Little Rock Hit and Run Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run car accident, it’s important to understand you have options. With the help of a Little Rock hit and run lawyer, you may be able to identify the other driver responsible for your crash. Even if that’s not the case, the right legal team could guide you through the insurance claim process.

What Should You Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

Take the following steps after a hit and run car accident:

1. Prioritize Your Safety

You do not want to try to chase down the hit and run driver. Instead, get to a safe place, particularly if your vehicle is still in a traffic lane. Try to note the make and model of the other car, its license plate, any identifying features (like aftermarket upgrades, dents, or bumper stickers), and the direction the car traveled when the driver fled. If possible, snap a quick photo of the car with your cell phone.

2. Call the Police

You should call the police immediately to maximize the odds that they will catch the hit and run driver. It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident in Arkansas without getting the permission of the police to do so. Even in a minor fender bender, drivers must stop and exchange contact and insurance information. Share all the information you wrote down with the police and show them any photos you were able to take.

Make sure the police write a report that you can give to your insurance company. If the police do not catch the hit and run driver, you might need to seek compensation from your own automobile insurance policy, if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Insurance companies treat hit and run collisions the same as uninsured motorist accidents.

3. Document the Scene

In addition to getting photographs of the other vehicle, you would want to take pictures of the scene, any contributing factors, all damage to your vehicle, and your injuries. Also, you will want to get the names and contact information of any people who might have witnessed the crash.

4. Get Medical Attention

You should go immediately to the emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment of your injuries after the police release you to leave the scene. Even if you do not have visible wounds, some injuries take time to develop noticeable symptoms. Trauma specialists know what to look for when a person has been involved in a collision.

5. Talk to a Little Rock Hit and Run Lawyer

In a tricky case like a hit and run accident, there will be insurance and liability issues that are more sophisticated than in the typical car accident case. You do not have to sort these things out for yourself or battle the insurance company alone. If you work with a skilled hit and run attorney on your car accident claim, the attorney can handle these issues and work with the police to try to catch the other driver. We are happy to offer a free case review with no obligation. Reach out to our office today.

Arkansas Hit and Run Laws

In Arkansas, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime, with penalties that vary depending on the severity of the crash and any resulting injuries. This offense is governed by Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-53-102. Arkansas law requires that drivers involved in an accident stop immediately, provide their contact and insurance information, and render aid if necessary.

• Property Damage: If the accident results only in property damage, the fleeing driver could face misdemeanor charges, resulting in fines and potential jail time.
• Injury or Death: If the hit and run involves serious injury or death, the penalties are much more severe. A hit and run causing injury can result in felony charges, with the possibility of significant fines and imprisonment.

Additionally, Arkansas law allows victims of hit and run accidents to pursue a civil claim. Even if the driver is not caught, victims may still recover compensation through their own insurance policies, particularly if they have uninsured motorist coverage.

How Reed Firm Can Help

Navigating the legal complexities of a hit and run case can be challenging, especially if the at-fault driver is not identified. At Reed Firm, we understand the unique difficulties hit and run victims face, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need. Our passion for people drives us to deliver compassionate, dedicated legal representation, while our obsession with justice ensures we leave no stone unturned in pursuing compensation on your behalf.

We handle all aspects of your case, from filing insurance claims to gathering evidence and representing you in court. Our team will work with you to explore all available avenues for compensation, including your own uninsured motorist coverage, while holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions.

What Is a Hit and Run?

A hit and run occurs when a driver is involved in an accident and fails to stop, provide information, or render aid as required by law. Arkansas law requires drivers to remain at the scene, exchange contact and insurance information, and assist injured parties when necessary.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. The severity of the charge depends on whether the crash caused property damage, injury, or death. Even though the driver may face criminal penalties, you still need to pursue a civil claim to recover compensation for your losses.

Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen

Drivers leave the scene for various reasons, but most stem from fear or an attempt to avoid consequences. Some of the most common reasons a driver might leave the scene of a crash include the following:

Lack of Insurance

Some drivers flee because they do not carry insurance. They may believe leaving the scene will help them avoid financial responsibility for the crash.

Driving Under the Influence

A driver who is impaired by alcohol or drugs may panic and leave the scene to avoid a DUI charge. This is one of the most common reasons for hit and run accidents.

Outstanding Warrants

Drivers with prior legal issues may fear arrest when interacting with law enforcement. This can lead them to flee, even after causing serious harm.

Panic

Not every driver who leaves the scene is thinking clearly. Some panic after the crash and make a poor decision in the moment.

Lack of Awareness

In minor collisions, especially in parking lots, a driver may claim they did not realize they caused damage. While this may be true in some cases, it does not excuse the failure to stop and investigate.

What Type of Compensation Can Be Recovered

Even if the at-fault driver leaves the scene, you may still recover compensation through your own insurance or even a personal injury lawsuit. Some of the damages include the following:

Medical Expenses

You can seek compensation for emergency care, hospital treatment, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation. If your injuries require long-term care, those future costs should also be included.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover the income you lost during your recovery. This applies whether you miss a few days or several months.

Diminished Earning Capacity

If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may recover damages for reduced earning potential. This is especially important in serious injury cases.

Pain and Suffering

You may recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the accident on your daily life. Hit and run cases often involve additional stress due to the uncertainty of the driver’s identity.

Property Damage

You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash. If the at-fault driver is not found, you may rely on uninsured motorist coverage.

Talk to a Little Rock Hit and Run Lawyer Today

Hit and run accidents are as devastating as they are frustrating. The injuries and property damage can be severe, but holding the other driver is difficult if they leave the scene of the crash.

Our firm is here to help you manage this difficult situation. A Little Rock hit and run lawyer can advise you of your options, from filing a lawsuit to pursuing an insurance claim. Contact us today for a free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get compensation if the driver is never found?

Yes. You may be able to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage. This type of policy is designed to cover situations where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.

What if the police find the driver but they don’t have insurance?

You may still pursue a claim through your uninsured motorist coverage. You can also file a lawsuit against the driver personally, although recovery may depend on their financial situation.

How much does it cost to hire a hit and run lawyer?

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay upfront. The attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation for you, usually as a percentage of the settlement or verdict.