A hit and run accident occurs when two or more vehicles collide, and one driver flees the scene without stopping and exchanging information. Hit-and-run accidents can lead to criminal charges, but they also make it more challenging for victims of personal injury to seek fair compensation from those who caused them these losses. There are several factors to consider about these accidents, so be sure to speak with a Charleston car accident lawyer from Salango Law.
Call our firm at (304) 342-0512 to schedule a free consultation.
What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver fails to stop and exchange information after a collision occurs. These types of accidents are frustrating because, for victims, it can be hard to prove their right to compensation. In our experience, some of the most common areas for hit-and-run accidents to occur include:
- Local parking lots
- Urban roadways, especially in the downtown area of the city
- Pedestrians who are in or near the crosswalk
- Late-night or early morning driving
In these and other situations, victims face a very real financial loss as they try to rebuild. If you were in a hit and run accident, contact the police to file a report and then give your injury attorney in Charleston a call.
Laws Related to Hit and Run Accidents in Charleston
Any person involved in a car accident or collision with any other driver must stop and exchange information at the very least. In cases of substantial injury or loss (West Virginia Code | §17C-4-1), stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. If someone suffers injuries or loses their life, you are mandated to stop and remain at the scene of the accident until legal help arrives.
An Attorney Can Help in a Hit and Run Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a hit-and-run accident, victims need to visit the emergency room to receive care. Once you get that care, hire an attorney to help you. A hit and run accident lawyer helps immediately in several ways:
- Gathering evidence to determine who the at-fault driver is
- Use surveillance footage from doorbell cameras, traffic cameras, or other sources to seek answers
- Help you determine if you can file an underinsured/uninsured motorist claim
- Review your auto insurance coverage to determine what your rights are in this accident
- Seek legal action against third parties that may be partially to blame for your accident and injuries (broken bones, spinal cord damage, etc…), if applicable
Hit and run accidents are often more complex because police officers lack the time to take immediate action and seek all possible evidence. Your attorney can help determine who caused your accident.
How to Recover Damages in a Hit and Run Accident
Most hit-and-run accidents undergo a thorough investigation, and the person at fault is ultimately found. You can then file a claim for compensation through their insurance company. In situations where you do not learn the identity of the other person, you can file a claim against your underinsured or uninsured motorist policy. You can claim losses up to the value of your policy.
Working with an Attorney Becomes Critical
Victims of hit and run accidents need to speak to an attorney with experience in these cases. Doing so helps minimize the risk of not learning who is at fault. Most importantly, your hit and run accident lawyer will not charge you any attorney fees if you do not win your case.
Request a free consultation with Salango Law to review your rights.