Your Legal Options After Being Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you have ever experienced a hit-and-run accident, you know just how devastating they can be. Even if you were injured by a driver who sped off before you could get their identity, legal options may still be available to you.

By reviewing some of the most notable legal options available to you after a hit-and-run accident, and speaking with a Hartford car accident attorney, you may be able to obtain the compensation you are owed.

What is a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash causing injury, death, or property damage fails to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance as required by Connecticut law.

Just imagine, you are walking across the street, and someone hits you with their car. The driver stops briefly, then speeds away before emergency services can arrive. You are unable to determine who hit you, nor can you obtain compensation from them until you know their identity.

The above is just one example; hit-and-run accidents can take many forms. A driver may choose to flee the scene of an accident they caused for various reasons, including the following:

• The driver has no auto insurance, which is illegal in Connecticut.
• The driver was operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or another substance.
• The driver was operating a stolen vehicle or a vehicle they acquired through illegal means.
• The driver has outstanding warrants.
• The driver was in possession of illegal drugs or some other illegal substance.
• The driver was operating their vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

Regardless of the exact reason why a driver chooses to flee, a hit-and-run is illegal in the state of Connecticut. You may pursue legal action against the driver if they are identified. If the driver cannot be found, compensation may instead be available through uninsured motorist coverage under your insurance policy.

What are the different injuries a hit-and-run accident can lead to?

A hit and run accident can lead to you sustaining many different injuries, including:

• Broken bones/fractured bones.
• Burns.
• Lacerations.
• Soft-tissue damage.
• Concussions.
• Whiplash.
• Dislocations.
• Internal organ damage.

All of these injuries can create long-term suffering that may be very difficult to properly address.

What should you do after a hit-and-run accident?

If you were in a hit-and-run accident, you may want to do the following:

• Remain in a safe place and avoid chasing the driver who hit you. If you are not in a safe place, you are in the middle of the road, for example, try to get to a safe place.
• Call the police and report the accident. Tell them everything you can remember about the driver or their license plate number, for example.
• Seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to call an ambulance.
• Tell the doctor everything about your injuries and the accident itself. Some injuries may not present until later, so remember that when talking to your doctor.
• Write down everything you remember about the hit and run. Any details about the accident can be useful, including the weather and your destination.
• Take photos/videos of your injuries, the accident, and the scene. If you are injured and can’t take photos/videos of the scene, you may want to return later to do so.
• Speak with any witnesses who saw the accident. Ask each witness for their name and phone number, and a description of what they saw during the accident.
• Contact your insurance company and explain what happened. Working with insurance can be complex, so you may want to consult an attorney before proceeding.
• Reach out to a car accident attorney who can help you pursue compensation. Share everything about the hit-and-run with your attorney, including information that may not seem useful at the time.

What are your legal options after a hit-and-run accident?

A number of different legal options will be available to you after a hit-and-run accident. Out of all these legal options, those below tend to be some of the most useful:

• Find the driver by working with an attorney who can hire an investigator and/or make use of other resources to do so.
• Report the crash to your insurer and review which coverage applies, including uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits and any medical payments coverage. Use health insurance as needed.
• File a personal injury lawsuit against the driver (if you are able to identify the driver) and in limited circumstances, any other legally responsible parties.
• Negotiate with the driver’s insurance to pursue damages from them for losses like your medical bills and lost wages, to name just two examples.
• Take the driver to court if negotiations fall through and argue, in front of a judge/jury, for the damages that you are seeking from this driver.

Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated because you don’t immediately know who is responsible for the accident. Working with a car accident attorney can make pursuing compensation a lot easier.

Speak with a Hartford car accident attorney today

A hit-and-run accident can lead to lifelong injuries. At Barry, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, we are ready to help you pursue compensation for the injuries you experienced. Contact us today.