Being the victim of an accident is a tragic situation, and it is even more challenging if it is a hit-and-run situation. Not only were you injured, but the perpetrator fled the scene… leaving you behind.
At this point, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions about your recovery and potential financial compensation. For example, you might be asking: Can I get compensation without finding the driver?
The most important decision you can make right now is to find an attorney who specializes in hit-and-run cases. They have the knowledge and experience to handle these types of cases, increasing the likelihood that you will be able to get the compensation that you are entitled to. Choosing the ideal lawyer will make a big difference in the overall outcome and settlement.
Here are a few tips when you are choosing a lawyer for your hit-and-run case:
Research Local Hit and Run Legal Representation
Any time you are hiring a personal injury lawyer, it’s best to find a firm in the local area. While there are many options available online, you need someone who has connections and experience in the local community. It makes a difference when you can meet with your lawyer face-to-face and see the offices where they are working. Most clients agree that they feel more comfortable working with local representation instead of through an online provider.
Do a bit of research to find a personal injury lawyer in McKinney. Not only is it important to look at the law firm’s location, but also make it a priority to find someone who specializes in hit-and-run cases specifically. Do a Google search to start your research. Then learn more about the providers that you find so you can start narrowing down your list.
As you are researching potential lawyers, it can be helpful to read reviews from other clients. Look to see how satisfied other people were with the outcomes of their cases.
Book an Appointment
When you are going through the process of how to find a hit-and-run lawyer near me, narrow your choices down to two or three providers in your area. It’s important that you schedule consultations with the lawyers that you are considering so you can get a feel for their personality and available services.
This consultation is a great time to ask questions and find out their approach to building and negotiating your case. Not only do you need someone who is skilled in the legal processes, but also make sure that you are comfortable talking to your lawyer.
Here are a few questions you might consider if you are wondering what to ask a hit-and-run lawyer during the consultation:
- What is your experience with other hit-and-run cases?
- Do you have the availability and capacity to handle my case?
- Is my case worth pursuing?
- What is the potential compensation that I might receive?
- What is the price for your legal representation?
- Are there any extra legal fees for your services?
- How many cases have you won?
- How long do you think it will take to finish my case?
- What strategy will you be using to negotiate my case?
- Do you think the case can be settled out of court?
- What information do you need from me to build the necessary evidence?
What To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The steps you take after a hit-and-run accident can impact the amount of compensation you receive. Here are a few important steps that you should always follow:
- Prioritize Safety:The highest priority is to ensure that you are safe. Check for injuries and assess the situation right away. Also, check on passengers. If possible, move your car out of traffic and get yourself to a safer place.
- Call 911:Make sure to call emergency services without delay. You will need to report the hit-and-run and wait for the authorities to come to the scene. Even if no injuries occurred, you still need to have the report filed for insurance reasons. Always ask for a copy of the report because you will likely need to provide it to the insurance company.
- Don’t Leave:Even if the other driver leaves, don’t try to chase them down. You should always stay on the scene until law enforcement arrives. It’s a crime to leave the scene until law enforcement tells you it’s ok to go.
- Gather Evidence:If possible, collect information about the accident. Write down details about the other car, the driver, and how the collision occurred. Document the location, time, and cause of the accident. Take photos and videos to show the damage and injuries.
- Contact Your Insurance:You’ll need to file a claim with your insurance provider. Enlist the help of a hit-and-run accident lawyer to ensure that your case is strong.
Learn About the Hit and Run Accident Insurance Claim Process
It’s important to understand that the insurance claim process is a little different for hit-and-run cases compared to other types of personal injury cases. When someone leaves the scene without providing information about themselves or their insurance coverage, then you won’t be able to pursue a claim through the insurance provider of the driver at fault.
Instead, you might be able to receive compensation through your own insurance company, depending on the type of coverage that you have. The goal is to get money for the injuries and repairs that are necessary as a result of the accident.
As your hit-and-run accident lawyer is putting your case together, the insurance claims are categorized into property damage (your vehicle or other personal items that were damaged in the accident), as well as bodily injury (such as medical bills for your treatment and recovery).
If you have collision insurance, then it means that you might need to pay your deductible and then you will be able to receive financial compensation for the damage to your car. While collision coverage is sometimes optional, there are many people who have this type of coverage included in their plan.
Additionally, there are other types of insurance coverage that might help to cover both property and medical costs, such as uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI), or personal injury protection (PIP). Talk to your hit-and-run accident lawyer about how this coverage might help with your case.
For more information about available legal services, reach out to our team at Wormington & Bollinger. Contact us at your convenience to schedule a complimentary consultation.