According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. are in car accidents every year. A number of those accidents are hit and run accidents. Hit and run accidents happen when there is a car accident and one of the people involved leaves the scene without offering insurance information or complying with the law. In many cases, hit and run accidents result from people being involved in accidents and trying to avoid the consequences from their insurance or liability.
Fortunately, your insurance company can help cover your expenses and the police will try to track down the other driver so that you can recover compensation in a lawsuit. With enough detail and legwork, the police will likely find the other person involved in the accident. When they do, have your lawyer build a case so that you can claim compensation and have your expenses covered.
If you or a loved one is injured in a hit and run accident, consult a hit and run accident lawyer to learn about your legal options. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to discuss your case with our team.
Defining Hit and Run Accident
Hit and run accidents can be one of the most frustrating types of accidents to deal with. When the accident happens, the driver of the other vehicle leaves the scene without offering insurance information or without seeking help for anyone that is injured. You can have a hit and run accident with multiple vehicles or with a vehicle and a pedestrian.
The reason why these accidents can be so frustrating is that you are not able to collect the other driver’s insurance information for damages. This makes it more difficult to file claims with the insurance company. It also makes it more difficult to file a civil suit against the responsible person because you do not have their identification or contact information.
Common Injuries from Hit and Run Accidents
Car accidents result in injuries that can be mild or severe, depending on the accident. Some of the common types of injuries include:
- Broken bones: Broken bones are a common injury, especially in accidents involving pedestrians.
- Head injuries: Head injuries involve trauma to the head, which can lead to concussions, brain injuries, and extensive brain damage.
- Bruises: Bruises can happen in a variety of ways, but they can also be caused by seatbelts and airbags.
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a condition where you injure your neck muscles during the accident. Whiplash can heal on its own in time, but severe cases may require a neck brace or other medical procedures to repair the damage.
- Cuts: It is common to have cuts after a car accident due to broken pieces of the car including glass flying around.
There are other types of injuries not covered on this list. Any injury that you suffer because of a car accident should receive emergency medical treatment. You also want to follow up with your care provider to ensure that your injuries are healing properly.
Determining Liability
Liability in a hit and run accident is a bit complicated. With the other vehicle missing, it may be more difficult to determine how the accident happened. In some cases, it will be very obvious who caused the accident. In other cases, the police will have to do some extensive work to figure things out.
One thing that you can do to protect yourself and help clarify the liability of your accident is to make sure that you do everything that you are required to do. This includes providing insurance information, contacting the police, and making sure everyone gets medical attention. The fewer reasons to give anyone to question your actions in the accident, the better off you will likely be if you choose to file a claim.
Financial Impacts of Hit and Run Accidents
According to the CDC, there are more than two million accidents per year, and many drivers can improve their chances of avoiding accidents or minimizing injuries with basic safety equipment. There are several different types of damages following a car accident. They include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency medical expenses and ongoing care can be a financial burden for most people. However, it is important to receive the care that you need. This will help you avoid serious long-term complications.
- Property damage: After the accident, your car will be damaged and need to be repaired, or it will need to be replaced. Insurance will likely be able to help with this but may not cover all of the costs. You may also lose some personal items that are damaged or destroyed in the accident.
- Lost wages: If your car needs to be repaired, or you have a serious injury, you may be taken out of work for an extended period of time. This will impact your ability to earn a living and make it difficult to afford the care that you need to fully recover.
There are other expenses that are not covered on this list. Because you are the victim in this accident, you should not have to shoulder the responsibility of these new expenses alone. The other driver can be held responsible, and you can file a lawsuit to claim compensation, if police can track down the driver.
Managing Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents are handled differently than other types of accidents because of the situation. If you are injured in a hit and run accident, the first thing that you should do is seek medical attention. The most important thing is that you make sure you and anyone else involved in the accident receive the care that they need. Once that is handled, contact the police.
The police will ask you questions about the other vehicle involved. They will also follow up with nearby security cameras and witnesses for help identifying the other driver that left the scene. While they are looking for the other person, make sure that you contact your insurance company and file a claim. The insurance company can help you with your expenses, and the company may try to recover compensation from the other driver as well.
Contact Us to Schedule a No-Risk Consultation
If you or a loved one is injured in a hit and run accident, consider contacting a hit and run accident lawyer about your legal options. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 for a free consultation today.