A car accident is frightening and stressful enough without a hit-and-run. If the other driver flees the accident scene, call the police right away. They can investigate the scene and collect any evidence that might lead to the identity of the driver who fled. If possible, speak to witnesses at the scene and obtain their contact information. You are not out of options for financial recovery.
You do you have to attempt to track down the at-fault driver on your own, nor do you have to take on your insurer without support. A car accident lawyer in your area can explain what you should do if the other driver in an accident flees the scene. They can also explain the laws of your state and your right to compensation. A lawyer can also explain how you can turn to your own insurer for compensation.
Your Hit and Run Accident Report Can Contain Valuable Information
A car accident report is an important part of any car accident case. It can be especially important in a hit-and-run case since it can contain information your attorney can use, including:
- Police-generated photos of the accident scene
- Debris and other evidence the police collected
- Security, surveillance, and smartphone images
A personal injury lawyer can obtain a copy of your police report and any attachments that support your case. Your lawyer will order your official police report for you, along with any other beneficial evidence.
Additional Evidence That Could Benefit Your Car Accident Case
When a driver flees the scene of an accident, they could leave evidence behind that can help identify their vehicle. Police who arrive at the scene will collect this evidence, and your lawyer may later have access to it. It can include:
- Witness observations. In the aftermath of the accident, witnesses may have the presence of mind to make observations you might overlook, especially if you are injured.
- Photos and video footage. Most people today carry a smartphone. Use yours to take photos of the scene. Witnesses or passersby might take a video of the fleeing vehicle or jot down the license plate number.
If the police have not already done so, ask witnesses for their contact details which can make it easier for your lawyer to locate and interview them.
Review Your Auto Insurance Policy Carefully
If your state requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it will cover the costs of your accident. If UM coverage is optional in your state and you chose to add it to your policy, it will cover these same costs. The same is true of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
The lawyer who represents you will review your policy in detail to understand its coverage limitations and the steps it outlines in filing a claim. They will also create a detailed list of the damage to your vehicle and other areas of compensation you are entitled to recover.
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You Can Still Obtain Compensation After an Accident Where the Other Driver Fled
Your lawyer will examine your insurance policy in detail and explain how you can recover the following damages after your accident, even if the other driver left without accepting responsibility for their actions:
- Economic damages, including current and future medical expenses, loss of income and loss of the ability to earn in the future, property damage, and property loss
- Non-economic damages, including physical impairment or disability, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, burial or cremation expenses, loss of income, and loss of consortium, companionship, and support
The lawyer who represents you will assign an accurate value to your case. They will also collect the documents that prove their individual and collective monetary value.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Must Still Comply With the Statute of Limitations
The state where your accident occurred will determine the length of time you have to file a lawsuit. Even if your lawyer negotiates a settlement, they may still file your lawsuit to protect your right to go to court if a settlement agreement cannot be reached.
Your lawyer will explain the appropriate filing deadline and any exceptions that toll, or pause, the deadline. Your lawyer can also explain the consequences of an expired statute of limitations.
Understand the Advantages of Hiring a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Investigating any accident on your own can be hard. When your investigation has the added burden of identifying a driver who fled, its difficulty increases significantly. By hiring a lawyer, they can focus on building your case while you focus on getting better. Your lawyer will:
- Investigate your accident
- Obtain compelling evidence
- Submit insurance claim forms
- Make any necessary court filings
- Negotiate a favorable settlement
- Consult relevant expert witnesses
Your lawyer can also provide regular updates on your case and its progression. If a settlement cannot be reached, they can also take your case to court for final resolution.
Hiring a Lawyer Will Not Add to the Accident’s Financial Aftermath
Most personal injury law firms will accept your case on a contingency fee basis. They will cover all the upfront expenses of investigating your case and building your case file. You will only compensate them after they recover compensation for you.
If your case does not end with a settlement or a verdict in your favor, you will not owe any legal or attorney fees.
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We Can Review Your Hit-and-Run Accident for Free
If you or a loved one was injured in a recent car accident and the other driver fled, you could still obtain financial recovery for your accident-related expenses. Our law firm will work hard to identify the other driver or to seek damages from your own insurance.
With more than ten years of experience, we can handle the hard work for you. Contact our consultation team at Adam Smallow Injury Lawyers to learn more about recovering compensation if the other driver in an accident flees the scene.
Call or text (410)777-8960 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form