Hit-and-run accidents can be devastating and shocking to those involved. They come out of nowhere and can cause a lot of damage to the victim and their vehicle. It is estimated that over 680,000 hit-and-run accidents occur each year, leaving many people devastated and unsure of what to do. There are many resources available to those who have been affected to help them heal and ease any financial struggles that they may be left with.
What is a Hit-and-Run Accident?
A hit-and-run accident involves one driver causing an accident and then immediately fleeing the scene before blame can be placed on them. Many hit-and-run accidents can leave people injured, confused, and in need of help. Leaving the scene of the accident that you caused is considered a crime in many jurisdictions across the country. A few common causes of hit-and-run accidents include:
- Drunk drivers- Drunk drivers have the potential to cause a plethora of problems when operating a vehicle while under the influence. They are likely not paying full attention to their surroundings and may not notice that they hit someone and will avoid interacting with their victim so that they can’t be charged for a DUI.
- Distracted drivers- Drivers who are distracted have a higher capability of causing accidents and unintentionally harming people.
- Drivers with legal problems- If the person who hit you has other documented crimes, has been previously incarcerated, or is a defendant in a current lawsuit, they may run to avoid additional charges.
- Inexperienced drivers- New drivers, especially teen drivers who don’t know what they’re doing, may cause hit-and-runs. New or younger drivers may also be more likely to panic.
- Panicked drivers- Drivers who have hit another person may feel panicked and flee the scene before they can fully process the accident. They could have triggered fight-or-flight mode in their brain and left as a knee-jerk reaction to the incident.
There are a variety of thoughts that may cause a driver to flee after a hit-and-run. There is a possibility that they will turn themselves in after the fact; however, there is a large possibility that they will not. They will need to be found via tips and information provided by you or others nearby.
What To Do After Your Hit-and-Run Accident
You may feel overwhelmed or shocked after your hit-and-run accident. However, there are a few steps you will want to take immediately after. These steps include:
- Gathering information- After your hit-and-run accident, it is important to get as much information as possible to try to find the driver responsible. If possible, try to identify the make and model of the vehicle, write down the license plate number, and try to describe the driver’s appearance.
- Document the accident- Be sure to take down the date and approximate time of the accident. It is also a good idea to take photos of your vehicle or your injuries to document the damage caused by the hit-and-run.
- Seek medical attention- It may be a good idea to seek medical attention after your accident, even if you don’t think you have been injured. Adrenaline can mask the severeness of injuries, so getting a checkup may be beneficial for your health.
- Contact an attorney- If you have become a victim of a hit-and-run accident and have surmounting medical expenses, lost wages, or any other adverse repercussions of the accident, you may be able to secure a settlement to assist you financially.
These steps may help ground you and ease any unsettled nerves and confusion following your accident. Additionally, if you choose to hire a lawyer and file a lawsuit, your attorney will be able to help you along as well.
Will My Insurance Cover My Accident?
Many insurance companies can offer you some type of compensation for your accident even if the driver who caused it is never caught and held responsible. A few insurance coverages that can help you after your hit-and-run accident are:
- Collision coverage- This type of coverage helps pay for repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident. There is a possibility that you will have to pay your deductible for this kind of coverage, but you may be able to recover it after filing your hit-and-run claim.
- Uninsured motor vehicle insurance- If the driver for your hit-and-run accident wasn’t properly insured, you may be able to claim this type of insurance. The money can go towards any medical bills if you were injured and the repair of your vehicle.
Each insurance company will offer different types of coverage to handle a hit-and-run accident. If you don’t know your options, it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to learn more.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
A teenage girl jogging in Miami, Florida, was allegedly hit and killed by a 60-year-old man in May of 2021. The man was driving on a suspended license and had tampered with the scene before fleeing. The 16-year-old girl was found by her uncle, and the 60-year-old man was arrested and charged in association with the accident. Due to the novelty of the case, there is no confirmed payout.
A man was charged in a deadly hit-and-run case by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. An acquaintance of the man charged noticed the odd Tweets that the charged party sent out and tipped off the authorities that later led to an arrest. This man had previous traffic-related law breaks and was charged with a Class D felony for this specific accident. He is predicted to spend around seven years in a correctional facility and is expected to pay around $10,000 in fines.
Legal Funding Options For Hit-and-Run Lawsuits
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident and are in the middle of a pending lawsuit, you may be eligible to receive legal funding. Legal funding exists to provide financial support to accident victims and ensure they don’t fall behind on medical and personal expenses.
If you are wondering if your case is eligible for legal funding, contact The Legal Funding Group for more information and a full list of your options.
