Auto accidents are scary and emotionally draining, especially if you are a victim of a hit-and-run. Here are some questions you may be asking yourself:
What Should I Do If I Am the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?
- Do not leave the scene. Call 911 and request medical services
- Accept medical attention at the scene of the accident and go to a hospital if necessary
- Document your injuries by asking for copies of your medical records
- Document the scene by writing down everything you remember about the scene, the driver and the other vehicle
- Tell the police officers about the at-fault driver’s license plate number, the vehicle’s make, model, and color, description of the damage to the other vehicle, which direction the at-fault driver was headed, and any witnesses you may have seen
- Call your insurance company
- Contact an auto accident attorney
- File a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance
- Utilize your uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver cannot be identified or if their insurance policy does not cover your damages
How Will I Pay for My Damages If the Driver Is Not Caught?
If the driver in the hit-and-run is not caught, you can file an uninsured motorist (UIM) claim with your insurance company to receive coverage for the following expenses:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation costs
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
What are the Criminal and Civil Penalties for a Hit-and-Run?
Drivers who cause an accident and then flee the scene (a hit-and-run) can face both civil and criminal punishments. In civil court, victims can hold the drivers liable by proving their negligence. This allows the victims to demand compensation for the damages they suffered as a result of the hit-and-run. In criminal court, a driver who is found guilty can face large fines and even prison sentences.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Hit-and-Run Case?
You are entitled to seek compensation for your damages–both economic and non-economic. Economic damages include the cost of current and future expenses that result from the hit-and-run, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, damages to your vehicle, and lost wages. Non-economic damages include the intangible costs of the hit-and-run such as pain and suffering.
Goldenberg Lauricella Can Help You
If you or a loved one were the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident, the Auto Accident Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella for a free consultation. Hit-and-run cases are complicated, and you need a legal team that has experience. Goldenberg Lauricella has more than 35 years of experience providing the Gold standard of advocacy for clients. Contact us today and let us help you!