Pedestrian accident leads to brain injury after hit by uninsured driver

February 26, 2014 (Press-News.org) A young woman out of San Francisco was walking to work when she was struck crossing the street just a block from her apartment. The accident led to chronic back pain and a traumatic brain injury. The young woman is continuing to seek payment from the driver who struck her, but is facing difficulty because the driver was uninsured.

Unfortunately, uninsured motorists are on the rise in California. California's department of Insurance's most recent rates estimate almost 15 percent of drivers in the state are operating their vehicles without insurance. This number is slightly above the national average of 14 percent, as reported by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) but relatively low compared to other states, like Florida, who reported a 24 percent rate of uninsured drivers or Mississippi with a 28 percent rate. The IRC compiled these statistics by reviewing data collected from nine major insurance providers in the United States. The IRC notes that the rate of uninsured/underinsured motorists is correlated to the strength of the economy. As the economy dips, the number increases. This makes sense, since those who are struggling to make ends meet may chose to go without insurance.

The story of the pedestrian accident in California above leads to two questions:
- What do you do if you are injured in a car accident by uninsured/underinsured motorist?
- What do you do if you suffered a brain injury during a car accident?

Below are some tips on how to handle these situations.

Tips for those injured by uninsured/underinsured motorists

Relief is available for victims of these accidents. Two more common options include either seeking payment through the victim's own insurance coverage or pursuing a suit against the responsible party.

Car insurance policies may include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage provides the policy holder with funds to cover the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation after an accident if the responsible party is unable to pay. If these funds are insufficient or unavailable, the victim could also pursue a claim in civil court. If the court rules in the victim's favor, the responsible party could be required to cover the cost of the victim's injuries.

More on brain injuries

Scientific advances are providing more information on the extent of damage associated with a brain injury. What society once used to refer to as "getting one's bell rung" is now known to be a serious injury with long reaching consequences. Traumatic brain injuries like concussions have been associated with an increased risk of developing degenerative diseases later in life, like Alzheimer's disease.

As a result, those injured in a car accident, either as a pedestrian or an occupant in a vehicle should take the injuries seriously. Treatment can be expensive and the victim may be eligible to receive compensation to help cover the cost of these bills. Contact an experienced California motor vehicle accident lawyer to discuss your case and better ensure your rights to any potential legal remedies are protected.

Article provided by David G. Smith
Visit us at www.davesmithlaw.com