In the moment, a hit and run accident can feel devastating. You likely do not know who hit you. You may have damage to your car and injuries to your body. In times like this, you need help from someone who understands the law and can guide you through the steps you need to take.
That person is a hit and run accident attorney.
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver hits another car, person, or object and then leaves the scene without stopping. This means the driver does not check if anyone is hurt, does not leave their contact information, and does not talk to the police.
Hit and run accidents are against the law. The police want the driver to stay and share information so that they can help anyone who is hurt and figure out how the accident happened.
These accidents can be scary because you may not know who hit you. You might have a damaged car or injuries and no idea how to pay for them. If you cannot find the person who caused the accident, you may wonder if your insurance will cover the damages.
That is when you need a hit and run accident lawyer. They can find answers and guide you through legal steps.
Hit and run accidents are serious because someone is running away from a legal problem. If a driver does not stay, they do not give you a chance to exchange insurance information. They also do not give the police a chance to ask questions. This might make it harder to get the money you need to fix your car or pay your medical bills.
Drivers who leave the scene may do this because they are scared. They might not have insurance. They might be driving without a license. They might have been drinking or doing something else illegal. Whatever their reason, it makes things harder for you. You can be left with significant costs and no one to help pay them.
That is why hit and run accidents are taken seriously. If the police find the person who left, they can face criminal charges. However, finding that person is not always easy. In that case, you need an advocate on your side.
Your health is the most important thing. In a hit and run accident, you might have injuries that do not show up immediately. Maybe you feel okay at first, but after a day or two, you start to have pain in your neck or back. This can happen because your body might be in shock, and you will not notice the pain until later.
Seeing a doctor right after the accident can catch injuries early. It also shows that your injuries are linked to the accident.
If you wait too long to see a doctor, it might be harder to prove that the accident caused your injury. Your doctor will write down details in your medical records. Those records can significantly benefit you later if you need to show insurance companies or a lawyer what you went through.
It depends on your insurance policy. Some people have uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage. This might help pay for your expenses if the at-fault driver cannot be found or does not have enough insurance. However, not everyone has this kind of coverage.
Also, insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible. They might argue that your injuries are not as bad as you say. They might try to blame you for part of the accident. Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating.
This is where a hit and run accident attorney can step in. They know how to talk to insurance adjusters and argue on your behalf.
A hit and run accident attorney is a legal professional who helps people who have been hurt or had their property damaged in a hit and run crash. They know the traffic laws, insurance laws, and how to handle cases where the other driver leaves the scene.
They can do many things to support you and your claim:
They handle many details and help you feel less stressed. A hit and run accident lawyer wants to ensure you get any money you need to pay for car repairs, medical bills, and more.
You should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after a hit and run accident. Evidence can disappear fast. Witnesses might forget details over time. Camera footage might get erased. If you reach out to an attorney right away, they can start investigating your case while the details are still fresh.
Also, there are time limits, called statutes of limitations, which might apply to your case. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance to file a claim.
A hit and run accident attorney knows these deadlines. They can guide you on the best steps to take. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better chance you have to protect your rights and get the help you need.
Sometimes, the police try their best but still cannot find the person who caused the accident. In that case, you might feel hopeless. However, a hit and run accident lawyer can still help you. They can check if your insurance policy has coverage that applies to hit and run accidents. They can also see if there are other ways to get some or all of your costs covered.
You might still have legal options even if the driver is never found. For example, if the crash happened in a parking lot with security cameras, maybe your lawyer can track down footage the police did not find. Or if a witness wrote down a partial license plate, your lawyer can use that. You never know what extra information might be out there until you ask a professional to help search for it.
Most lawyers who handle personal injury cases, like hit and run accidents, work on a “contingency fee.” This means they only get paid if they win your case or get you a settlement. Then, they take a percentage of the amount you receive. If they cannot get you any money, you usually do not pay them a fee.
This helps people who are worried about paying a lawyer upfront. It also gives the attorney a reason to work hard on your case. They do not get paid unless you get paid. You can ask your lawyer about fees in your first meeting so you understand how it works. Make sure you feel comfortable with the arrangement. If something is unclear, ask questions until you understand it fully.
Sometimes, an insurance company tries to blame the victim. They might say you stopped suddenly or that you were driving carelessly. They do this to avoid paying you as much money. Even in a hit and run accident, they might argue you did something wrong.
When you have an attorney, they can fight back against these claims. They can show evidence that proves you were following the rules. For example, maybe you have dashcam footage that shows you were driving safely. Or maybe the witnesses saw exactly what happened and can say you were not at fault. Your lawyer will gather all this proof and use it to protect you from unfair blame.
After a hit and run, one of the biggest worries is how to pay for medical care. If you do not have health insurance or your coverage is minimal, you can face high bills. A hit and run accident attorney might find doctors who will wait for payment until after your case is settled. This means you get treated first and pay later when you get money from the insurance claim or lawsuit.
The attorney might also negotiate with medical providers to lower your bills. They can explain your situation, show that a claim is in progress, and try to work out a fair solution. This might avoid the stress of debts while you are healing. Always keep copies of your medical bills so you can give them to your attorney.
Sometimes, a hit and run case will go to court if you cannot reach a fair agreement with the insurance company or if the person who hit you is found but refuses to pay. If the driver is caught, they might face criminal charges, which are handled by the police and a prosecutor. But your claim for damages is a separate process in civil court.
Your hit and run accident attorney will try to negotiate outside of court first. Court cases can take a long time and cost more money. But if the insurance company will not be fair, or if the driver refuses to pay, going to court might be your best option. Your lawyer will prepare all the evidence, call witnesses, and argue on your behalf. The decision will then be up to a judge or jury.
Choosing the right lawyer can feel overwhelming. You might see TV or the internet ads and not know who to trust. You can start by asking friends or family if they know a good lawyer. You can also look up reviews online. Make sure to read what past clients say.
Schedule a meeting once you find a lawyer you think might be a good fit. Many lawyers offer a free first consultation. This is a chance to ask questions and see if you feel comfortable talking to them. You can ask about their experience with hit and run cases. You can also ask about fees and how they handle communication. If you feel at ease, that might be the right attorney for you.
Being in a hit and run accident can be one of the most upsetting experiences of your life. You have pain, damage to your car, and worry about money. On top of that, you might not even know who hit you.
In times like these, a hit and run accident lawyer can be your strongest ally. They can look for the missing driver, talk to insurance companies, and find a path to financial recovery. Most of all, they can fight for you when you feel powerless.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a hit and run, do not wait. Contact a hit and run accident attorney right now. They can guide you, stand up for you, and help bring you closer to the justice and peace of mind you deserve.
Your journey to healing can start today. Take the first step by reaching out for legal help. You do not have to face this alone.
