disaster and you will be able to get out without paying a penny in case you aren’t at fault. There are cases when the pedestrian can come unexpectedly, when controlling the car can be a bit problematic. In such cases you might not be held liable for the accident.
The compensation in any pedestrian accident cases depend on the extent of damage caused and the percentage of fault that lies with the driver. In case the fault of the driver is minimal he might be let off with a slight penalty. And how much you pay and how well you can prove your case completely depends on the lawyer you hire.
