What is the best way to handle full responsibility for hitting a pedestrian while driving?
2 Answers
After hitting a pedestrian while driving, you should protect the scene and immediately call the police, dialing 120 for emergency medical assistance. Relevant legal provisions: According to Article 13 of the "Regulations on the Handling Procedures for Road Traffic Accidents": In the event of a fatal accident, an injury accident, or a property damage accident with any of the following circumstances, the parties involved shall protect the scene and immediately call the police: the driver does not have a valid motor vehicle driver's license or the vehicle driven does not match the type of vehicle permitted by the license; the driver is suspected of drinking alcohol or taking controlled psychotropic or narcotic drugs; the driver is suspected of engaging in school bus operations or passenger transport, seriously exceeding the rated passenger capacity, or seriously exceeding the prescribed speed limit; the motor vehicle has no license plate or uses a forged or altered license plate; the parties involved cannot move the vehicle on their own; one party leaves the scene; there is evidence that the accident was caused intentionally by one party. Compensation process after hitting a pedestrian: Remind the injured party to keep medical expense invoices and medical records, and retain all relevant receipts for any advance payments; wait for the injured party to complete treatment, then schedule a time to negotiate and mediate with the insurance company and traffic police team, and issue a mediation agreement on the spot once an agreement is reached.
I know exactly how it feels to hit someone while driving and be fully at fault—after over a decade behind the wheel, it happened to me once. The key is staying calm and avoiding panic. First, stop the car immediately, turn on hazard lights to prevent secondary accidents, then check the injured person’s condition. If they’re conscious, ask how they’re doing but avoid moving them to prevent worsening injuries. Call 120 for an ambulance and 110 to report the accident—ensuring everything is officially documented is crucial. Next, secure the scene: take photos or videos as evidence, capturing vehicle positioning and the victim’s state, which is vital for insurance claims. Contact your insurer immediately for guidance on next steps. When dealing with the victim’s family, communicate sincerely but let traffic police determine liability—if you’re fully at fault, cooperate transparently. Finally, reflect on your driving habits: stay focused, slow down, and regularly check your vehicle’s condition to prevent repeats. Remember, such incidents have major consequences—handling them promptly minimizes complications.
