I just hit someone with my car on a crosswalk while on red for pedestrians. He only sustained minor superficial injuries. I took him to the hospital to get checked and then gave him all my contacts in case he needs anything else. The hospital said he is fine, but I am concerned he might call a lawyer to try to get some money off me.(I don't mind paying what I owe) Can anyone give me advice? thanks.
2007-01-23 05:22:21 · 8 answers · asked by cachorro_que_da 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
OK.. basing this on what you said (no one appears hurt, you and the ped. both agreed to let you take him to the MD, that there was apparently no police report - at this time) and that there was an ammicable parting.... then here is my two bits.....
1) You hit a pedestrian. Chances are your states vehicle code has a mandatory filing for that. Check that ... you could lose your license and that will prob. hurt a bit.
2) Notify your insurance company... especially while the memory is fresh. They will take your statement and file it away but it won't affect your insurance rates. That way, if the pedestrian DOES file a claim your insurance company won't raise an eyebrow about your lack of informing them.
3) Any witnesses? If so try to get their names and statements now. Memories fade (trust me on this..grin) and if a suit comes (and the pedestrian has several years to sue you) you may not be as well prepared if you start to defend yourself then.
4) Try a follow up call with the ped. It can't hurt and you will leave him with a feeling that you are a nice person and concerned.... plus you will get a sense of where things might be going... (after all what if he IS hurt ?)
5) After all that... kick back and relax. You can not change anything else util he acts (and after 2 or 3 years that is no longer an option).
ok???
2007-01-23 08:06:55 · answer #1 · answered by ca_surveyor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you SHOULD have done was remain at the scene with the man you hit and call the police. Now that that is no longer an option, I agree with everyone else. You need to call a lawyer and your insurance company.
2007-01-23 05:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by J.R. 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I assume there was no police at the scene, since you took him/her to the hospital. I'd call my insurance carrier first. You don't know yet whether you will be sued or not, so i don't think lawyer can do much at the moment.
2007-01-23 05:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you meant for this to be serious, but my first thought was "Back up and hit them again."
Sorry. But I agree with everybody else. Talk to a lawyer ASAP.
2007-01-23 05:30:29 · answer #4 · answered by tinkerbell24 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a lawyer immediately. No offense but this is really not the place you should be talking about this. Get some professional advice right now, please.
2007-01-23 05:27:06 · answer #5 · answered by tucsondude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would immediately contact my ins. carrier and be honest. in fl you may have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries which is a serious charge.
good luck!
2007-01-23 05:28:03 · answer #6 · answered by brian m 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
talk to a lawyer and hope he doesn't sue you. he could easily pretend to have a hurt neck.
2007-01-23 05:28:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run like hell.
2007-01-23 05:27:08 · answer #8 · answered by dd 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋