Recovering from a pedestrian accident is challenging from all aspects. When bodies collide with much larger vehicles, serious injuries such as fractures, internal injuries, head injuries and spine injuries may occur. Often, victims are unable to work as they recover, leading to financial difficulties.
On top of all that, they may deal with insurance companies or have to find other ways to obtain compensation for their damages, and that's assuming the person responsible for the accident stopped as required by law. Hit-and-run drivers make recovering from pedestrian accidents and other motor vehicle accidents more difficult, and they are not uncommon.
In 2011, Arizona had 11,413 hit-and-run accidents, according to state data. Forty-nine people were killed and 2,215 were injured. The data does not separate pedestrian accidents from other types of car accidents.
This week, Phoenix police were searching for an older vehicle that hit a man who was crossing the street. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, witnesses were able to describe the vehicle, which was light colored and had damage to its right side. They told police where the vehicle headed after hitting the man, and authorities were asking anyone with information to call the Phoenix Police Department.
If the driver is found, he or she would likely face criminal charges. In addition, the victim could hold the driver accountable through a personal injury claim.
Sources: ABC 15, "Police investigating Phoenix hit and run," Feb. 19, 2013, Arizona Department of Transportation
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