Being struck by a reckless driver is terrifying and unnerving, but it is made even worse when the driver does not stop to help you or to provide their information. If you are hurt in such an incident, a Summerlin hit and run accident lawyer becomes your ally in recovering your damages.
These are challenging cases from which to recover damages, but our Summerlin car accident lawyer from H&P Law, who has a combined 60 years of experience, can provide you with the resources you need to fight back.
Determining How to Recover Damages After a Hit and Run Accident
One of the most challenging aspects for victims of these accidents is knowing who is at fault. Most of the time, after such an accident, your description and other statements will help police track down who did this to you. In that situation, you can then file a claim for your losses against that party’s insurance policy.
There may be times when they do not learn who this is, or it takes a long time for that to occur. In those events, you still have the right to compensation, but you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company to get it. There are limitations to this process as well.
The complexities related to a hit and run accident, even when the driver is found, make it essential to turn to an experienced attorney who can guide you. With decades of experience fighting for victims, our Summerlin personal injury lawyer at H&P Law is ready to support you as you pursue compensation. Do not settle your case until you speak to our attorney about your rights.
What You Do After a Hit and Run Accident Matters
Victims of a hit and run accident benefit most when they can file a claim for their losses against the driver that struck them in many situations. That is why it is so important for you to take action after such an accident to get the evidence you need. After this type of accident, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and report what happened. The dispatcher can immediately dispatch police to the area to seek out the driver. Any description you give can be helpful.
- Wait at the scene of the incident for police to arrive to document the case. While there, take photos of anything available to you, such as damage to your vehicle, roadway debris, and mailboxes near the road. These areas have potential evidence on them from the other driver.
- If there are witnesses, take the time to speak to them. Ask them kindly to provide their contact information so that you can reach out to them later if there is a need to do so.
- Get medical care. Go to the hospital for a full workup. This will document your injuries and help you start the healing process.
- In a hit and run accident, you will also need to alert your insurance company to what happened. Do not file a claim just yet, but alert them to the incident.
Many times, you can follow up with the police in the days after the accident to determine if they found the at-fault driver. This is also a good way to learn of any evidence they may have. At this point, you also want to call your Summerlin hit and run accident attorney to start working on your case.
What Happens When the Police Find the At Fault Driver
Drivers involved in any type of accident in which they strike another person, personal property, or other assets must stop at the scene of the incident to provide contact information and assistance. Yet, this does not always happen, sometimes due to intoxication and other times due to fear of what could happen. Police may find the driver within hours or days after the accident.
Police are likely to charge the driver with the hit and run accident. This could lead to fines and some jail time for the at-fault driver. If there are situations where your injuries are severe or the property damage is significant, the prosecutor may pursue Category B felony charges (NRS Chapter 484E – Crashes and Reports of Crashes) against the at-fault driver. That could mean longer jail time and numerous repercussions.
What is most important to know from your point of view is that criminal charges against the at-fault driver do not help you to recover financial compensation for your losses.
It is still critical for you to take action to recover those damages. That is where our hit and run accident lawyer in Summerlin can offer guidance, so be sure to review our case results today.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Hit and Run Accidents
In situations where the other driver is not found, you have the right to file a claim against your uninsured motorist insurance coverage. This is an insurance policy you take out yourself that pays for your losses when the other driver lacks coverage or is not known. It is certainly a valuable tool at this time.
However, the insurance company is still a for-profit company that wants to reduce the amount of money they pay you. That is why hiring a hit and run accident attorney in Summerlin can prove to be critical to building a robust, evidence-based case. That ensures the insurance company will treat you fairly.
If you do not have uninsured motorist insurance, you may not be able to file a claim for compensation until the other party is found. If they are found to lack insurance, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against them to seize assets to pay for your losses. Though complex, this could be the best way to recover your damages in some cases.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Summerlin Hit and Run Accident Attorney
At H&P Law, our Summerlin hit and run accident lawyer is ready to guide you throughout this legal process.
We provide our clients with one-on-one support throughout these cases, ensuring that your rights remain protected. Set up a free consultation with our legal team to learn more about your rights.
