February 6, 2024 | Reading Time: 4 min If you’ve recently been involved in a hit and run accident, you might feel overwhelmed by the unknowns that follow such a distressing event. One of the pressing questions that you may ask yourself is, “Do I need a car accident lawyer after a hit and run?”
This blog post will guide you through the factors to consider when making this important decision, and why seeking the assistance of a personal injury law firm can be a valuable step toward recovering your losses.
Dealing With The Aftermath of a Hit and Run
The definition of a hit-and-run accident is straightforward: a road incident in which the driver responsible for the collision leaves the scene without providing necessary contact information or alerting the police of the accident. Victims of hit-and-run accidents often find themselves dealing with vehicle damage, physical injuries, and an assortment of insurance issues without the necessary at-fault party’s information.
After a hit and run, you may feel inclined to follow the driver. However, this is not advisable as the driver may be dangerous, and chasing the driver may ultimately compromise your case. Instead, call the police to file a report. It’s important to do your best to take note of the fleeing car’s direction, color, make, and license plate information as these can be helpful pieces of information for police in attempting to locate the fleeing driver.
Seeking Legal Advice After A Hit-and-Run Accident
A hit-and-run accident adds a layer of complexity to any potential claim because the at-fault driver is unknown. A skilled car accident lawyer will possess the legal expertise and resources necessary to navigate this challenging situation. Your attorney can help to identify which insurance coverages under your own policy are applicable and to work with you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages. Avenues may include your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage, med pay, no fault, and collision coverages.
Of course, if the at-fault driver is located, your attorney will also work with their insurance company (assuming the driver is insured) to ensure you are compensated for any of the damages you may have sustained.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
After experiencing a hit-and-run accident, many people mistakenly believe that their own insurance company will cover all of their losses and expenses. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit and may attempt to minimize your compensation to avoid a large payout. In many instances, even your own insurance company can deploy dirty tricks in order to get you to accept a lowball offer. A skilled car accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure your rights are protected.
Investigating and Gathering Evidence
One crucial aspect of dealing with a hit and run is the gathering of evidence. Alone, this may be a difficult task to accomplish. However, a dedicated car accident lawyer will quickly take action to collect necessary evidence to solidify your claim. Of course, it’s imperative that you provide as much photo and video evidence as possible to prove you are not liable.
On top of the information you are able to provide, your attorney may also seek to obtain nearby security camera footage, speak to witnesses of the accident, obtain all police reporting, and work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary.
Why Choose Cellino Law?
At Cellino Law, our experienced and dedicated legal experts understand the nuances of hit-and-run accidents. Our lawyers are deeply familiar with state laws across New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey and will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Our client-centered service ensures that each person’s unique set of circumstances are fully considered in our approach to each case and that communication remains transparent throughout the entire recovery and legal process.
If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait to call Cellino Law. With decades of trust, respect, and proven results under our belts, you can rest assured that our team of attorneys will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Contact us any time at (888)-888-8888 for a free consultation with a member of our legal team.