Hit and Run Car Accidents

Nobody ever expects to be the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. One minute you’re driving along, and the next, someone carelessly crashes into your vehicle and flees the scene. In the aftermath, you’re left dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and a thousand questions. That’s when you need a hit and run accident lawyer in your corner. The experienced car accident lawyers at Munley Law understand the chaos and confusion you’re facing. They know how to investigate what happened, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. With expertise in accident claims and hit-and-run car accidents, they become your advocate and guide through this difficult situation.

Best Hit and Run Accident Attorneys

When you’ve been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you need personal injury law attorneys who really go the extra mile. The best hit-and-run accident attorneys are relentless investigators, skilled negotiators, and courtroom warriors all rolled into one.

These lawyers know all the tricks insurance companies play to avoid paying what you deserve. But they stay one step ahead, building an air-tight case that maximizes your compensation. Whether tracking down witnesses, analyzing accident scenes, or challenging the toughest opponents in the insurance industry, the best hit-and-run attorneys simply don’t rest until justice is served.

What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide their contact information or assist anyone who may be injured. This type of accident can involve another vehicle, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or property.

Hit-and-run auto accidents are not only illegal but also create significant challenges for accident victims, who are left to deal with the aftermath without the cooperation of the responsible party.

It’s important to report these types of accidents to the police immediately to help identify any liable parties and ensure proper legal action is taken.

What is the Difference Between a Hit-and-Run Accident and a Typical Car Accident Case?

The key difference between a hit-and-run accident and a typical car accident case is that in a hit-and-run, the driver who caused the accident leaves the scene without providing their information or helping those who are injured.

In a typical car accident, all involved parties stay at the scene, exchange contact and insurance details, and cooperate with law enforcement, eventually possibly reaching a fair settlement.

The main challenge in a hit-and-run case is identifying the responsible driver, which can complicate seeking compensation and justice.

Determining Liability

Determining liability in a car accident involves determining who is legally responsible for the damages and injuries. This process requires carefully examining the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.

Insurance companies and legal professionals look at factors such as traffic laws, the actions of each driver, and the conditions at the time of the accident. By piecing together these details, they can establish who was at fault and to what extent, which is essential for resolving personal injury claims and ensuring fair compensation for those affected.

Financial Impacts of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can have significant financial impacts on the injured party. Without a responsible driver to cover the costs, victims often face medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages on their own.

Even with insurance, there can be out-of-pocket expenses and increased premiums. The financial strain can be overwhelming, especially when coupled with the emotional stress of the accident.

This is why seeking legal help to explore all available options for compensation is so important in these cases.

Recoverable Damages in a Hit-and-Run Case

In a hit-and-run collision, victims can seek recoverable damages to cover various losses resulting from the accident. These damages may include medical expenses for injuries sustained, costs for repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle, and compensation for lost wages if the injured person cannot work.

Additionally, victims of hit-and-run collisions may be entitled to non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term impact on their quality of life.

Seeking these damages through legal avenues can help alleviate the financial burden and support the victim’s recovery at this challenging time.

What a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

Personal injury attorneys specializing in hit-and-run accidents know precisely how to tackle these chaotic situations. From launching private investigations to tracking down the negligent parties to handling all that insurance red tape, they’ve got you covered. They’ll comb through every shred of evidence, interview witnesses, study accident reports – whatever it takes to identify the guilty party and ensure they can’t just hit-and-run away from their responsibilities.

While you are struggling to get your life back together after the motor vehicle accident, your experienced car accident attorney is working to build an ironclad case to maximize your compensation.

Whether you need funds for medical bills, vehicle repairs, or justice for the trauma you endured, your personal injury lawyer is your advocate, ensuring you get the financial compensation you deserve.

What Are the Consequences of Fleeing the Scene of an Accident?

In most states, fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run is considered a criminal offense. Depending on the specifics of the incident, potential consequences can include fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If the hit-and-run resulted in injuries, the penalties tend to be much more severe.

Leaving the scene is viewed as an unlawful act that deprives the other party of critical information and aid they may desperately need.

Is a Hit and Run a Crime?

In virtually all jurisdictions, fleeing the scene of an accident qualifies as a criminal hit-and-run offense. The specific criminal charges and penalties depend on factors like whether the accident caused injuries, the degree of property damage, and whether the hit-and-run driver was intoxicated at the time.

At a minimum, a hit-and-run usually results in charges like a misdemeanor or traffic citation. But in the most serious cases involving severe injuries or a fatality, felony hit-and-run charges carrying potential prison time can apply.

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover After a Hit-and-Run Crash?

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to recover compensation for vehicle repairs, towing costs, medical expenses for any injuries, lost wages from missed work, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Having the assistance of an experienced hit-and-run lawyer will maximize your chances of getting a full monetary recovery from the at-fault driver once they are located.

How Can the Hit-and-Run Driver Be Discovered?

Dedicated hit-and-run accident attorneys have a wide range of tactics to investigate and potentially identify the driver who fled the scene. This can involve canvassing the area for witnesses, studying vehicular debris left behind, checking surveillance camera footage, and more.

If the vehicle’s license plate or a description was captured, that makes the search much easier. But even with limited evidence, a thorough investigation may still help locate the driver responsible for the accident.

How Does a Hit and Run Affect My Insurance Claim?

A hit-and-run can significantly impact your insurance claim. Since the at-fault driver fled the scene, there is no easy way to file a claim directly through their auto insurance policy. If the responsible driver is not identified, you may have to rely on your own insurance company to pay for damages and medical expenses. This often means using uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it, which can cover costs up to your policy limits. Without this coverage, you might have to pay out of pocket. Additionally, filing a claim for a hit-and-run accident could lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers may view you as a higher risk, even though the accident was not your fault.

If the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified, your insurer can then pursue repayment and recover your deductible from the at-fault party’s insurance. This is why it’s so important to do everything possible to try and identify the vehicle and driver, with the help of an experienced attorney if needed.

What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run crash, here are some important steps:

Stay At The Scene And Call The Police

The first step is to remain at the scene and immediately call the police to file a report about the hit-and-run incident. Do not attempt to follow or pursue the fleeing driver.

Document The Scene Of The Accident

While awaiting the authorities, thoroughly document everything at the accident scene that could serve as valuable evidence. Take photographs and video footage capturing any vehicular debris, skid marks, damage to the vehicles involved, and environmental conditions like weather, lighting, etc. Obtain contact information from any witnesses.

Obtain Medical Treatment

Seek prompt medical attention and treatment, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries from the collision may not be readily apparent. Creating official medical documentation is critical for any insurance claims or legal cases down the road.

Call A Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer

Contact a qualified hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible. With their expert legal advice, they can quickly initiate an investigation to identify the driver who fled and ensure you receive maximum compensation for damages like medical care, lost income, vehicle repairs, and pain and suffering. The sooner they get involved, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact Munley Law For Your Free Consultation

At Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys, our dedicated team has extensive experience representing hit-and-run victims just like you.

We understand how traumatic and stressful this experience can be. More importantly, we know how to thoroughly investigate these incidents and take aggressive action to make sure the person responsible is held fully accountable. From dealing with uncooperative insurance companies to tracking down the hit-and-run driver, we’ll leverage every available resource on your behalf.

At Munley Law, we offer free confidential consultations to help educate you on your rights and options for pursuing compensation with no risk or obligation. Our legal team will take the time to understand the specific details of your accident, explain the legal process ahead, and formulate a personalized strategy for securing justice.

Contact our law firm today for your free case evaluation. With our legal representation, you can feel confident you’ll receive the maximum compensation you deserve.