The most important thing a driver can do if they strike a pedestrian is stop and help the person hit. Call 911 and stay on the scene. Failing to stay on the scene and render aid to an injured pedestrian will likely result in criminal charges. Hit-and-run incidents are serious. If you strike a pedestrian and flee the scene for any reason, law enforcement will begin searching for you immediately.
If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash, you will likely face DUI charges. Striking a pedestrian will likely result in an enhanced charge that can increase the penalties associated with the DUI charges.
If a pedestrian is killed due to the crash, a driver could face vehicular manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter charges. The outcome of these charges will likely depend on the driver’s negligence at the time of the crash. If a driver was impaired or operating recklessly, the penalties can be severe (prison time and fines).
Even if a driver does not face criminal charges in a pedestrian crash, they can still face civil action in the form of a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit.
Negligent drivers can face both criminal and civil penalties for pedestrian crashes.
A driver’s auto insurance will likely cover many of the expenses related to a pedestrian crash, but the policy may not cover all of them. In the event that the pedestrian suffers serious injuries (or dies), a driver could face a lawsuit for much more than the insurance coverage.