On December 2, 2011 a 77 year-old Massachusetts woman was walking to go purchase a newspaper when she reported “feeling a thud” and finding herself on the ground with people surrounding her, telling her not to move because she had been hit. The driver of the car fled the scene. Police later arrested the driver on hit-and-run charges, alleging that the man backed into the victim, got out of the car to look at her, then drove away. Massachusetts roads can be very dangerous for pedestrians. In the blink of an eye, a life is changed. People should be aware of the common types of injuries resulting from hit-and-run accidents and ways to recover compensation for injuries in such auto accidents.

Common Pedestrian Injuries in a Hit-and-Run

Doctors warn that pedestrians hit by automobiles can have several injuries and the injuries may be difficult to diagnose initially. Head injuries are the most common type of injury resulting from pedestrian-vehicle accidents.

A study of 920 pedestrians injured by cars showed 620 of them sustained head injuries. One hundred fifty-six of the people in the study had chest injuries. One hundred twenty-five had abdomen injuries, such as damage to the liver, kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. Seventy-one had injuries to their extremities, with tibia fractures being the most common.

Doctors warn that those involved in pedestrian-auto accidents need to be aware of the potential for spinal injuries because of the lasting damage they cause. In the study, 295 patients sustained spinal injuries. Pelvic injuries can also be particularly dangerous for pedestrian accident victims, and are more likely in severe accidents. In the study 12.8 percent of the patients sustained such an injury.

Recovery in a Hit-and-Run

If the victim knows the identity of the driver who hit him or her, the victim may choose to sue the driver for recovery of such losses as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering under a “Bodily Injury” claim
• Permanent or serious disfigurement
• If the authorities never discover the identity of the driver, the victim can recover for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering resulting from a hit-and-run accident from The victim’s own uninsured motorist coverage

Consult an Attorney

Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult, and the task is even more challenging if trying to do so while injured. If you have suffered injuries from an auto accident, contact an experienced attorney who can help you recover for your losses.