Being involved in a hit and run can be an incredibly traumatic experience. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Fortunately, there are car accident lawyers who specialize in this type of situation and can help you understand your rights and legal options after a hit and run. In this article, we will discuss the role of car accident lawyers, your rights after a hit and run, as well as some legal options you may have available to you.
We hope that by the end of this article you will have a better understanding of how accident and injury lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system in order to get the justice that you deserve.
Hit and Run Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA reports a rising national trend of hit-and-run car accidents, the aftermath of which can range from very minor to catastrophic.
About 20% of pedestrians killed by cars in 2018 saw the driver flee the scene. Property and vehicle damage, as well as injuries to others in the path of a hit-and-run driver, can be substantial.
Because of the difficulty of tracking down the at-fault driver, those who are hurt in hit-and-run accidents often have to bear a disproportionate share of the financial burden.
Accident victims who have been hit and left for dead may need emergency medical care. Costly ambulance and hospital fees, not to mention continuous care and rehabilitation, may result from this, depending on the severity of injuries sustained.
Those who suffer serious or traumatic injuries in a hit-and-run accident may need a long time to recover. Get car accident lawyers to know your rights as a victim and how to pursue justice for the wrongs done to you. You might be better prepared to deal with the aftermath of a crash.
Get an accident lawyer after a hit and run
Before hiring car accident lawyers, here are things you should immediately do if you or a loved one are victims of a hit-and-run:
- Get yourself treated.
In the event of an accident, it may be vital to see a doctor about any injuries sustained. In order to prevent worsening health consequences, those who have sustained head trauma or other severe injuries may need quick help.
Call 911 if you or someone you know has been harmed in a hit-and-run. They will be able to evaluate your condition, arrange for medical transport, and contact authorities as needed.
- Do not forget to document the accident details.
As soon as you are able to do so after checking for injuries (both your own and those of other passengers or pedestrians), start writing down details about the collision.
Lawyers advise you to document the following information: time, date, weather, location, injuries, hit-and-run driver’s license plate (if available), and damage to vehicles.
In the event that you are unable to collect evidence, such as witness accounts or images of the incident, the responding police officers may be able to do so for you. For either a civil or criminal matter, the police report can be an invaluable piece of evidence.
You should get in touch with any witnesses or other people who were there during the accident. There may be witnesses who can back up your story if you decide to press charges against the hit-and-run offender.
- Hire car accident lawyers.
You should talk to lawyers about your car accident case before contacting your insurance company. An attorney who specializes in hit-and-run cases can evaluate your case, advise you of your legal alternatives, and help you draft a report for your own insurance provider.
Whether or not your insurance company will pay for damages if you cannot identify the at-fault driver due to a hit-and-run may depend on the rules in your state.
What car accident lawyers do
A car accident attorney can handle the following for you if you’ve been hurt in a collision and want to pursue legal action against the driver who was at fault:
- Establish who was at fault for the mishap
- Inspect your accident report carefully for relevant information.
- Gather together data that will help prove your argument.
- Set a monetary value on your legal claim.
- Meet your state’s filing deadline (statute of limitations)
- Talk to the negligent driver’s insurance provider and try to reach a settlement.
Car accident attorneys can assist you in calculating the worth of your damages. They can also assist you in distinguishing between monetary losses and intangible ones like emotional distress.
They can calculate the value of future costs you may incur as a result of the accident by reviewing your medical records and prognosis. They may be able to reach a settlement claim on your behalf if we have a thorough accounting of the costs and losses you incurred as a result of the accident.
There is probably a date by which you must submit your personal injury claim to the civil court in your state. Car accident lawyers can walk you through the statute of limitations and court proceedings in your state, as well as any special circumstances that may affect these parameters. You may lose your right to sue the driver who caused your accident if you don’t file your claim within the allotted time frame.
Aside from hit-and-run cases, lawyers can also work for different types of accidents such as semi vs car accidents, accidents with commercial vehicles, crashed trucks, and big rigs.
Car accident lawyers are specialized legal professionals who provide legal advice and representation to individuals who have been injured in car accidents. They help their clients understand their rights and the legal process, as well as negotiate with insurance companies to get the best possible outcome for their client. Car accident lawyers are also responsible for filing lawsuits against negligent drivers and other parties responsible for an individual’s injury or property damage. They may also provide assistance in recovering damages from at-fault drivers, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
