There are specific laws in place that explain what each party is required to do after an accident, such as not leaving the scene or exchanging information. However, when you do not know who the other driver was because they left the scene of the accident, obtaining compensation for your damages can get complicated.
A Metairie hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you navigate this stressful and frustrating situation. If you are dealing with a hit and run, it is important for you to understand your rights so that you can still pursue the compensation you need. Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers now at (504) 777-7777 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Unfortunately Common
A hit-and-run accident is defined as any crash where at least one party involved in the accident leaves the scene before providing any information or aid to the other people involved. It can also include situations where a party fails to report the accident properly. Here are some devastating statistics about hit-and-run accidents from the AAA Foundation:
- There were over 737,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2015 alone.
- Hit-and-run accidents represented 11.7% of all accidents nationwide.
- One hundred thirty-eight thousand five hundred people suffered injuries as a result of a hit-and-run accident.
- There were nearly 2,000 deaths attributed to hit-and-run accidents.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Metairie, call (337) 777-7777
Drivers Have a Duty to Stop After an Accident
When we get behind the wheel, we all have a duty to drive with the same reasonable care and skill that a prudent and careful driver would use. Louisiana drivers also have a duty to report any accident that results in an injury, fatality, or property damage exceeding $500, according to the Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §32:398.
The duty to remain present after an accident is so serious that someone can face criminal penalties if they fail to abide by it, according to RS §14:100. If someone is injured as a result of the accident, then other parties involved in the crash have a duty to render reasonable aid. This can include contacting 911 or seeking medical attention. The driver must also remain at the scene of the accident for a reasonable amount of time.
Despite this clear duty, there could be several reasons that someone chooses to not stick around:
- Lack of a valid driver’s license
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A collision involving a bicyclist or pedestrian
- Lack of valid insurance
- A pending warrant or some other existing legal trouble
Regardless of the reason that someone fled the scene of an accident, they should be held responsible for their actions. A Metairie hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you determine if there is any way to track down the person who is responsible for your injuries and damages. Talk to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (504) 777-7777 today to learn more about your options in a free consultation with our staff.
Metairie Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Your Options Following a Hit and Run Crash
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you can do a few things to identify the person responsible. If you have any memory of the license plate on the other vehicle, write down as many characters as you can remember. You can also make notes about the car’s appearance, including the make, model, and any other identifying information like bumper stickers, scratches, dents, or broken headlights.
It is also helpful to note the time, location, and circumstances at play when the accident happened. If there were any witnesses to the crash, they may also be able to provide relevant information. It is still appropriate to notify the police if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident so that they can file a report. Photographs can also be helpful to record information you may forget, and your insurance company will use this information to process your claim.
One of the next steps in this process involves contacting your auto insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to receive benefits for the damage to your vehicle and any medical expenses. Your insurance company may begin an investigation on your behalf to try to locate the party who fled the scene of the crash.
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Hire a Lawyer for Your Hit-and-Run Case
Unfortunately, there are some situations where the insurance company may try to deny your claim or offer you a lower settlement because the other party cannot be located. This can be an incredibly frustrating situation. Even though the other party fled, you still have serious expenses and injuries that you need to cope with financially.
If you have questions about your rights after a hit-and-run accident, you can call our firm to learn about how a Metairie hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you with your case.
There are many ways that your lawyer can assist you in your claim, such as:
- Gathering evidence to show that you are not liable
- Attempting to track down the person who fled the scene of the accident
- Speaking with witnesses about what happened
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Reviewing your insurance policy and making sure it is followed correctly
- Helping you keep track of receipts, invoices, and other key documentation
- Preparing for trial if your insurance company isn’t playing by the rules.
If you are able to locate the hit and run driver, you can bring a personal injury claim against them to recover compensation. Your lawyer can also help you establish that this driver acted negligently and carelessly by causing the accident and fleeing the scene.
A car accident is an incredibly disruptive and stressful event in your life. Do not let it be more stressful than it needs to be. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (504) 777-7777 now.
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