Being injured in a car accident can be devastating, especially when the driver who caused the accident has fled the scene. Recovering compensation as the victim of a hit and run accident can be challenging, but with an experienced Arkansas car accident attorney, you can develop a strategy for recovering compensation.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident occurs when a driver collides with another driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist and flees the scene. The driver leaves without stopping to exchange information or waiting for the police to arrive. Unfortunately, those drivers generally leave the scene immediately, before they can be identified.
Steps to Take to After a Hit and Run Collision
After being involved in a hit and run collision, the steps listed here can help you obtain compensation for your injuries.
Remain at the scene. Do not chase the at-fault driver because it can be dangerous and undermine your claim for compensation.
Call the police. Report the accident to the police, describe your injuries, and provide details about the driver who hit you, using as much detail as possible.
Seek medical attention. You may not notice all of your injuries immediately, but we recommend going to the emergency room or visiting your doctor as soon as possible.
Find witnesses. If there are any witnesses, ask them to write down their contact information and the details about what they saw.
Take photographs. If you can do so safely, take photographs of the scene of the collision, the damage to your vehicle, and your injuries with your cell phone.
How to Cover Losses from a Hit and Run Accident
Most comprehensive auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, and in Arkansas, your insurer is required to offer this coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage generally applies when an at-fault driver has no insurance, but it also applies when you suffer damages at the hands of an unidentified hit and run driver.
When pursuing an uninsured motorist claim, you must do so with your own insurance company, but don’t fret. Such a claim will not reflect poorly on you. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of “no-fault” coverage and is intended to cover your losses when you’re not at fault for the accident. As long as another party is at fault, accident victims can pursue an insurance settlement up to the limits of their uninsured motorist policy without fear of an increase in their premiums.
Why Do People Leave the Scene of an Accident Illegally?
Some of the most frequent reasons that people flee the scene of an accident include:
- They do not have automobile insurance.
- They have been drinking and do not want to get a DWI.
- They do not have a valid driver’s license.
- They have an outstanding warrant for some other incident and do not want to get arrested.
- They panic because they are afraid that they might have severely injured or killed someone in the collision.
Regardless of the reason the hit and run accident happened, you will want to work with an Arkansas personal injury attorney to seek the money damages you deserve. Reach out to our office today for a free consultation.
