I was in a Hit and Run Accident, What can a Lawyer Do for Me?
September 6, 2022 | Car Accident
Have you been involved in a hit and run accident? The law requires all drivers that are involved in an accident to stop and wait for the authorities prior to leaving the scene of the accident. Despite this, hit and run accidents are still quite common. When you’re involved in a hit and run accident, seeking compensation will be even harder than it would be if the other driver had stayed. There are many challenges that you will face when dealing with a driver that fled the scene of an accident. It is in your best interests to hire an experienced attorney to guide and represent you in your case. Here’s why.
- They will help you prove liability
Proving liability is vital for recovering compensation for damages in an auto accident. When the driver in a hit and run accident is caught, they will not only face a claim for damages against them but also criminal charges for running away from the scene of the accident. You will however, need to prove liability in order to recover compensation and to ensure justice is served. This is a highly technical process. You will need a good understanding of the law to know how to go about this. An experienced lawyer will help you meet the legal requirements for showing that the driver was responsible for the accident.
- They will help you meet deadlines
Accident victims have a limited amount of time within which to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages. This period, the statute of limitations, begins from the date of the accident. It varies depending on the state the accident occurred in. If you fail to file your claim within this period, you may not be able to recover compensation for your damages.
Hit and run accidents present a challenge when the driver is not caught or known. It may take a long time for the driver to be caught. In such a case, your attorney can move to have the statute of limitations on your case tolled or paused until the driver is caught. This will allow you more time to recover the compensation that is yours.
- They will respond to communications
The process of seeking compensation for an accident involves a lot of back and forth correspondence between you and the insurance company. This may prove challenging especially if you’re dealing with injuries after the accident.
An attorney will do all the legwork for you. They will file your claim and handle all correspondence with the insurance company. This includes negotiating with the insurance company for compensation. Your attorney will fight to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
- They will protect you from bad faith on the part of the insurance company
It isn’t uncommon for insurance companies to act in bad faith. Many insurance companies go to great lengths to avoid having to pay compensation to accident victims. You may encounter deceptive tactics, aggressive representatives from the insurance company as well as confusing offers for settlement. This can be frustrating and even confusing for accident victims.
It helps to have an experienced attorney fighting in your corner. Your attorney will help to stop the unfair tactics that the insurance company may employ. They have a good understanding of the law and will be able to protect your rights and recover fair compensation. They can also take legal action against the insurance company if they are acting in bad faith.
- They will work out a fair settlement
Another big challenge of seeking compensation for a hit and run accident is determining how much you should seek to recover as compensation. Many insurance companies take advantage of the ignorance of accident victims to offer them low-ball settlements in order to minimize their losses. It is therefore easy for accident victims to fall into a trap and settle for less than their case is worth.
An experienced attorney will review your case and consider all factors to determine a fair figure to seek as compensation. They will also work to speed up negotiations and get your settlement much faster than you would on your own. You will get what you deserve and have the funds available when you need them most.
- They will represent you at trial
Hit and run cases are often very complex. It isn’t uncommon for these accidents to end up in court. If this happens in your case, it is a good idea to have the representation of an attorney. Your attorney will argue your case before a court and fight to recover just compensation on your behalf.
Have you been involved in a hit and run accident? Get in touch with us to consult with an experienced attorney and get started with the process of seeking compensation for your damages.