Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident? In addition to physical pain, victims of these accidents often endure the mental anguish that comes with being deprived of the opportunity to hold the liable driver accountable for the reckless and senseless act.
In Louisiana, it is against the law to leave the scene of a car accident without helping the injured, dialing 911, or leaving contact and insurance information. Although the individual who hit you may never be caught, you may have the right to recover compensation that is not dependent on criminal proceedings.
Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers have handled many hit-and-run accidents throughout the state. Whether you were injured as the driver or passenger in a car, as a pedestrian, or bicyclist, our Baton Rouge hit-and-run accident lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights to compensation.
Many victims of hit-and-run crashes must turn to the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on their own auto policy. Our lawyers can help you file a claim and seek compensation for all the losses you have suffered.
What Do I Do if I Was Injured in a Hit-And-Run Accident?
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Baton Rouge, our attorneys recommend you take the following steps:
Try to Remain Calm
Keeping your composure will help you think clearly. You might have just a few seconds to get a look at the vehicle and its driver, so you do not have time to be angry.
Try to Study the Vehicle as It Leaves the Scene
In many cases, hit-and-run victims have a very short period of time to collect information about the other vehicle before it is out of sight. This is why you should try your best to watch the vehicle closely so you can describe it to the police. Take mental notes of key details, including: License plate number Make, model, and color of the vehicle Any distinguishing features on the car, such as a dent from the crash Physical characteristics of the driver, including race, sex, age, and any other identifying features The direction the vehicle was going Make sure you write down everything you noticed about the other vehicle and the individual driving it, so you do not forget any details.
Locate Witnesses
Someone else may have seen what occurred. If there were witnesses, get their contact information. They could assist the police in catching the person who hit you. Also, your attorney may need to contact witnesses in the future so they can testify on your behalf. Check the area for traffic cameras, surveillance cameras, or any other location where cameras could have recorded the hit and run. A lawyer can help you obtain this footage.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Take photos of the scene of the accident from a variety of distances and angles. This includes photos of the damage to your vehicle, as well as pictures of your injuries.
Call the Police
When the police arrive, explain that you were in a hit-and-run accident and have information about the vehicle and the driver. This will assist law enforcement in tracking down the vehicle and the person driving it. Police will also include the details you provide in their report about the accident, which could be useful later.
Get Medical Attention
No matter what you think about your injuries, you need medical treatment from medical professionals. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries, and some conditions do not show immediate symptoms. A thorough medical exam can catch any injuries that could become severe if left untreated.
Contact a Lawyer
An experienced Baton Rouge lawyer can advise you about all of your legal options after a hit-and-run collision, including filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit. Your lawyer can manage every aspect of your claim, including negotiating for full and fair compensation. Your lawyer will have your best interests at heart every step of the way.
Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay For Hit-And-Run Crashes?
If you have been injured by a negligent driver who is uninsured, you can make a claim against the uninsured coverage of your own policy. The uninsured coverage essentially replaces the liability coverage that the negligent driver failed to carry.
Louisiana law defines an uninsured motorist to include a hit-and-run motorist who cannot be identified. In the event of a hit-and-run, there must be physical contact between the vehicles, unless the injured person can prove, through a witness, that the unidentified driver caused the accident. In many cases, the hit-and-run driver is never found. Even when they are, they often lack insurance coverage. Pursuing a claim under your auto policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is often the best option for victims of hit-and-run crashes.
Even though you are dealing with “your” insurance company on a UM claim, do not think that they have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies always want to minimize what they have to payout. Our hit and run wreck attorneys in Baton Rouge are ready to stand up for your rights and seek the compensation you truly deserve.
What Type of Compensation Can I Expect to Receive for My Hit-and-Run Accident?
You may be entitled to some of the following types of compensation following your Baton Rouge hit-and-run accident:
- Medical bills. Medical expenses include all payments you make related to the hit-and-run accident such as hospital stays, prescription drugs, surgery, and physical therapy. If your injuries require long-term medical care, you can request compensation to assist with future medical bills, as well as for any modifications to your home or vehicle needed after the accident.
- Lost income. This includes payment for the time you were unable to work while recovering. For instance, a carpenter who suffers accident-related damage in his hands would likely be unable to continue working.
- Lost earning capacity. This refers to future lost income as a result of a catastrophic injury. When hit-and-run accident victims cannot return to work, it has a devastating impact on the family who relied on that income.
- Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is mental or physical distress based on the type and severity of the injury. Pain and may include mental and emotional damage stemming from the hit-and-run accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. Some hit-and-run accidents can be so traumatic that you will lose any sense of enjoyment of life. You might not be able to enjoy participating in your favorite hobbies and social activities.
Contact Our Experienced Baton Rouge Hit-And-Run Lawyers at Tomeny Best
As you physically and mentally recover from a hit-and-run accident, allow the experienced lawyers at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers to handle all the complicated legal and financial aspects of your case.
Our Baton Rouge hit and run accident lawyers can pursue compensation on your behalf, putting you in the best position to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We can lift the burden from your shoulders by taking care of all the heavy legal legwork while you focus on your health and recovery.
