DO I HAVE A CASE IF THE OTHER DRIVER LEFT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT?

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Quick Answer

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Yes, you still have a case if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident. If the driver isn't found, you can use your own policy to help you.

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Hit-and-run accidents happen all the time even though fleeing the scene following a crash is against the law in Virginia. Many times, a driver will leave the scene of an accident because they are driving under the influence, without a license, or do not have auto insurance. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), more than 4,700 hit-and-run crashes occurred in 2020 and many of the cases involved pedestrians and bicyclists.

Getting into an auto accident is bad enough, but the stress level rises in cases where the other driver leaves the scene. The good news is that even in a hit-and-run, an experienced personal injury attorney can help get you the compensation you deserve. Just because you don’t know the identity of the other driver, doesn’t mean you are left to foot the bills!

STEPS TO TAKE IN A HIT-AND-RUN

It is imperative that you contact the police immediately, take photos and videos of your vehicle damage and injuries, and gather contact information of any witnesses. These steps are very helpful to gain compensation for your injuries and property damage. Just like any personal injury case involving a car accident, there must be proof that the other driver was negligent, and that their carelessness caused your injuries. Be sure to write down anything you remember about the other vehicle – make, model, color, license plate number, and state-issued – as well as a description of the driver if possible. NEVER try to chase the other vehicle. Remain at the scene until the police arrive.

Hit-and-run cases are more complicated than standard auto accident claims. That is why calling an experienced personal injury attorney is key. Someone with experience handling these cases can help you explore your options and guide you through the process of dealing with insurance companies.

In some instances, a hit-and-run driver is later identified, but many times never found. If the hit-and-run driver is identified, your case would proceed just like any other personal injury claim through the driver’s insurance company. There is a high likelihood that a driver that leaves the scene of a crash may not have insurance. If you have your own car insurance, that is where your uninsured motorist’s coverage comes into play. If the driver is never identified, your uninsured policy would also help provide financial recovery.

INJURED IN A HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT?

Even though the driver left the scene of the accident, you are still entitled to compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and loss of income as well as your pain, suffering, and inconvenience. This is true if you were in a car, on a bike, or walking.

Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can greatly improve your chances of being fully compensated. At Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, P.L.L.C., we have the experience in handling cases involving a hit-and-run accident and our team of car crash lawyers are here to help you through the process should you have been injured by a driver that left the scene of an accident. Contact us today for a free consultation!

All you need to do is call us at (757) 599-6050 or send us a message online – we are available to talk 24 hours a day. With offices in Newport News and Virginia Beach, we serve clients all over Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas.