What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

There is no telling when a hit-and-run accident will occur. If someone hits your vehicle and flees the scene, you need to respond properly. Otherwise, you may be solely responsible for any costs associated with your car accident — despite the fact that someone else caused it. 

At Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, we offer legal help to hit-and-run accident victims. To learn more, connect with a hit-and-run lawyer from our team. Our attorney can get the facts surrounding your hit-and-run accident and help you find the at-fault party.

What You Need to Know About Hit-and-Run Accidents

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a motorist strikes another driver or pedestrian, then leaves the scene. In this instance, anyone affected by the accident is forced to deal with its ramifications on their own. Meanwhile, the motorist that caused the accident takes no responsibility for their actions. 

Research indicates the number of hit-and-run accidents in the United States increased by 44% over the past decade. During this time, many of these accidents were fatal. There may have been dozens of hit-and-runs that went unreported during the period, too. 

Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC is a law firm that understands the challenges required in seeking damages after a hit-and-run accident. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run, reach out to us. At this point, you can discuss your case with a hit-and-run attorney from our team, and we can provide insights into all of the legal options at your disposal.    

How to Respond to a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, try to remain calm. In this situation, here are five things you can do to respond to a hit-and-run without putting yourself in further danger: 

1. Get to a Safe Spot

Find a safe spot away from traffic and go here. It is crucial to stay out of the way of traffic, so you can protect yourself and anyone else who may have been injured during the accident. Once you are in a safe spot, make sure anyone impacted by the accident is OK.

2. Call 911

Reach out to emergency personnel and provide them with as much information as you can about your hit-and-run accident. First responders will arrive on the scene to treat you and anyone else who may be injured. Police officers will also come to the accident scene, and they will collect information so they can put together an accident report.

3. Get Medical Care

Resist the urge to forgo medical care, even if you are focused on the fact that a negligent driver left the scene of your accident. Remember, you need medical treatment if you have suffered a hit-and-run accident injury. If you do not get the medical care you need, you may be forced to deal with a long-term injury. 

4. Gather as Much Information as You Can About the Accident

Pick up a copy of the accident report and follow up with any witnesses that saw your accident happen. In some instances, police may be able to use surveillance footage or conduct an investigation to find out who caused your hit-and-run accident. In the weeks following your accident, police may be able to find the party responsible for your hit-and-run. 

5. Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer and explain what happened. Your attorney can answer any legal questions you have and help you look for the at-fault party. If you know who caused your hit-and-run, your attorney can work with you to file a personal injury lawsuit against this individual. 

No matter what happens during your hit-and-run, do not attempt to get into a high-speed chase to track down the negligent driver who caused your accident. When it comes to rebounding from a hit-and-run, it is always better to err on the side of caution. By calling 911, you can work with authorities to track down the at-fault party. 

How an At-Fault Party Gets Punished for Causing a Hit-and-Run

If a negligent driver causes a hit-and-run and is found by police after the accident, they will be charged accordingly. Depending on where the driver caused the accident, this individual may face a misdemeanor. In addition, the driver can receive fines and jail time. 

For those who want to hold a negligent driver fully responsible for a hit-and-run accident, it pays to partner with a lawyer. From here, a lawyer can help their client seek the maximum amount of damages from the at-fault driver. The attorney can work with the client to build a compelling argument against the driver. 

The victim of a hit-and-run accident may seek compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages they incur. A hit-and-run accident attorney can review their client’s accident in detail. They can help their client determine an appropriate amount of damages to request. 

How to Choose a Lawyer to Represent You in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case

As you evaluate lawyers for hit-and-run accidents, select one that has a track record of great case results. The best attorney has helped their client secure tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages in auto accident cases. This lawyer is well-equipped to do the same for you. 

It is paramount to select a hit-and-run attorney who works in lockstep with their clients. This lawyer values communication and collaboration and keeps their clients in the loop at each stage of their litigation. The attorney likely has received many positive client reviews, too. 

An initial meeting is a great starting point as you search for a hit-and-run attorney. You can use the meeting to share your legal concerns and questions. If you believe an attorney can represent you well during your hit-and-run accident case, hire them, and you may reap the benefits of your decision long into the future. 

Get Started with a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC can put you in touch with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney. For more information, please contact us today.