Every day, thousands of people are injured in hit-and-run accidents. If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important that you know the steps to take after a hit-and-run. Your next moves could be crucial for winning an injury claim. This article will provide tips on how to proceed if you’re ever unlucky enough to find yourself in this situation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, read on for advice about what your next steps should be. And make sure to contact Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyer to get started on your case.
1. Gather Evidence
Evidence can come from various sources, including eyewitnesses and surveillance footage of the incident.
It’s important to collect as much information as possible:
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- License plate numbers of any vehicles involved
- Photos of property damage
- Injuries sustained during the accident
In a hit-and-run accident, it can be difficult to collect evidence from the at-fault party. Do your best to take a photo of their license plate or car so you have some identifying information that you can give to the police.
Taking detailed notes about the incident itself, such as time of day, weather conditions, road traffic at the time, etc., could be very helpful too. Having this information on hand will give you the best chance of success when filing a claim.
Additionally, keep records of any out-of-pocket expenses associated with seeking medical care, such as transportation costs or prescriptions not covered by health insurance. By putting together a complete picture of what happened and documenting your damages, it’ll be easier for insurers or courts to understand your case better and provide appropriate compensation for pain and suffering.
2. Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention after being injured in a hit-and-run accident. Even if you don’t feel like you need it right away, symptoms can appear later on. Getting checked out by a doctor will help protect your health and support an injury claim further down the line. A medical evaluation is also necessary for any insurance or legal proceedings which may follow.
In addition to seeking professional care, be sure to document all evidence related to your injuries. This includes written records from the hospital, as well as receipts of payments made for treatment.
3. Understand Your Legal Rights
Understanding your legal rights following a hit-and-run accident means being aware of the laws that exist to protect you and how they can help you achieve justice. In particular, it’s essential to be familiar with personal injury law, which addresses the rights of individuals who have been harmed due to another person’s negligence or recklessness.
You should also consider the relevant statute of limitations that may apply in your case. These are time limits within which a lawsuit must be filed; missing them could result in losing your right to seek compensation for damages incurred in the incident. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Rhode Island is three years following the accident.
Additionally, if the driver responsible for the accident is uninsured, then you will need to research other options for recovering funds from their estate or other parties deemed liable for the crash.
4. Contact An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
A car accident lawyer can help guide you through the process of filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and will be your best asset for getting justice.
Here are some tips on how to find the right lawyer:
- Check their qualifications. Make sure they have experience working with similar cases and that they understand the nuances of local laws.
- Ask around. Speak to other attorneys or family/friends who might know someone who could recommend a good attorney.
- Read reviews. You may want to read online reviews from past clients before committing to anyone specific.
5. File A Claim With the At-fault Driver’s Insurance Company
You can file a claim by providing the insurer with evidence of negligence and any medical records or bills associated with your injury. It’s important that you provide as much detail as possible, including witness statements if available, in order to make sure your claim is successful.
In some cases, filing a claim may not always result in compensation for damages due to certain state laws and regulations. Therefore it’s essential that you work closely with your personal injury attorney so they can review all documents related to the incident and advise you on how best to proceed. With their assistance, you’ll have a better chance of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries sustained in the hit-and-run accident.
Contact Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming, but it is important to take the right steps in order to win an injury claim. Gathering evidence after the incident, seeking medical attention, understanding your legal rights, and contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer are all crucial components of filing a successful claim.
By taking these measures and working with your attorney, you will have a greater chance of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation with Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyer to get started on your case.
Author Bio
Louis W. Grande is a Providence personal injury lawyer who founded his Rhode Island law firm of the same name in 2010. With more than 32 years of experience practicing law, he has successfully represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including car accidents, premise liability, dog bites, medical malpractice, product liability, and other personal injury actions.
Louis received his Juris Doctor from the Hamline University School of Law and is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being awarded Lifetime Achievement in 2017 by America’s Top 100 Attorneys and being named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 25 Motor Vehicle Trial Lawyers in 2017.