A hit-and-run accident is one in which a driver fails to pull over, exchange information with the other driver, speak with the police, etc. after causing a collision. Of note, fleeing the scene of a car accident may be considered to be a criminal act. Continue reading to learn what approach you should take in a hit-and-run accident and how an experienced Landover auto accident lawyer at The Law Office of Conrad W. Judy III, LLC can guide you through it.
Why might a driver flee the scene of an accident?
Though not excusable, there may be an explanation as to why the at-fault driver immediately fled the scene of your accident. Examples are as follows:
- The at-fault driver may not have had state-mandated auto insurance.
- The at-fault driver may not have had a valid driver’s license.
- The at-fault driver may have been in trouble with the law.
- The at-fault driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Can I obtain insurance coverage after a hit-and-run accident?
If law enforcement can track down the at-fault driver after your hit-and-run accident, then you may be able to seek financial compensation via your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Up to the limits of your policy, you may be able to recover your car damages, along with your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. On the other hand, if the at-fault driver is still at large, then you may be able to use both your PIP coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to recuperate your damages.
What steps should I take in a hit-and-run accident?
While you may still seek an insurance claim if the at-fault driver is left unidentified, the same may not apply for a personal injury claim. This is because you need to know who exactly to direct your legal action toward.
So, you may be able to aid the police in their chase of the at-fault driver by providing them with as much information as possible. For one, you should jot down the identifiable characteristics of the driver’s car, such as its make, model, color, and license plate number. Secondly, you should make note of the identifiable characteristics of the driver themself, such as their sex, race, skin color, hair color, and articles of clothing.
If you happen to have a camera installed in your vehicle, you may want to provide the police with a copy of its footage. If witnesses were present at the scene of your accident, then you may want to ask them what they saw, along with sharing photos or videos they may have captured themselves.
In the end, you must take the initiative and reach out to a skilled Landover, Maryland personal injury lawyer at your earliest possible convenience. Our team at The Law Office of Conrad W. Judy III, LLC will be happy to serve you.
