What is the average settlement for a hit-and-run accident? The average settlement for a hit-and-run car accident can vary widely, depending on factors like the severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and insurance coverage.
While minor injuries may result in settlements of a few thousand dollars, severe or long-term injuries could lead to compensation in the hundreds of thousands.
A Lafayette hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your case and pursue full compensation. Our team can investigate what happened, gather support for your claim, and estimate a fair and just settlement range for your case.
Average Settlement Amounts for Hit-and-Run Cases
While there’s no fixed average car accident settlement, payouts for hit-and-run crashes can range from thousands of dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands for catastrophic injuries. The insurance industry, type of insurance, and percentage of fault assigned all influence actual settlement amounts.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientMany Factors Can Affect a Hit-and-Run Accident Settlement
The varying facets of each collision affect the value of a hit-and-run accident case. Although two drivers might suffer similar injuries, the cause of the accident or how much it impacts their everyday life may differ significantly. These factors could affect the value of your potential car accident settlement.
Whether We Can Identify the At-Fault Driver
Sadly, some hit-and-run drivers go unidentified. You cannot file an insurance claim against them to hold them liable when this occurs. While you have alternative ways to seek compensation, this can affect the value of your claim.
For example, suppose that you purchased uninsured motorist (UM) protection as part of your insurance policy. In that case, you could pursue compensation through your insurer to cover the accident.
Your policy treats a hit-and-run driver the same as an uninsured driver because they are not present to provide their insurance information. However, UM insurance is often an optional policy addition in most states.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The settlement of a hit-and-run accident claim depends largely on the severity of your injuries. If you sustained severe and permanent harm, your case would likely be worth more than if you suffered a broken bone that heals within a few months.
Injuries that require surgery, lengthy hospital stays, inpatient rehabilitation, or other extended treatment and care are usually worth more. The most valuable claims generally involve catastrophic injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Burn injuries
Severe injuries can also alter the value of your case by causing you to miss more work and therefore lose more income. If you cannot return to work, you could also claim diminished earning capacity.
Accident-Related Losses and Expenses
In personal injury cases, plaintiffs can pursue compensation for damages related to their physical injuries. They can also seek other compensatory damages. For example, suppose you fractured your leg in a hit-and-run crash and work in a field that requires you to be on your feet most of the day. You may qualify to pursue compensation for work you missed until you recover.
Other examples of compensatory damages can include:
- Medical bills related to your injuries, including costs for future medical treatment
- Missed wages and benefits due to your recovery or having to attend medical appointments
- Car repair costs (or the cash value of your vehicle if the insurance company totaled it)
- Vehicle rental fees
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement caused by the accident
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Diminished quality of life
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientYour Options If the Police Could Not Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver
In some situations, the police and our team cannot identify the driver who caused the accident and left the scene. If you’re unable to locate the hit-and-run driver, this would prevent you from seeking a payout as you would after most traffic accidents: by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault motorist.
However, there may still be options available to pursue compensation. Here are some avenues that could apply in your situation.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Insurance Claim
Some states require insurance companies to offer UM policies, while others allow drivers to waive this policy. In Louisiana, most drivers carry UM coverage. Under RS 22:1295, all auto liability insurance policies include this coverage unless the policyholder opts out in writing.
If the police do not identify the driver responsible for your crash, you could pursue a claim based on your UM coverage. You could then recover monetary damages for your medical treatment, lost income, and other damages up to your policy limits. The policy limits for UM coverage generally match your auto liability policy caps.
Other Ways to Pay for Your Injuries
If you opted out of your uninsured motorist policy, you could pay some or all of your expenses through other means. Examples include:
- Using health insurance to pay for the treatment of your injuries, minus your deductible and copayments
- Filing a claim based on your auto collision coverage to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
A Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you file a UM claim or identify other options for covering the costs associated with your crash.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientHow Hit-and-Run Accident Victims Can Strengthen Their Claims
To maximize accident settlement amounts, victims should take the following steps:
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of vehicle damage, property damage, and any bodily injury sustained. Surveillance footage can also provide crucial evidence of the hit-and-run driver.
Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical care ensures that injury severity is documented in medical records, which are critical for proving damages.
File an Insurance Claim
Report the accident to your insurance company to explore uninsured motorist insurance coverage or other policy limits.
Consult an Experienced Attorney
A skilled Lafayette personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in hit-and-run cases can handle the legal process and complex negotiations with insurance adjusters.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is crucial for pursuing maximum compensation. From gathering detailed records to negotiating with insurance carriers, a strong legal advocate ensures that accident victims receive a fair settlement for their accident-related expenses.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run car accident, contact Laborde Earles for guidance. Our accident lawyers have a proven track record of helping clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury settlements.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientSpeak With the Team at Laborde Earles About Your Case
While there is no average settlement for hit-and-run cases, our legal team can help you calculate the value of your case. We offer free case reviews to go over what to expect and which compensatory damages you may qualify to claim.
Laborde Earles handles car accident cases on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront fees. We represent Louisiana car accident victims, including those hurt in hit-and-run accidents. Call now to get started.
