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If you have been injured by a driver who left the scene of the accident without exchanging their insurance information, know that they have committed a criminal act and may be liable to cover your injury damages. Consider turning to a professional Oak Lawn hit-and-run accident lawyer for guidance on how you should proceed. Read on to learn more about how a skilled car accident attorney can offer you their assistance today.
A hit and run accident in Oak Lawn is defined as an injury involving a car for which a plaintiff is unable to identify the source. If a car strikes someone’s vehicles and flees the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run accident. A hit-and-run accident can also cover damage from objects from other vehicles. For example, if a car was to hit a tire that was in the middle of the road, this circumstance would constitute a hit-and-run accident assuming the driver is unable to identify where the tire came from. A hit-and-run accident requires contact with some object, usually another vehicle, to qualify for a hit-and run-recovery.
If someone has been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Oak Lawn, they are entitled to the same type of damages as those available in other car accident cases. The difference is that the injured individual’s insurance company will compensate them for their damages under the uninsured motorist coverage as opposed to the insurance company from a car that someone is able to identify. Examples of recoverable damages in this instance could include their medical bills, their lost wages, the pain and suffering incurred as a result of the accident, as well as their loss of normal life.
These are three important steps someone should follow after an Oak Lawn hit-and-run accident. First, an individual must contact the police to make a report. If the driver does not make a police report within 24 hours, their insurance company will likely decline their claim. Second, the injured party must notify their insurance company that they were involved in a hit-and-run accident. An insurance carrier is obligated to assist them in any requirement that they may need. Third, the driver should contact a qualified personal injury attorney. Because the uninsured motorist process can be very confusing and wrought with potential problems that could impact one’s ability to make a recovery, help from an Oak Lawn hit-and-run accident lawyer can be a valuable resource.
Some reasons why drivers flee the scene after an accident could include the fact that they may have no insurance, that there is an arrest warrant out for them, that their legal status in this country is questionable, or that they may just want to avoid their responsibility to pay the injured party. It is important to consult with an experienced Oak Lawn hit-and-run accident lawyer immediately after a collision. Insurance companies place very strict deadlines on these situations, often within 30 days.
If someone fails to navigate the insurance process in an Oak Lawn hit-and-run accident, they may lose their right to recovery. A dedicated injury lawyer will keep the plaintiff’s best interests in mind while guiding them through the necessary procedures and fight for their deserved compensation. Reach out to a weathered Oak Lawn hit-and-run accident lawyer for your initial consultation today.