When a hit-and-run occurs, one person has intentionally fled the scene of an automobile accident without providing contact information or insurance information. The at-fault party has not stopped to help anyone who might have been injured. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you might be wondering how you can find and pursue a lawsuit against the person responsible for a hit-and-run claim. Call the experienced injury and accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation.
How Do I Discover Their Identity of the Person at Fault of This Hit and Run Accident?
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can cause frustration since the person responsible for the accident cannot be found. A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you maximize your ability to recover any losses.
When attempting to find an individual guilty of a hit and run, the most important thing is to gather as much information as possible. Information like the vehicle’s description, a portion of the license plate number, or other identifying features of the car can be helpful.
If the accident victim saw the driver, documenting a description as quickly as possible to remember as many details as possible is critical. Also, there might be witnesses to the accident; if so, a hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you investigate eyewitness accounts.
Other tools available to identify hit and run drivers are intersection cameras and video surveillance of nearby businesses or buildings.
Should I Also File an Insurance Claim?
Usually, hit and run accidents can be covered by your automotive insurance policy provided for an uninsured or underinsured motorist. However, if the driver is subsequently identified, the claim can proceed under that specific individual’s insurance coverage.
What Damages are Available if I Win My Lawsuit?
There are a few different types of damages a victim of a hit-and-run accident can seek. The first is compensation for medical bills or lost wages incurred due to the injury from the accident.
Another type of damages a lawsuit can request is punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to be punishment for bad actions and are meant to be a deterrent against others acting negligent, like causing an accident and then fleeing the scene.
It is important to note that just because the accident was unintentional, the act of leaving the accident scene is intentional and can be treated as negligence; therefore, punitive damages are usually available to a victim.
Does a Criminal Case Against the Negligent Party Affect My Lawsuit?
Information gathered and shared in a criminal trial could be helpful and persuasive moving forward in your civil lawsuit – particularly if the person accused of the hit-and-run is found guilty of a crime.
The civil case can be put on hold while the criminal case is prosecuted. While perhaps an inconvenience, a criminal conviction is persuasive evidence of liability and can help to resolve the civil lawsuit.
However, the individuals who hear the facts of the case are different in the criminal court than those who hear the facts of the case in a civil court. Dealing with judges and members of juries can be complex, so seeking the advice of an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you find the justice you desire. Contact us today at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm to discuss the specifics of your case. Your no-obligation consultation is free.
