Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by
You’ve been hurt, your car’s been wrecked, and there’s no way to track down the other motorist who caused the collision. But, notwithstanding the aggravation of the circumstance, you may still be entitled to file a claim for financial restitution.
Discuss your situation with a car accident attorney.
What is hit-and-run liability? Who is at fault? How do you go about seeking compensation? All of these questions and more will be answered in this article.
Why is it a crime to hit and run?
Any motorist who flees the site of an accident without exchanging information or calling the police is considered “at fault” for the incident. In most jurisdictions, it is unlawful to flee the scene of an accident.
If the other driver flees the scene of an accident, they are likely trying to evade criminal or civil liability. They frequently lack insurance and may be reluctant to contact or speak with law enforcement. If the person involved in the accident does not realize that they have caused a collision or that someone was hurt, they may flee the scene, although this is extremely rare.
You must report a hit-and-run accident to the authorities as soon as possible. The report the police make can be used as evidence in court. This is crucial to supporting your argument.
In the event of a hit-and-run accident, who is responsible for damages?
When the at-fault driver is nowhere to be found, establishing fault in a hit-and-run collision can be difficult. Yet, the accident may be the fault of more than one person.
If the authorities can track down the negligent motorist who caused the crash and then fled the scene, that person will be held financially responsible for any damages that resulted from the incident.
If the authorities cannot track down the at-fault driver, they may pursue legal action against the vehicle’s registered owner.
You can seek compensation for your losses from your insurance carrier if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
How to Seek Financial Redress After a Hit-and-Run Incident
The following are the most important things to do if you are ever engaged in a hit-and-run accident:
Alert the authorities right away: The police report is an important piece of evidence that can be utilized in court, as was previously noted (although when and how a police report is admissible as evidence is more complicated).
If you’ve been hurt, you should talk to a lawyer: Hiring a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case is a good first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
