Auto accidents happen all the time and often result in serious injuries. Sometimes, these wrecks involve a hit and run where the at-fault driver speeds away from the scene of the crash without stopping to exchange insurance information or see if anyone is harmed.
If you have been injured in a hit and run collision, you might be concerned that you have minimal to no legal options for your financial recovery because you don’t know who caused the accident. However, there may be multiple ways to identify the at-fault driver and recover the money you deserve.
This means you should get in touch with a car collision attorney as soon as possible. Our Quakertown hit and run accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these cases and can help you pursue all available compensation. Previously, we won a $100,000 settlement on our client’s behalf after they were sideswiped by a truck that fled the scene. We were able to identify the driver through witness statements and secure compensation after negotiation. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support you throughout your case.
Proving Legal Liability for a Hit and Run Collision
As is the case with any auto accident, you could be left dealing with serious injuries and property damage after a hit and run wreck. Hit and run victims could suffer a wide range of injuries, including brain injuries, neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, broken and fractured bones, and internal injuries. These incidents are commonly caused by drivers who are speeding, drunk, under the influence of drugs, or engaging in other dangerous driving behaviors.
While hit and run collisions can be more complicated than the average auto accident case, that doesn’t mean you should have to suffer in silence for the actions of a negligent driver. Proving liability may be more difficult in a hit and run accident than in a collision where you are able to learn the identity of the at-fault driver, so it is wise to consult with one of our Quakertown attorneys immediately, who can get to work on your case.
In addition to reporting the accident to law enforcement, you should ensure you get prompt medical care if you are injured. Delaying medical treatment could complicate your claim and worsen your condition overall. Rather than speaking with the insurance company, you should consult with an attorney right away who can help you report the claim, interact with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, and work to identify all potential sources of monetary recovery.
Even seemingly minor details such as the date, time, and place where the accident occurred can be instrumental in locating the at-fault driver. If you have information about the make and model of the other driver’s car or any other relevant details, our attorneys can use these to bolster our investigative efforts and strengthen your claim. Photos or videos of the scene of the collision, your injuries, your vehicle, and any other documentation you have are essential pieces of evidence as well.
Our attorneys can communicate with law enforcement, collect accident reports, and speak with any eyewitnesses from the scene of the collision to help reconstruct the chain of events surrounding the accident. We can collect medical records and bills to support a full and fair valuation of your claim. Our attorneys can also gather video footage from the security cameras of nearby businesses, request traffic cam footage from the location of the accident, and comb through social media platforms to determine who the at-fault party is and what insurance policies may be relevant to the case.
Collecting Monetary Damages After a Hit and Run Crash
You might be wondering how collecting monetary compensation works in the aftermath of a hit and run accident. Pennsylvania is a choice no-fault state, which means you have the option to purchase an insurance policy that falls under the traditional fault system of liability (the driver who caused your injuries is responsible for paying for them) or a no-fault system (you file an insurance claim with your own company no matter who caused the accident).
In other words, depending on the type of insurance you have, you would first need to turn to your own policy to get coverage for costs like medical bills and lost wages stemming from your injury. However, if you have serious injuries, these costs can quickly outpace what your personal insurance policy would cover.
When you meet the serious injury threshold or have a different type of insurance policy, you could be entitled to file a claim directly against the responsible driver to recover the monetary value of your pain and suffering, as well as other losses that fall outside of or exceed your personal policy limits. If it is not possible to locate the at-fault driver, you could still have other options to seek compensation, such as through an uninsured motorist coverage portion of your policy.
These laws are deeply complex, and regardless of whether you are dealing with your own insurance company or the hit and run driver’s company, you need a Quakertown lawyer advocating for your personal interests. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to diminish or devalue claims. We can help you calculate the full value of your monetary damages to seek a settlement or court award.
Consult with a Quakertown Hit and Run Accident Attorney Right Away
You may be left dealing with painful injuries and losses after a hit and run auto accident. Our attorneys can assess your best legal options and leave no stone unturned to help you get every penny you are owed so you do not pay the price of someone else’s negligence.
You should have a seasoned Quakertown hit and run accident lawyer handling your case and fighting for your rights from day one. Contact Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to speak with one of our skilled attorneys about starting your claim for compensation.
