When you go out for a run or walk through Pulaski County, you probably don’t expect to be in an accident. And in a lot ways, this is a pretty reasonable expectation. As long as you stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you, you can keep yourself safe. The problem, though, is interacting with other drivers–some of whom aren’t as diligent as you are. This usually results in accidents–and that unfortunately means injuries.
This is exactly what happened recently in Pulaski County, according to a story from WKYT. A 16-year-old girl was injured when she was struck by a driver while she was running along Slate Branch Spur Road in Pulaski County. To make matters worse for the girl, the driver of the Chevrolet Avalanche that hit her did not stop to help her. Another driver that was behind the Avalanche did stop and pick up the girl, taking her to nearby Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. The girl was treated for minor injuries and released.
The girl told Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies that she was struck by the Avalanche’s passenger side mirror. No names have been released by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, but an investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are pending finding the driver.
What Should You Do If Your Child is Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident is always devastating, but the stakes are raised considerably when your child is the victim. In Kentucky, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime, and while it can feel overwhelming, you and your child still have legal options in place to help. But one of the difficulties, as the story above shows, is that you might not be with your child when they’re hit. Even still, taking the right steps after the accident can help protect your child’s rights and strengthen your claim. Here’s what needs to be done:
- Call 911 – Your child’s safety comes first. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical help by calling 911 (or having your child call 911 on their own.) Paramedics can take care of initial injuries and provide immediate care.
- Remember everything you can – If you saw the accident, write down anything you remember about the car, like its color, make, model, or part of the license plate. Even small details can help police find the driver.
- Report the accident – It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Kentucky. Call the local police and tell them everything you know. Also, ask for a copy of the report for your records.
- Look for witnesses or video footage – Ask bystanders if they saw what happened and get their contact info. Check for nearby security cameras that might have caught the accident.
- Take pictures and videos yourself – If it’s safe, snap pictures of the scene, your child’s injuries, and any damaged items. This can help with insurance claims and legal action.
- Call your insurance company – Your health insurance may cover medical costs through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) even if the driver isn’t found, so contact them as soon as you can and file a claim.
- Keep everything – Save medical bills, therapy costs, and other expenses. If the driver is caught, you may be able to recover these costs.
A hit-and-run accident can change your family’s life in an instant. At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial stress this brings. Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, gather critical evidence, and handle the legal side of things so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
Get Support After Your Child is Injured in a Hit-and-Run in Kentucky
You never want to be in a situation where your child is injured, let alone in a situation where their hit by a car and the driver flees the scene. For as scary as this situation is, our Kentucky hit-and-run accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger can help you and your family get financial support for your child’s:
- Medical expenses and long-term care
- Lost income if a parent must take time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses, if the accident was fatal
- Punitive damages, in cases of extreme negligence
Every case is unique, and our team will guide you through the process to make sure your child gets the most out of the claims process. If your child has been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Pulaski County or anywhere else in Kentucky, contact us today for a free consultation.
