Drivers who flee the scene of an accident could face harsh criminal penalties. Despite the legal repercussions, hit and run collisions are alarmingly common in the United States. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 1 in 5 pedestrian fatalities occur in hit and run accidents.
If you or your vehicle was hit by a driver who fled the scene, you might feel like you have no options for recovering compensation; however, depending on the facts of your case and your insurance policies, you may still be able to secure compensation for lost income, healthcare bills, and other damages.
For a free legal consultation, call 337-221-9907
A Baton Rouge car accident attorney from Laborde Earles Law Firm can evaluate your situation and provide comprehensive legal guidance. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience, and we have the highest legal rating offered by Martindale-Hubbell. Call 800-522-6733 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn five steps you should take after a hit and run collision:
- Pull over to a Safe Area
If a driver hit your vehicle and fled the scene, your instinct might be to chase after the offender, but this will not help the situation. It may lead to a more severe accident, and you might face criminal charges for breaking traffic laws.
Rather, pull over to a safe location and call the police. Do not leave the scene, though, because you will need to gather evidence of the collision.
- Call Law Enforcement
Call the police immediately. Even if you did not get the offender’s license plate tag, you will need a report to file a claim with your insurance company.
- Collect Evidence at the Crash Scene
Take pictures that show the positions of vehicles, your injuries, property damage, skid marks, and traffic signs. These photos may help your attorney prove negligence and liability.
- Speak with Witnesses
If other people saw your collision, they may have taken note of the at-fault driver’s license plate tag or of the vehicle’s color, make, and model. Even if they overlooked these details, they may have seen the events that led to the accident, so your attorney can use their testimonies to support your claim if the insurance company argues that you were partially liable for the crash.
- Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
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A minor oversight during the claims process could significantly reduce the amount of compensation you recover. Your attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes such as accepting a settlement too early, overlooking certain damages, making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, or missing important deadlines.
If you were injured in a hit and run, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm for comprehensive legal guidance. A personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge will relentlessly help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Schedule a free initial consultation today by calling 800-522-6733.
Call or text 337-221-9907 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
