A car accident is a terrible experience already, but when the at-fault driver dashes away without even stopping, it can make the event that much more traumatic. If you’ve been subject to a hit-and-run accident, you might not feel confident about what to do next. Lawyer for hit and run accidents at The Joel Bieber Firm wants to help you get the resolution you deserve.
What Are Hit-and-Run Accidents?
A hit-and-run accident is an accident where the party hits you or your property with their vehicle and flees instead of remaining at the scene.
It is not uncommon for a driver to hit you and become nervous and unsure of what to do. They may think fleeing is their best bet, but in all actuality, an individual should never hit and run. In fact, most states have laws regarding traffic accidents that make it illegal to abandon the scene of an accident.
It is important to understand that, no matter the thought or intention behind running away from an accident, it is never okay or acceptable. When a driver hits you, they have a duty to remain on scene and exchange information, including names, contact information, and insurance information.
Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be particularly frustrating because you have no information to go by, making it more challenging to collect for your injuries. After a hit-and-run collision, rely on a knowledgeable attorney for assistance.
How Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Hit-and-run accidents happen for various reasons, including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Improper lane changes and turns
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
Regardless of the primary cause of the accident, some drivers become agitated after the collision, believing they’ll face serious consequences for what they’ve done. While drivers can face repercussions for causing an accident, the ramifications are often much more serious for hit-and-run accidents.
More than Just Vehicle Collisions
When many think of hit-and-run accidents, they think of one car hitting another car. While this is frequently how these collisions occur, hit-and-run accidents can also involve hitting pedestrians or crashing into someone’s property.
States have laws regarding a driver’s duty in the event of an accident. For example, when a driver crashes into another vehicle causing injury, or a driver hits a pedestrian, they must remain on the scene and give the individual their information. When a driver hits unattended property, they must usually leave their information for the owner.
Therefore, hit-and-run accidents encompass several different scenarios. Whether a driver hits another vehicle, a pedestrian, or someone’s unattended property, the same remains true: they cannot flee without taking action.
Injuries Often Resulting from Hit-and-Run Accidents
Injuries resulting from a hit-and-run accident depend on the type of accident and the severity of the crash. However, some of the most common injuries victims of hit-and-run accidents experience include:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Amputation injuries
Some hit-and-run injuries can be particularly serious, requiring substantial medical treatment and extensive recovery time. Not only is this difficult on you physically, but it can also be troubling for your finances. For this reason, it’s important to seek legal help to determine the best way to pursue compensation.
Liability for Accidents
As you can imagine, liability for a hit-and-run is challenging. Liability is usually one of the most critical parts of a car accident claim, but without the other party, it can feel nearly impossible to even determine who crashed into you.
Liability for a hit-and-run accident rests with the person who caused your accident. Many individuals flee the accident scene thinking they will never get caught, but in many cases, they are eventually found. Determining who caused your accident is usually accomplished with strong evidence, like photos and surveillance footage.
It is important to protect yourself after a hit-and-run accident. This means cooperating as much as possible, getting the medical attention you need, and avoiding doing anything that could indicate you shared any fault in your collision.
If the driver is found, they face not only civil liability but also criminal liability. Fleeing after causing an accident is against the law. Therefore, drivers face consequences for hit-and-run accidents depending on state law, including fees and jail time.
Seeking Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
After a hit-and-run, it can be tough to pursue damages. However, depending on your circumstances, you may still have the opportunity to obtain compensation.
Usually, after a hit-and-run accident, you can file a first-party insurance claim with your own insurance for compensation. How much you’re able to obtain from your insurance varies based on your policy and state. You may also have to rely on your health insurance for coverage of your medical expenses.
If you’re able to find the driver, you can seek compensation either through their insurance or through a personal injury lawsuit.
The topic of compensation after a hit-and-run can be difficult to navigate, but an experienced lawyer can help determine the best way to get you the monetary recovery you need and deserve.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Pursue Justice
At The Joel Bieber Firm, we fully understand the frustration a hit-and-run accident can cause. You likely feel stressed and worried about the future, unsure of what to do next. We want to help provide the guidance you need during a trying time.
Our lawyers can do everything possible to not only search for the responsible driver but also help get you the financial recovery you need. After a hit-and-run accident, you can feel confident knowing you have a strong ally on your side.
Contact our firm today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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