Vehicle collision cases can be complicated as it is. However, when an individual is involved in a hit-and-run car accident, those challenges may increase significantly. Oftentimes, individuals dealing with these types of incidents may be left feeling uncertain and fearful of their future. Determining liability may also be complicated when a hit-and-run car accident occurs. Understanding the importance of a hit-and-run vehicle collision and what to do when the driver cannot be found is an important step in working towards recovery for victims and their loved ones.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Vehicle Collisions
A hit-and-run usually occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the scene without completing their legally required responsibilities, such as stopping, exchanging information, or providing assistance to the other individuals when necessary. Hit-and-run incidents can involve the following.
- Two or more vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Parked vehicles
- Other property
The fleeing driver may leave for many reasons, including fear of legal consequences, lack of insurance, an invalid driver's license, or pure panic.
It is important to note that leaving an accident scene may result in legal consequences for the driver. For the injured person, the immediate concern is often how to address injuries and financial losses when the other driver has fled the scene of the accident.
Important Steps to Take to Recover
The moments following a hit-and-run can be confusing, but taking the necessary steps and safety precautions may help preserve important information that could later become crucial. If possible, victims should consider moving to a safe location and call emergency services. It may also be important to seek medical attention for injuries, especially when symptoms such as the following appear.
- Head paint
- Dizziness
- Neck pain
- Difficulty moving
Victims should also consider contacting law enforcement and reporting the accident. Provide as much information about the fleeing vehicle as you can remember, including its make, model, color, license plate number or partial plate number, direction of travel, and any visible damage.
Necessary Evidence and Documentation
Evidence can be especially important in a hit-and-run case because the identity of the other driver may initially be unknown. If you can safely do so, photograph the accident scene, your vehicle, visible injuries, debris, skid marks, and surrounding streets. Victims should also take photographs from several angles to document the circumstances as thoroughly as possible. This may be beneficial later on during the claims process.
In addition, it may be necessary to document the vehicles, injuries, and the accident scene as soon as possible. This is because oftentimes, necessary pieces of evidence may disappear after an incident has occurred.
Victims should also look for witnesses who may have seen the collision or the fleeing vehicle. Obtain their names and contact information when possible. Nearby homes, apartment buildings, businesses, parking facilities, traffic intersections, and other locations may also have surveillance cameras. Video footage could potentially contain information about the vehicle or its license plate.
Seeking Medical Care
Some accident-related injuries are immediately noticeable, while others may become apparent hours or days later. Possible injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents may include but are not limited to the following.
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
Seeking appropriate medical care can address potential health concerns while also creating documentation of the injuries and treatment received after the accident. Victims should keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, diagnostic testing, and other documents associated with their treatment. These records may become important and necessary when evaluating an insurance claim.
Hit-and-Run: Unknown Driver
Law enforcement may investigate a hit-and-run using witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle descriptions, license plate information, debris, and other available evidence. However, not every hit-and-run driver is ultimately identified. If the driver cannot be found, an injured person's own automobile insurance policy may become an important consideration. The availability of coverage often depends on the policy, the facts surrounding the collision, applicable law, and whether specific coverage was purchased.
Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage may apply in certain hit-and-run situations. This type of coverage is usually put into place as a way to provide protection when an at-fault motorist does not have insurance or cannot be identified.
Depending on the policy and applicable law, uninsured motorist coverage may potentially address losses related to bodily injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver. Property damage coverage can involve different requirements and limitations. For example, uninsured motorist property damage coverage and collision coverage may work differently depending on the circumstances.
Since insurance policies contain specific definitions, exclusions, reporting requirements, and coverage limits, it is important to review the actual policy rather than assume that a particular type of loss is covered.
Insurance Providers
After reporting the accident to law enforcement, victims should consider telling their insurance carrier as soon as reasonably possible. Your insurer may request information such as the following.
- The police report or report number
- Photographs and videos
- Witness information
- Medical documentation
- Repair estimates
- A description of how the accident occurred
When communicating with an insurance company, it is crucial to provide accurate information and avoid guessing about facts you do not know.
After the Crash: What Happens if the Driver is Found
Sometimes a driver is identified after an investigation has begun. Surveillance footage, witness information, license plate records, vehicle damage, or other evidence may assist investigators. If the driver is located, additional legal and insurance issues may arise.
Depending on the facts, an injured person may be able to pursue a claim against the driver and potentially other legally responsible parties. Whether another person or entity may share responsibility often depends on the circumstances of the accident and applicable law.
Seeking Legal Guidance and Support
Seeking the help of a legal professional after experiencing the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident is a crucial first step in working towards recovery. Oftentimes, determining liability when involved in a vehicle collision with a hit-and-run driver can be extremely difficult and challenging to navigate alone. A qualified personal injury attorney may be able to review the facts of your case, assess the damages, and preserve the necessary evidence that may help determine responsibility moving forward. This is crucial, especially when the driver cannot be found after hitting another vehicle and causing injuries.
KAASS LAW
Individuals who have been injured in a hit-and-run vehicle collision should speak to a legal professional from KAASS LAW to discuss their rights and responsibilities throughout their personal injury case. Our legal team is ready to help those who have suffered the aftermath of this type of accident understand the steps needed to work towards recovery. We may review police reports, available evidence, and help you speak to your insurance providers. These are crucial steps in making sure you feel supported and cared for during a difficult time. Don’t wait! Call KAASS LAW today to learn more.