Hit and run accidents are unfortunately not an uncommon thing in the United States. When a hit and run accident occurs, safety is prioritized, so it is essential to remain calm and follow specific steps. We recommended reaching out to our Huntington car accident attorney after a hit and run accident has occurred. Our legal representatives at Mandler & Sieger, LLC can take on your case and get the justice you deserve.
What is a Hit and Run Accident – Huntington Car Accident Attorney
An accident is considered a hit and run when someone flees or escapes the scene after a crash. Specifically, a hit and run means the person fleeing the location does not offer aid to the other person, does not show sufficient information, and fails to report the accident to authorities. The accident can be between a vehicle and another vehicle, a pedestrian, or an object. Fleeing the scene after an accident is against the law in most states. In some cases fleeing the scene can even be considered a felony or misdemeanor.
If a person flees the scene and cannot be identified, the other person will most likely have to pay for the damage expenses. Having auto insurance, the damages may be covered by your policy. If you have been a victim of a hit and run accident, then contact our Huntington car accident attorney for help covering expenses, tracking down the perpetrator, and filing paperwork.
Why Do People Flee After an Accident?
There are various reasons why people feel the need to flee the scene after an accident. One major motive is to avoid legal consequences thinking law enforcement will not catch them. However, there are also legal consequences if you get caught trying to flee the scene. Some reasons why the driver would receive punishment if caught in an accident include:
- Driving a stolen vehicle
- Driving an employee-owned vehicle
- Having outstanding warrants for unpaid tickets or other crimes
- Being in the country illegally
- Transporting illegal goods or drugs
- Driving with a commercial driver’s license, which can be taken away
What Do I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?
After a hit-and-run accident, it is important to follow specific steps to ensure the best outcome. The first step is to check yourself and your passengers to ensure no injuries. If someone has experienced an injury, call 911 for medical assistance. The next step is to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road, if possible, so another collision does not occur. Once you are safe, jot down as much information you can about the car that fled and its driver. Some information that you should note about the other vehicle includes:
- The make and model of the vehicle
- The color of the vehicle
- The license plate number
- A description of the driver
- The direction the vehicle was traveling
- The time of the crash
The next step is to call the police to report the accident. After a report is filed, you are free to leave the scene or call a tow truck to have your vehicle towed. After leaving, you should contact your auto insurer to file a claim the same day as the accident. Consider our Huntington car accident attorney if you would like to hire a lawyer after a hit and run accident.
Is a Lawyer Needed After a Hit and Run Accident?
Hit and run accidents are complicated and aren’t easy to handle on your own due to the complication of the opposing driver fleeing the scene. That is why hiring our Huntington car accident attorney for assistance is recommended. A lawyer can help bring justice to your unfortunate situation. Our team can help you by doing the following:
- Filing paperwork
- Trying to track down the driver
- Negotiating with your auto insurer
- Building your case
Contact Our Huntington Car Accident Attorney
If you were a victim of a hit-and-run accident and are in search of a lawyer to bring you justice, our team at Mandler & Sieger, LLC can help. Our lawyers are well prepared to take over your hit-and-run case and can take the stress of dealing with the accident off your hands. Contact our Huntington car accident attorney to get started and meet with our lawyers.