Hit-and-run accidents are some of the most stressful and frustrating situations a person can experience. One moment, you’re driving or walking peacefully, and the next, you’re left injured or with a damaged vehicle while the responsible driver speeds away.
Getting compensation after a hit-and-run can be challenging. You need to deal with insurance, find proof, and know your options. However, working with a hit-and-run lawyer can significantly change the outcomes. They do the hard work so you can focus on getting better.
This guide will explain how a hit-and-run lawyer can help, the steps to take after a hit-and-run, and what to do if you find out who caused your accident.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run happens when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without providing their information or offering help to anyone injured. This can happen after car accidents, pedestrian collisions, or even when a vehicle hits parked cars or property.
In every state, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime. Penalties can include heavy fines, license suspension, and even jail time. However, many hit-and-run drivers flee because they’re uninsured, driving under the influence, or afraid of legal consequences.
For victims, this leaves a frustrating situation—how do you hold someone accountable when they’re no longer at the scene?
How a Hit-and-Run Lawyer Can Help You
A hit-and-run lawyer focuses on helping victims get compensation and deal with the legal process. Here’s how they can help:
Investigating the Accident
A lawyer works closely with law enforcement and private investigators to gather evidence that can help identify the fleeing driver. This includes reviewing surveillance footage, collecting witness statements, and analyzing accident scene details like vehicle debris or paint transfer.
For example, if the accident occurred near a business or intersection with cameras, a lawyer could request video footage to track down the responsible party.
Filing Insurance Claims
If the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, victims often rely on their own insurance for compensation. A lawyer helps file uninsured motorist claims or other relevant coverage options under your policy. They ensure all paperwork is submitted correctly and fight to get you the maximum payout.
Representing You in a Lawsuit
If the driver is identified, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against them. A lawyer builds your case by proving the driver’s negligence, calculating your damages, and presenting evidence in court.
Protecting You From Insurance Tactics
Insurance companies often try to pay less than what you deserve by downplaying your injuries. They may claim your injuries aren’t serious or that certain costs aren’t covered. A lawyer can handle these negotiations for you and push back against unfair offers. Their job is to make sure you get a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, what you do immediately afterward can impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Stay at the Scene and Call 911
Don’t try to chase the fleeing driver. Instead, move to a safe location and call the police. A police report is crucial for documenting the incident, and officers may be able to locate the driver using information from witnesses or nearby cameras.
Gather as Much Information as Possible
Try to note details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, license plate (even partial), or any distinguishing marks. Also, record the time and location of the accident.
For instance, “A black SUV with a dent on the back bumper sped away heading east on Main Street at 3:30 PM” is helpful information for investigators.
Talk to Witnesses
If others saw the accident, get their names and contact information. Witness statements can provide critical details, such as the direction the fleeing car went or other identifying features.
Take Photos of the Scene
Photograph your vehicle damage, any debris from the other car, skid marks, and road conditions. These images can serve as evidence when filing insurance claims or lawsuits.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay, some injuries—like whiplash or internal trauma—may not show symptoms right away. This is often because adrenaline can mask pain and other symptoms immediately after an accident. A medical evaluation not only ensures your health but also creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer
The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better. They’ll guide you through the next steps and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you’re looking for a trusted legal team, DiBella Law Office is the best choice. As a Boston car accident lawyer, they offer free consultations and a no-win, no-fee guarantee, so you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal process. With their experience and commitment, you’re in capable hands.
What Can You Recover After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you’re injured in a hit-and-run, you can seek compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, as well as pain and suffering.
If the fleeing driver is found, their insurance may cover these costs. If not, your uninsured motorist coverage or other policies may apply.
In some cases, victims may also be eligible for compensation through state victim assistance programs designed to help those affected by criminal acts.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run cases are harder than regular car accidents because finding the driver can be tough. Without clear proof like a license plate, video footage, or witnesses, tracking them down is a big challenge.
Even if the driver is found, they might not have insurance or enough coverage to pay for your losses. This often means relying on your own insurance, which can be tricky to deal with.
Proving who’s at fault also takes strong evidence, like photos and witness accounts. If the driver is found, suing them or working out a settlement can take time and be complicated.
What if I Learn Who Caused My Hit-and-Run Accident?
If the hit-and-run driver is found, you gain new opportunities to seek compensation. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against them to recover damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If the driver has insurance, you can file a claim with their company to cover what your insurance didn’t. They might also face criminal charges for leaving the scene, which could help your case. A lawyer can guide you through all this and help you get the money you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Hit-and-Run?
The time you have to file a claim depends on your state’s laws, but it’s usually between two to three years.
In Boston, Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those resulting from hit-and-run accidents, is generally three years from the date of the incident.
This means you have up to three years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries or damages sustained in the accident.
Conclusion
A hit-and-run accident can be scary and stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Taking the right steps and working with a good lawyer can help you get compensation.
A lawyer can deal with the legal aspects and make sure you don’t miss anything important. They’ll fight to get you the money you need to cover your costs and move forward.
Christopher DiBella is the founding partner of DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers. He knows the pain of injury from his own family’s experiences.
Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree from Boston University, graduating cum laude, and his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Among his many awards and recognitions are The National Trial Lawyers Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyer, Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Lawyer, and Super Lawyers Rising Star.
With both skill and genuine empathy, Chris is dedicated to helping clients turn their struggles into successful outcomes.
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