Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyers

A hit-and-run accident can be upsetting and confusing. You might not have been able to identify the car or the person driving it. What’s more, you might have significant injuries and property damage to contend with. How can a hit-and-run accident lawyer help?

What Are Hit-and-Run Accidents, and Why Do They Happen?

When a driver crashes into a motorist, bicyclist, pedestrian, or property and leaves without providing identification or offering help to those who may have been hurt or otherwise affected, it’s termed a hit-and-run. Unfortunately, in many cases, the driver will leave immediately, before they can be identified. 

When a driver flees the scene of an accident, most of the time, it’s to avoid getting caught. The driver may be:

• Uninsured
• Driving drunk
• Driving without a license or with a suspended license
• Afraid of losing their license due to past citations
• Driving a stolen or borrowed vehicle
• In possession of stolen property or drugs

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Immediately following a hit-and-run collision, be sure to take the following measures to protect yourself and document the incident:

• Remain where you are: Never chase the other driver, as it can be dangerous and undermine your claim.
• Call the police to report the accident: Describe your injuries and the vehicle that hit you in as much detail as possible.
• Seek medical attention: Due to shock and adrenaline, you might not immediately notice injuries.
• Jot down every detail: You can increase the likelihood of identifying the driver by writing down everything you can remember about their car: color, make, model, and license plate number.
• Find witnesses: If there were witnesses to the accident, ask them to write down what they saw.
• Take photographs: If you’re able, take photographs of the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the collision.

In the event that the driver is identified but uninsured, you may have to file a personal injury claim against them to recover compensation.

What if You Can’t Identify the Driver?

You might be wondering if you can recover compensation without identifying the driver. In short, it depends on the terms of your insurance policy and the laws in your state.

• No-Fault Insurance: In a no-fault-insurance state, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of replacement services through your own insurance provider. These benefits may have limits, depending on the amount of insurance you have and state laws.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage (UIM) is designed to provide financial compensation for damages caused by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance. In UIM coverage, an unknown at-fault driver is considered equivalent to a known at-fault driver without insurance. 

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer

If you were injured by a driver who fled the scene of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. The car accident attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are dedicated to helping the victims of these accidents recover the damages they deserve. Fill out a free case evaluation now to get started.