When a motor vehicle accident occurs, the involved parties should remain at the scene of the crash. Unfortunately, some negligent motorists decide to flee the scene of a collision before reporting the incident. This is known as a “hit and run” accident.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. A skilled Virginia personal injury lawyer of Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, LLP can fight to obtain the justice you deserve. To find out how we can help you, contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
What to Do Following a Hit-and-Run Collision
When you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Any traffic collision is nerve-racking. This is especially true when the at-fault party does not remain at the scene.
In situations like this, it is vital to take all possible steps to increase your chances of recovery. Make sure to take the following actions immediately following a hit-and-run crash:
Determine the Safety of Those Involved
Following any traffic accident, the health and safety of those involved should be the top priority. Make sure to check yourself and others for injuries following a hit and run.
Some hit-and-run accidents involve multiple vehicles. But reckless drivers may also flee the scene after hitting a pedestrian, bicyclist, or object. Check for anyone nearby who could’ve been hurt as well.
If anyone is harmed, call 911 to request the presence of medical responders.
Move the Vehicles to a Safe Location
If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the path of traffic. This will help to protect those involved and prevent further collisions.
Also, turn on your vehicle’s emergency lights to increase visibility. If you are unable to move your car or truck, move away from the vehicle and to a safe space. Common examples include sidewalks and shoulders.
Contact the Police
Hit-and-run accidents are criminal offenses in the state of Virginia. It is important to exchange information with the other drivers and contact local authorities before leaving the scene of any accident. The penalties for hit-and-run offenses vary depending on the resulting property damage and injuries.
The police may request information regarding the accident and the at-fault driver. Information that is helpful in a law enforcement investigation includes:
- The make, model, and color of the at-fault vehicle
- A detailed description of the fleeing driver
- A description of the events leading to the accident
- Distinguishing features of the car or truck
The more information you can provide, the better. This evidence will help in the case of an investigation or resulting tort claim.
Also, the reporting officer will draft a collision report. It is important to request a copy of the police accident report in the aftermath of a car crash.
Gather Relevant Evidence
Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of the scene. Make sure to document:
- Vehicular damage
- The position of your vehicle
- Any debris on the road
- Any injuries that resulted
If there were eyewitnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information, and ask them to provide a statement about what they saw. Eyewitnesses may have useful information about the driver who fled the scene.
File an Insurance Claim
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you should file an insurance claim. In most jurisdictions, it is required by law to report any accident involving injury or property damage to your insurance company. Additionally, filing a claim can help you obtain compensation for any damages or injuries you sustained in the accident.
Your personal injury lawyer can help you with this step.
Damages in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases
The term “damages” refers to monetary payments made by the at-fault party in a tort legal claim. The most common types of damages in personal injury cases are compensatory.
In other words, these damages are intended to make up for the financial and intangible losses that the victim experienced. Some of the most common examples of what compensatory damages are meant to cover include:
- Medical bills and debt
- Anticipated future medical costs
- Associated property damage, such as vehicle repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Foregone wages and income as a result of missed work
Most people are unsure about how to accurately calculate the value of their hit-and-run claim. That is why it is vital to speak with a knowledgeable Virginia personal injury attorney about your accident.
Securing compensation following a hit-and-run accident is challenging. Pursuing a successful claim requires legal experience and knowledge.
Contact Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, LLP Today
When you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Virginia, you need premier legal representation. Our skilled team at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis, LLP is ready to fight for every dime of compensation you are due!
Contact us for a no-cost consultation with one of our accomplished Virginia tort attorneys today.