Do you need a hit and run accident lawyer?
Yearly, it’s estimated that the USA experiences more than 7 million car accidents and around 700,000 hit-and-run accidents. In some states like Chicago, it’s reported that more than 100 hit-and-run accidents are sometimes registered daily.
In case you are still interested in more data, Wyoming has the highest number of hit and run accidents per 10,000 motorists, whereas California and Florida have the highest number of fatal hit-and-run accidents here in the USA.
In my own opinion, the 3 most worries after a hit and run accident victim are: feeling isolated and angry, financial consequences, and legal implications.
Just like in any auto crash, the aftermath is not always the best moment you will ever enjoy. If you are a victim, you will be wondering if you will ever get compensated or if the hit and run driver will ever be brought to book.
Whereas the driver that is being charged with a hit and run will be worried about the criminal charges and civil actions he/she is likely to face, in addition to other administrative and traffic Violations.
Recommended reading: What is considered a hit and run?
Before I embark on the main meat of this article, you need to know this. A hit and run accident occurs when one or more of the driver(s) involved in the accident leave or flee the scene of an accident.
In short, A hit and run accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, provide legal expertise, pursue compensation, ensure deadlines are met, and provide peace of mind during a stressful time. Contact a lawyer for a free consultation. But, is this all?
The driver(s) need to stay at the scene of an accident and exchange personal information and car details, report the crash to the nearby police and render help if there are injuries. You will be charged with a hit and run crime if fail to do as I explained.
Now, the big question is, what are the top 10 reasons you should need to hire a car accident attorney or criminal defense lawyer after a hit and run accident? ready? enjoy the ride!
Based on my research, here are 10 reasons why you may need a hit and run accident lawyer:
1. Legal Expertise. A hit and run lawyer has the expertise and knowledge to navigate your state’s complex car accident laws. He/she will help you understand your legal rights and options.
2. Investigate liability. A lawyer knows best how to gather information and analyze every piece of evidence brought before the jury/judge to determine who is liable for the accident.
3. Compensation maximization. Following any auto crash, the at-fault driver is more likely to pay the victim that incurred losses or damages.
Recommended reading: After a hit and run, what to do? call insurance or a lawyer?
A hit-and-run lawyer knows best how to identify possible sources of compensation on top of identifying all the damages you should receive. The lawyer will tell you to try your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s company or to go after the at-fault driver’s assets.
4. Medical attention. Most personal injury lawyers have affiliates with hospitals and other medical experts. Hiring a car accident attorney will help receive the medical help you need and ensure your medical bills are paid through maximum compensation.
5. Statute of limitations. Hiring any car accident lawyer will ensure that your lawsuit is filed before the deadline. For example, the deadline for filing injury lawsuits in California is 2 years.
6. Reduce stress. Ask a common man or lady to represent themselves in courts of law and most likely adrenaline start to surge.
Hit-and-run legal officers will help you by reducing the stress of filing lawsuits, getting the required medical care, and handling the legal complexities of your case.
7. Protect your rights. If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, your lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected.
Insurance companies or any other party involved in compensating your damages may try to cheat you or deny you payments. The lawyer will protect you from tough negotiators.
8. Experience. Lawyers that have handled previous cases of hit and run cases will use their experience to your advantage.
9. Negotiation. A hit and run victim badly needs monetary compensation, right? For instance, how much do you need in compensation if you suffered spinal injuries or if your car is severely damaged?
I already stressed that it’s the goal of any insurance company to pay as little compensation as possible to its clients. Your company will try all ways to “lowball” you or invent any chance to deny you settlement compensation.
Recommended reading: A car hit and run police report- how to report a car hit and run accident?
Whether your case goes to trial or you are currently locked in settlement negotiations with any party, an experienced personal injury lawyer or accident attorney will make a difference.
Research done by Nolo was able to deduce that hiring a car accident attorney helps in receiving a settlement that is 3-5X higher compared to if no lawyer is hired.
10. Free consultation. In most cases, speaking to a hit and run lawyer costs absolutely nothing. You lose nothing by scheduling and speaking to a lawyer. On the contrary, speaking to one will help you know if you have a strong case and what your legal options are.
Conclusion.
A hit and run lawyer is an attorney that represents hit and run victims. On the other hand, a driver that committed a hit and run by leaving the scene of an accident requires the services of a criminal defense lawyer.
Whether you are the victim or the driver that committed a hit and run, hiring a legal representative plays an important role as far as pursuing a leaving the scene of an accident charge is concerned.
Source:
1. Hit and Run Car Accident: Definition, Penalties & Laws. (2021) https://study.com/academy/lesson/hit-and-run-car-accident-definition-penalties-laws.html
2. (2022) What You Should Do if You’re Involved in a Hit-and-Run. Idrivesafely. https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/what-exactly-hit-and-run-accident
3. (2000) Hit and Run Lawyer. CEOlawyer. https://ceolawyer.com/personal-injury/hit-and-run-accident-lawyer/
