Although it’s a crime to leave the scene of a car accident without stopping to exchange contact information, there are still negligent drivers out on the road who choose to flee after causing a collision. As a victim in a hit and run crash, it can be challenging to proceed with a personal injury claim if the motorist who hit you is nowhere to be found. Fortunately, there are options for locating the driver and holding them liable for your injuries. An experienced lawyer can build an effective case that gets you the compensation you deserve. 

What to Know About Pursuing Compensation in a Hit & Run Case 

Civil Consequences of a Hit & Run 

Since leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, it can carry harsh criminal penalties. Aside from this, hit and run drivers may also be held financially responsible for any losses you’ve incurred as a result of the collision. You may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, property damage, and pain and suffering. There is also the potential for the court to impose treble damages on a hit and run driver, which means they will be ordered to pay you triple the amount of damages you were awarded. This is done to punish the poor behavior that was exhibited when the defendant failed to stop after hitting your vehicle. 

Options for Pursuing Compensation After a Hit & Run 

Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation in an attempt to identify and find the driver who caused your accident. A personal injury lawyer is well-versed in multiple avenues of investigation. They may use witness testimony, police reports, motor vehicle records, and camera surveillance from nearby businesses to help shed some light on who hit you. If they are able to locate the driver, they will make a claim for compensation with their insurance company.

In the event the driver cannot be found, your attorney can assist you in exploring possible sources of compensation through your own insurance company. To help your attorney put together a compelling argument on your behalf, you should gather pictures of your injuries, medical records, and the contact information for witnesses who were at the scene.

Being involved in a hit and run accident can leave you facing significant financial burden. Contact Angela L Walker PC Law Office for aggressive representation in holding the responsible driver accountable for their negligence. For more than two decades, she has been entrusted to help the residents of Foley, AL, get the compensation they deserve in complex personal injury cases. Call (251) 970-2575 to schedule a consultation, or visit her website to submit a message online.