A hit-and-run accident is a serious type of crime in Minnesota that can leave victims with life-changing injuries or result in death. In Minneapolis, hit-and-run accident victims have rights. The most effective way to protect yours is with help from a skilled Minneapolis car accident lawyer from Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident refers to a car crash where one of the drivers involved flees the scene without stopping or fulfilling his or her legal responsibilities. Minnesota Statutes § 169.09 requires the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision to immediately “stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident, or as close to the scene as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck.”
If the car accident resulted in injuries, death or property damage, the driver is required to remain at the scene of the crash until he or she has completed the following:
- Given his or her name, date of birth, mailing address or e-mail address, and registration plate number of the vehicle
- Exhibit his or her driver’s license or permit, if requested and available
- Rendered reasonable assistance to any individual injured in the crash
- Given the name of his or her car insurance company within 72 hours of the crash
If the owner of a vacant vehicle that is damaged in a crash is not present at the scene, the driver has a responsibility to try to locate and notify the owner of the car or leave a note with contact information in a conspicuous place on the vehicle struck.
What Are the Penalties for Hit-and-Run in Minnesota?
Violating Minnesota law by leaving the scene of an accident without stopping or meeting all of the above-mentioned requirements is a misdemeanor crime unless the crash resulted in great bodily harm or death, in which case it is a felony. A hit-and-run conviction if the driver is identified could result in fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to three years.
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How to File a Claim for a Hit-and-Run Accident in Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota is a no-fault car accident state. This means that when a collision occurs, everyone involved will file claims with their own automobile insurance policies, regardless of who is at fault.
In the event of a hit-and-run, a victim’s own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance will cover medical expenses, lost wages and other basic economic losses. If the victim’s losses exceed what is available on his or her PIP policy, however, the driver could bring a claim against the at-fault party.
If the police cannot identify the hit-and-run driver, another option for seeking insurance coverage may be holding a third party responsible. This could include the government for a road hazard or a vehicle manufacturer for a part defect. A Minneapolis hit-and-run accident attorney can investigate your case to look for evidence of third-party fault.
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Getting justice for a hit-and-run accident in Minneapolis can be difficult, especially if the at-fault driver remains unidentified by the police. An experienced Minneapolis hit-and-run accident lawyer will be able to collect evidence that may identify the hit-and-run driver or prove that you were not at fault. This process may involve hiring highly qualified crash experts to reconstruct the accident and testify.
An Minneapolis hit-and-run accident lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement from an insurance provider on your behalf, whether you are dealing with your own insurance company or someone else’s. While most car accident cases in Minneapolis reach settlements, an attorney can also represent you at trial in Hennepin County, if necessary. If you or a loved one was recently hurt in a hit-and-run crash in Minneapolis or the surrounding area, contact Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, for a free consultation about your case to learn more. Call (612) 333-4662 now.