Being involved in a hit and run accident can be a very traumatic experience. Victims are left at the mercy of other road users, especially when the injuries suffered are serious. When an accident occurs, the motorist who hit you is legally expected to stop and assess the extent of damage caused. If need be, they should help victims seek medical care of injuries sustained. Most importantly, they should call the police to write a police report. However, not all motorists adhere to such rules. Fleeing the scene of an accident is not only a criminal act, but it exposes you to civil liability, and drivers who hit and run can be sued for compensation.
Very often, Galveston residents are involved in hit and run accidents. The most common cases which involve motorists, cyclists, motorcycle riders, and even pedestrians may be at risk of this type of traffic accident. If you have not been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may know someone who has, or you have seen on the news how stressful this type of road crash is. Luckily, a Galveston hit and run accident lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation against the driver who hit you, or alternatively, use your uninsured motorist policy to recover for your damages. Talk to an experienced car accident attorney about your potential claim today.
When a motorist crashes into a pedestrian, motorcyclist, bicyclist, or another motorist, and leaves the scene immediately without offering assistance to injured parties or providing identification, this is termed as a hit and run. Sadly, hit and run accidents can be fatal, especially for pedestrians. Others victims, such as motorcyclists and bicyclists, may suffer catastrophic injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries. If you were injured in a hit and run, you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
When a driver crashes someone or their property and leaves the scene immediately, there is a high chance that they are to blame for the accident. The mere fact that they flee the scene is a sign of guilt, and as such, proving liability may not be that difficult. Having handled similar cases before, our Galveston accident lawyers have concluded that drivers generally flee the scene due to:
Apart from the abovementioned causes, a driver may also flee from the scene due to confusion and fear. However, this shouldn’t stop you from seeking compensation for your injuries.
To win your case and recover monetary compensation, you will need to prove a few things. Most importantly, you must prove liability. Even if you were partly at fault, you can still secure compensation. But before filing your hit and run case, you need to consult a seasoned local attorney. Some of the crucial things you should do for maximum compensation include:
To prove that you were injured in the accident, you will need to provide supporting evidence. This may be in the form of medical and financial records. What an average person may consider as proof may not be acceptable in court or by insurance representatives. A qualified attorney knows how to collect evidence that supports your case.
If you are involved in a hit and run crash, it may take a long time to get back on your feet. And if you are considering getting compensation for your injuries, balancing both medical treatment and the legal responsibilities make it difficult for you to work on your case. A seasoned attorney will help you meet legal deadlines such as the statute of limitations. Your lawyer will also respond to communication from insurance companies timely and effectively.
It’s no secret that you are going to incur monetary and non-monetary losses after an accident. But for people without proper legal understanding, calculating the value of their claims is difficult. Moreover, they may end up missing some of the damages that would otherwise increase the value of their claim. A skilled attorney can quantify your losses and arrive at a solid figure from which negotiations begin. Additionally, you may receive punitive damages if the driver who hit you is found.
Hit and run accidents are very complex, especially when insurance companies are involved. Insurance adjusters may try to talk you out filing a formal case in court to avoid being held accountable in court. If not careful, you may end up losing the monetary compensation you are entitled to altogether. An attorney serves to aggressively negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies before going to trial.
If you or your loved one was injured in a hit and run accident, and the motorist is nowhere to be found, do not worry. Our Galveston hit and run accident lawyers can help you recover compensation from your insurance company. To discuss more about your case, call us today.
