Summary:
- A hit-and-run accident involves a reckless driver striking another vehicle and fleeing the scene of the crime
- Victims of hit-and-run accidents should collect evidence at the accident scene by taking pictures of car accident damage, speaking to witnesses, and remembering the make and model of the vehicle that caused the accident
- Those who suffer from hit-and-run accidents should file a police report
- Car accident lawyers can help ht-and-run victims identify the at-fault party and file a car accident claim to pursue compensation for damages
Drivers can suffer car accidents from negligent motorists who engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as distracted driving, speeding, or drunk driving. A driver who causes a severe car accident may want to avoid liability by fleeing the accident scene and never stopping to exchange contact information with the accident victim. This is called a hit-and-run accident.
Victims of hit-and-run car accidents should gather information at the scene of the accident, try to remember the make and model of the vehicle that struck them, seek medical attention, file a police report, contact their insurance company, and file a car accident claim. An experienced car accident attorney can help with the process of pursuing compensation for hit-and-run damages.
What is a Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
Car accidents involve one driver striking another driver’s vehicle, resulting in direct physical trauma that can cause severe injury. Many types of car accidents exist, such as sideswipe, head-on, T-bone, and rear-end collisions. One type of car accident a driver can suffer is a hit-and-run accident.
This type of car accident involves a reckless driver causing a car accident and fleeing the scene. They fail to stop to exchange contact information like they should to avoid legal and criminal liability for causing a car accident. However, drivers suffering from hit-and-run accidents can still take steps to help with a future hit-and-run accident claim.
Gather as Much Information on the Hit-and-Run Accident as Possible
After a car accident, victims should wait at the accident scene and collect evidence. This can involve taking pictures of their injuries, the property damage to their vehicle, skid marks, traffic control signals, and other substantial evidence contributing to the accident.
This evidence-collection process can be even more vital when the other driver flees the scene of the car accident. Victims of hit-and-run accidents should try to remember the make and model of the vehicle that struck them and fled the scene. If they can, remembering the license plate number can also help identify the party who caused the car accident.
Filing a Police Report After Suffering a Hit-and-Run Accident
Another vital step in the process after a hit-and-run accident is filing a police report. Victims of severe car accidents that cause significant property and bodily damage should always contact law enforcement from the accident scene. A responding officer can survey the scene, write down all relevant information, and interview those involved and witnesses to develop a story.
Contacting law enforcement can also help identify the liable party of a hit-and-run accident. They can use video footage from traffic light cameras and other evidence to identify who caused the hit-and-run accident. This can help you hold them liable for causing significant damages to your car, your health, and your quality of life.
What is the Process for Filing a Hit-and-Run Car Accident Claim?
If you are able to identify the at-fault party, you could file a hit-and-run car accident claim with them to pursue compensation for damages. They can be held liable for a car accident claim because they caused the car accident. Their reckless behavior, such as drunk driving, speeding, and drunk driving, caused the hit-and-run car accident.
Some steps involved in filing a car accident claim can include filing the paperwork to begin the claim process, collecting evidence to establish the at-fault party’s liability, and negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s liability. A car accident attorney can help with this process to assist you in pursuing compensation for hit-and-run accident damages.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Hit-and-Run Car Accident Claim
At The Russo Firm, our car accident lawyers can help you with your claim following a hit-and-run accident to pursue compensation for car accident damages. We understand the impact that car accident injuries can have on someone’s physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
Our experienced car accident attorneys wish to use their expertise in car accident claims to help hold an at-fault party accountable for causing a hit-and-run accident. Contact us for a free car accident consultation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Accidents
Should Hit-and-Run Accident Victims Seek Medical Attention?
Victims of hit-and-run accidents should also seek medical attention after their accident. They can suffer severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term pain and suffering, which is why those who suffered them during a hit-and-run accident should seek medical attention.
After a hit-and-run accident, a victim should go to the hospital. A healthcare professional can diagnose their injuries and suggest a method for medical treatment. This can help them recover from their severe injuries and help to establish the fact that they suffered an injury requiring financial compensation for a car accident claim.
How Does Insurance Cover a Hit-and-Run Car Accident?
Insurance can apply to a hit-and-run accident just like any other type of accident. Those who have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance can recover some compensation for damages regardless of fault.
PIP insurance can compensate for a percentage of medical bills and lost wages. However, those seeking full compensation for economic and non-economic damages must file a car accident claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help With Your Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?
Hiring a car accident lawyer can help after a hit-and-run accident. They can use their expertise to help you recover compensation for car accident damages. They understand the long-term impact of a car accident and can assist you in your financial recovery. Some ways they can help include assessing damages, collecting evidence, explaining laws, and negotiating a settlement.
