
If the other driver fled the scene, you may be angry, scared, and unsure of your options. However, our Baltimore car accident lawyers can help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you need.
Can I Recover Compensation in a Hit-and-Run?
Yes, you can recover compensation after a hit-and-run; however, the route you take depends on the specifics of your situation.
You May Be Able to Use Your PIP Coverage
Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. In other states, insurers are often required to offer this coverage.
Policyholders are also often required to reject this coverage in writing, so many people carry this coverage and don’t know. PIP policies typically cover a portion of medical bills and a portion of lost wages.
You May Be Able to Use Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Many states require policyholders to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Others require insurers to offer it and policyholders to reject it in writing. This means you might have this coverage and not know it.
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage applies to cases where the driver does not have uninsured (or does not have enough coverage) and where the at-fault driver flees the scene.
It’s important to note that the other driver who fled the scene must have caused the crash.
You May Be Able to File a Claim With the Hit-and-Run Driver
In some cases, the police can find the driver who fled the scene. This would allow you to file a claim against them. However, many people who flee the scene of an accident are uninsured. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you might want to sue them for your losses.
The compensation you can recover depends on the policy you file with. However, it could include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Miscellaneous accident-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages
Our team can determine what damages you can recover.
A claim against another driver requires that you determine fault in an auto accident case. This involves establishing:
- Duty of care: The other driver owed you a duty of care to drive safely.
- Breach of duty: They breached that duty by behaving negligently. Negligent actions may include distracted driving, drowsy driving, drunk driving, speeding, driving recklessly, and tailgating.
- Causation: The breach of duty caused your accident. For example, a driver was tailgating you when you hit the brakes to avoid a hazard on the road. They didn’t have time to stop and rear-ended you before leaving the scene.
- Damages: You suffered damages, including medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
A personal injury attorney from our firm can help you determine your best route for recovering compensation after being injured in a hit-and-run. We can also establish fault on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation, call,
(888) 585-2188
What Should I Do If the Other Driver Left the Scene?
The first thing you need to do after a driver leaves the scene of an accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Once you have done that, make sure you:
- Write down what you remember about the car (e.g., license plate number, type of car, color, direction). If you are unable to do so, have a passenger write the information down.
- Call 9-1-1 and ask the dispatcher to send out law enforcement and paramedics. You will likely need the police report to file an uninsured motorist claim. The paramedics will help you link your injuries to the hit-and-run. Tell the dispatcher that the other driver left the scene and give them any information you have. You may also need to give the police this same information when they get to the scene.
- DO NOT FOLLOW THE OTHER DRIVER. This could put you in harm’s way or cause another accident. Instead, remain at the scene and wait for the police.
- Do your best to remain calm. This is a scary situation, and you are likely rightfully angry. However, keeping your wits about you is the best way to protect yourself and your right to compensation.
- Go to the emergency room if you did not receive medical care at the scene. You need to link your injuries to the hit-and-run. If you don’t, the insurance company can claim your injuries were unrelated to the accident. Continue with your medical care until your doctor tells you that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). If you stop treatment, the insurance company can claim you are contributing to your injuries and refuse to pay.
- Get copies of your medical records. Without these, it will be difficult to establish your injuries and losses. Be sure to keep these in a safe place.
- Get a copy of the police report. Your insurance company will likely deny your claim without this proof.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. Be careful what you say to the insurer. While it should be on your side, it’s a business and will do what it can to reduce what it pays you. This means it may be waiting for you to do or say something that jeopardizes your right to compensation. We recommend that you only give the basics and direct any further questions to us.
- Get help from a car accident lawyer. They can help you determine your options for compensation.
We Can Help You if the Other Driver Fled the Scene of a Hit-and-Run
If you were injured in a hit-and-run, you deserve compensation. We can help you get it.
We can handle your case on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you can get our help with your case with no upfront fees. You only pay us if we recover compensation for you. There is no risk when you enlist our help.
Call Jenner Law to get started with a free consultation today.
Call or text (888) 585-2188 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form