Hit and Run Accident Lawyers - Free Case Consultation

Why Do Some Drivers Flee Accident Scenes?

After a car accident where someone is injured or killed (or where there is damage to someone else's property) motorists have a responsibility to remain at the scene until cleared by the police to leave.

It is a criminal act to flee the scene of a car crash in most states, and can lead to severe penalties.

So why do hit and runs happen?

• Sometimes, drivers were intoxicated or driving drunk and fear criminal charges once the police arrive.
• Sometimes, drivers panic in the aftermath of a severe accident where they have seriously hurt someone and fear the consequences of their actions.
• Sometimes, motorists may be unaware that they hit someone.
• Sometimes, driving without insurance or a driver's license motivates them to flee the scene.
• Sometimes, they are driving a stolen car or have illegal drugs in the car and face prison time if they remain at the scene of a car accident.
• Sometimes, drivers are in the United States illegally and fear being deported for having been in a crash.

Where does this leave you, the accident victim who was injured?

For the victim injured in a collision, you are left hoping the responsible party can be identified and held accountable for your injuries.

You can leave the arguments as to why they ran to their defense lawyers.

Having a hit and run accident attorney will help you strengthen your claim. They can help you file a claim with your own insurance benefits if you don't know who hit you. If they are found they will have prepared the case requirements to take legal action against the at-fault driver.

What Should I Do If the Other Driver Leaves the Accident Scene?

Victims left with the injustice of being hurt as a result of another's reckless actions are entitled to seek compensation for their losses. However, you have to be able to identify the at-fault motorist to do so.

If a hit-and-run driver flees the scene, follow these crucial steps to protect your rights and build a strong case.

Here's What You Need to Do

• Call the Police: report the hit-and-run to them when they arrive so they can document the details of what happened.
• Take Pictures: take as much photographic evidence of the crash scene as you can. Try to photograph any accident-related evidence you think may be important. If you can take a picture of the license plate of the driver before they drive off, even better.
• Collect Witness Information: collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Bystanders who saw the incident may be needed to provide critical testimony in support of your claims.
• Write Down Identifying Information: write any details you noticed about the driver that left the scene and their vehicle. Include notes about the color of the vehicle, make, model and any damage or distinguishing characteristics that could help identify the vehicle. Write down the license plate number if you can. If you are hit on a lonely rural road with nobody around, even details like which direction the vehicle drove off can help police identify the driver.

The Importance of Witness Statements in a Hit-and-Run Case

Witness statements are especially important in hit-and-run cases and their statements can play a critical role in your case. Witness statements can help track down the hit-and-run driver, help establish what happened in the absence of physical evidence, and protect your right to compensation. Your case may rely on a witness statement to identify the driver and support your claims of how you were hit.

The Importance of Surveillance Camera Footage

Your hit and run accident attorney's first step will be to track down any surveillance camera footage that may have captured the incident. Retrieved Ring camera security footage, dashcam footage, traffic camera footage or video from a nearby business's security cameras that captured the accident can provide a vital visual record of the event. During the investigation your lawyer will scrutinize available video for identifying information of the vehicle that hit you, its license plate, and any physical characteristics of the fleeing driver. Your insurance provider may dispute your version of what happened in the absence of evidence. The video record can help in the effort to track down the hit-and-run driver and provides an indisputable visual record of the crash.

Call the police, seek medical attention, and qualified legal representation as soon as possible. Don't attempt to follow the driver who left the scene. Your hit and run accident attorney will advise you on the exact steps you need to take in the aftermath of a crash to protect your right to compensation.

 

 

 

Seeking Compensation in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases

In hit and run cases victims are often left with the injustice of being hurt as a result of another's reckless actions and potentially with nobody to be held responsible. If you've been injured in a hit and run accident, you should be entitled to compensation for your damages. In the majority of hit and run cases, the driver who flees the scene will be identified during the investigation.

Sometimes the other driver can't be tracked down.

Your own uninsured motorist coverage/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) benefits typically kick in for accident victims hit by hit-and-run drivers or motorists who are uninsured.

This allows you to file a personal injury claim with your insurance for your accident-related losses in the event the other driver isn't found or is uninsured.

Your accident attorney will help prepare the case requirements for taking legal action against the responsible driver should they be found.

Skilled representation after a hit and run accident offers the best chance for injured victims to hold the responsible accountable and get the best possible outcome.

 

Hit and Run Accident Injuries

Due to the nature of hit-and-run accidents the injury profile of victims tend to be severe. Car accidents have the potential of causing catastrophic bodily harm and disabling injuries. In many hit and run cases, evidence is scarce, making it critical to involve a skilled injury lawyer early to investigate the accident thoroughly and use every legal tool available to identify and hold the offender accountable.

Due to the abrupt and violent nature of the incident, common injuries include:

• Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - We regularly work with clients who suffer concussions, skull fractures, and other brain trauma from car accident impacts.
• Catastrophi Injuries - Injuries of such severity that they are life-altering and cause long-term or permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries - Ranging from herniated discs and stenosis to severe spinal damage leading to chronic pain and paralysis.
• Broken Bones and Fractures - Commonly encountered in arms, legs, knees, hips, ribs, digits of the hand, and facial bones.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries - Sudden whipping motion that causes muscle strain or tears to ligaments impacting mobility and causing persistent pain.
• Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage - The force of impact in a crash can damage organs, most commonly the liver, heart, kidneys, or lungs.
• Soft Tissue Injuries - Sprains, strains, and tears in muscles, tendons, and ligaments can lead to stiffness, swelling, pain and mobility loss.
• Lacerations and Bruises - Deep cuts and bruising from flying debris, sometimes seatbelts, and may require stitches or surgery.
• Psychological Trauma - Car accident victims commonly experience PTSD, anxiety, and/or emotional distress from the trauma of the incident.
• Facial Injuries and Dental Damage - Broken teeth, jaw fractures, and other facial injuries can result from impacts to the steering wheel or dashboard in a collision.

Injuries may require extensive medical care and require extensive time for treatment and recovery. Victims should seek immediate legal assistance from a qualified hit and run accident lawyer to ensure fair compensation for both current and future medical needs.

 

How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?

According to the NHTSA annual traffic crash data as many as 42,795 people died in traffic accidents in 2022. As much as 25% of fatal pedestrian accidents are attributed to hit-and-runs. Over 800,000 hit-and-runs have been reported annually in recent years.

According to our records, the reported injuries associated with hit-and-run crashes tend to be more severe. Pedestrians and bicycle riders are common victims with approximately 1 in 5 involving fatalities.

Hit-and-runs account for a substantial number of the crash-related deaths and often involve alcohol. As many as 1 out of 4 crashes are hit and runs. Hit-and-run accidents contribute to an alarming number of traffic incidents involving injury. We strongly recommend drivers consider using dashcams which can provide critical video evidence to help identify the responsible driver in the case a hit-and-run collision occurs.

The Legal Process for Hit and Run Victims: What to Expect

The negligence laws in the state you live will determine how the insurance claim process is handled.

In no-fault states hit and run victims must first file a claim against their own personal injury protection PIP policy. If you were hit in an at-fault state the insurance laws allow for the claim process to be handled differently, but if the responsible party isn't caught by police, it may limit your compensation options. The insurance claim process is tricky business after a hit and run.

Your personal injury lawyer will be able to help you pursue your specific legal options based on the unique circumstances of your case.

In cases where the at-fault driver is not found, you may be limited to pursuing compensation from your insurance policy coverage.

A dedicated car accident attorney for hit and run accidents can conduct an independent investigation and determine where compensation is available. Securing a fair settlement can bring the relief you need so you can focus on your physical health.

Take Away:   Each accident case is unique, but our accident lawyers expect to and will fight for the best possible outcome for every one of our clients.