When You Are in a Hit-And-Run Accident
When you are in a car accident, you have mere seconds to really think about what has happened. In some cases, this is just enough time for the person who caused the accident to get away from the scene. While leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, many people will do it anyway. You may have some questions in the wake of this kind of situation. Here's what you need to know.
Finding the Responsible Driver Is Difficult
It is difficult to find the hit-and-run driver who is responsible for your accident. The best thing you can do is gather as much information at the scene of the crime as possible. You can help with the investigation by taking note of the license plate, make, model, and color of the offending vehicle. You may also be able to get information by gathering contact information of witnesses at the scene.
You should also take note of the specific time at which the accident occurred. This is a good idea because local security cameras may be able to capture something suspicious happening nearby.
File a Claim Through Insurance Anyway
You should file a claim with your insurance company regardless of whether you know exactly who hit your car. Your insurance company may still cover your claim. Types of coverage, like uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection coverage may cover these types of incidents.
Receive Reimbursement Later
If a hit-and-run driver is discovered after you pay your deductible, you may be able to receive compensation. Your insurance provider is supposed to assist with this. If the driver is discovered, you may also be able to receive punitive damages that the other driver will be forced to pay based on a judge's decision.
Hire an Attorney
If your case goes to court, you may have a difficult time battling the other driver or an insurance company. An accident attorney helps you get through this stressful process, which requires you to have a lot of legal know-how and perseverance.
You may have a lot of difficult questions after an accident, and it is possible that the best person to discuss your situation with is a personal injury attorney. A car accident attorney can help you determine if you have a strong case to recover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They will also help you find out if this is even possible.
To learn more, contact an accident attorney in your area like those at Labine Law Firm.
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