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A car accident can be a serious matter, with the potential to cause long-lasting damage or even death. Taking the case to court can be a difficult task but that difficulty can be compounded if the at-fault motorist fled the scene before exchanging any information. If you were injured in a collision due to a fleeing motorist, a Cicero hit-and-run car accident lawyer could take your case and make a strong argument for damages. A competent car accident attorney might be your best option of recovering damages after the negligent party breaks the law by running from the accident.
A hit-and-run accident is one which involves two or more vehicles, where one of the motorists leaves the scene after the impact. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident but some people take this chance and decide to flee after an accident that they caused.
It is not unusual for motorists to flee the scene if they have an outstanding criminal charge or some kind of issue with their drivers’ license or insurance which could get them in trouble when the police arrive. If a driver has caused an accident and fled the scene, the persons left behind could potentially file an uninsured motorist claim. In this instance, the injured person’s own insurance company would step in and compensate their insured for medical treatment or other damages due to the accident.
For someone who has just experienced a car accident, it is important to call for medical assistance immediately. Additionally, if the at-fault driver is in the process of fleeing the scene, it is helpful to try and remember as much about the car or the driver as possible so an investigation can commence. They should not try to pursue the driver, especially if there is a serious injury. Then, once everyone’s health is stable, the injured person should contact a local lawyer who knows how to handle hit-and-run car crash cases. The lawyer should have experience in gathering evidence, tracking down the escaped driver, and prosecuting the claim.
There are a few unique characteristics to hit-and-run claims. First, an attorney must prove that there was physical contact between the plaintiff’s car and the car which fled the scene. If the driver had cut the plaintiff off and caused them to swerve and get in an accident, but there was no contact between the vehicles, there will likely not be an uninsured motorist case. An experienced lawyer from the area could be in the best position to document hit-and-run vehicle situations and pressure the insurance companies to offer a fair settlement.
Hit-and-run accidents can occur in any place in Cicero where car accidents normally occur. The only defining characteristic is the fact that the other driver flees the scene. This might make it difficult to determine the cause of the accident, especially if it stemmed from something the escaped driver was doing or if there was a defect with their car.
The damages in a hit-and-run car crash case are the same as with any other automobile accident. The only difference is that a person’s own insurance company will probably pay any judgment under their uninsured motorist coverage unless the negligent party has been located.
Some of the damages which are recoverable include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as costs associated with long-term care if it led to a permanent disability like paralysis or a traumatic brain injury.
It is illegal to flee from an accident but many people continue to do it for one reason or another. Yet just because a defendant is not available does not mean you cannot recover compensation. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you could still collect financial relief. A determined Cicero hit-and-run car accident lawyer could use every tool at their disposal to get you a fair outcome despite a frustrating situation. Call now to discuss your potential case.