Can a car accident lawyer help me after a hit-and-run?

Hit-and-Run Crashes Call for a Skilled Richmond Car Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a Virginia hit-and-run car accident may leave you feeling worried and confused. You might not know how you’re going to pay for extensive medical bills or repairs to your vehicle. Adding insult to injury, law enforcement may not be able to identify the driver who fled the scene. During these difficult times, it’s critical to turn to the trusted Richmond car accident legal team at The Mottley Law Firm for guidance and advice.

The Complications of Hit-and-Run Car Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can be especially complex. Unlike other types of car crashes where you can pursue damages from the at-fault motorist, the other party is nowhere to be found. Even so, you still deserve fair compensation after suffering car accident injuries and vehicle damage.

In a hit-and-run accident, the at-fault driver leaves the scene before exchanging information or reporting the accident to the police. This is a violation of Code of Virginia § 46.2-894. Motorists are legally obligated to stop in the event of an accident involving injury, death, or damage to attended property, like another car.

There are many reasons why someone may flee the scene of a Richmond car accident.

Car with front end smashed due to hit and run accident

They may be drunk driving and avoiding a possible DUI charge.

They might not have permission to drive the car, or it’s stolen.

An individual could knowingly be avoiding responsibility for causing the accident.

They may not have a driver’s license and want to avoid getting in trouble.

Even if the other motorist leaves the accident scene, you should still call the police as soon as possible to report what happened. Law enforcement may be able to help identify the driver. They’ll also file an incident report, which preserves your ability to claim damages later on.

Leaving a Note After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Many hit-and-run accidents involve parked cars. Even if no one has been hurt or killed, the at-fault driver still has a legal responsibility to inform the owner of the unattended vehicle.

Code of Virginia § 46.2-896 outlines these duties. It states a negligent motorist should make a “reasonable effort” to find the owner or custodian of the parked car. Leaving a note “in a conspicuous place” is a reasonable alternative if they can’t find them. This note should provide their identification and contact information. They must also report the accident in writing to the police within 24 hours.

Holding At-Fault Parties Liable for Damages

Unlike no-fault states, the Commonwealth of Virginia follows at-fault insurance rules. This means injured individuals have the legal right to pursue damages from at-fault parties or their insurance companies.

Fighting for Your Rights to Fair Compensation

Legal representation and assistance are important, even if you’re completely innocent. To improve your chances of receiving a proper settlement for a Virginia hit-and-run accident, The Mottley Law Firm will work tirelessly to defend your legal rights. We’ll assess your situation and stay with you every step of the way to earn the justice you deserve. Here are some of the steps we take.

Investigate the Car Accident

Establishing clear liability in a hit-and-run calls for an experienced personal injury legal team. We’ll conduct a thorough investigation and secure evidence that supports your claim, such as traffic camera footage, eyewitnesses, and other essential facts. This evidence may also help law enforcement identify the other driver. But even if it doesn’t, it justifies the requested settlement amount.

Deal With Insurance Companies

You’ll need to file a claim with your own car insurance company if the other driver is never found. This may sound simple, but the insurer is equally motivated to minimize the amount of your claim. A dedicated lawyer can negotiate with the carrier on your behalf to get what you deserve.

Place a Specific Value on Damages

Some economic and non-economic damage amounts are easier to quantify than others. If you miss four weeks of work due to injuries from a hit-and-run accident, your lost wages are relatively easy to add up. But, it may be less obvious how to estimate the cost of all future medical bills after a Virginia car accident. Your lawyer can help with this.

Pursue Compensation for Damages

In some way, recovering damages after a hit-and-run accident is like what you’d do after an accident with an uninsured driver, as the negligent party’s absence poses many of the same compensation challenges. Our team guides you through the process of how and from whom you can seek reimbursement for various losses related to your claim.

Possible Hit-and-Run Accident Damages You May Recover

Just because you may not be able to identify the other driver doesn’t mean it’s impossible to recover damages after a hit-and-run car accident in Virginia. You can seek compensation for many of the same things you would in other auto collisions, such as:

Medical bills
Future medical costs
Lost wages
Property damage
Future income
Pain and suffering

It’s crucial to tabulate not just current costs, but also anticipated damages and expenses in the future. For example, internal injuries from car accidents can lead to future medical complications, which might reduce your ability to work and enjoy life. You should be fairly compensated for this undue burden.