Why are pedestrian injuries in Mission Viejo increasing? What should you do if you are the injured victim of a hit-and-run pedestrian accident? Recent statistics from the California Highway Patrol show an increase in the number of pedestrian injuries in Mission Viejo and across Orange County California. Pedestrians are no match for a car, truck or motorcycle. The forces involved in these accidents often result in serious injuries including broken bones and fractures, head injuries including traumatic brain injury and damage to internal organs.
This is especially concerning when the driver who caused the injuries takes off after a pedestrian accident. My name is Rivers Morrell and I have more than 40 years of experience in pedestrian injuries in Mission Viejo and throughout LA, Orange and Riverside Counties. When someone is injured by a hit-and-run driver the primary recourse of recovery is the injured victim’s own automobile policy. I realize this may seem strange to you, but your Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist or UM/UIM portion of the automobile insurance policy covers injuries sustained from a hit and run driver.
This is why we highly recommend that all California drivers maximize their UM/UIM coverage. This is some of the least expensive insurance you can buy, and in this day and age many drivers are covered by the state minimum or are driving without insurance coverage altogether. The minimum policy only covers $15,000 for injuries, and victims of auto accidents and pedestrian accidents often have medical bills into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The surprise comes when the injured victim contacts their own insurance company only to learn they are “Not on your side,” or “like a good neighbor.” We have had many clients over the years who were dismayed by the response of their own insurance company and contact us to ensure they received the maximum financial recovery possible under their insurance policy. With pedestrian injuries in Mission Viejo increasing each year it is important to exercise caution on the roads and as you cross driveways, entrance ramps and even crosswalks. If you or someone you love is injured in as a pedestrian I invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call (949)305-1400 for a free consultation.
