Injuries from hit-and-run incidents can leave victims feeling completely helpless and not sure of how to get financial, emotional, and physical damages. These incidents are particularly distressing because the responsible party often runs away from the scene, making it difficult to hold them accountable and adding to the victim’s trauma. Personal injury claims in hit-and-run cases require a different approach than standard accident claims due to the unique challenges involved in identifying the at-fault driver.  Understanding the complex process, your rights, and the essential steps to take can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve, even when the responsible party is not immediately known, and can help bring a sense of justice and closure. What do you know about Hit-and-Run Accidents? A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing their contact information or offering assistance to the injured parties. This act is illegal and can result in severe penalties for the fleeing driver, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.  A 2023 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed a significant increase in hit-and-run fatalities, emphasizing the growing concern over this dangerous behavior. However, for the victims, taking care of the incident’s resulting medical costs, property damage, and psychological distress is frequently their priority. What Steps Should Be Taken Immediately After a Hit-and-Run? If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, it’s essential to take the right steps immediately to ensure your safety, preserve evidence, and protect your rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention The first priority after a hit-and-run accident is to ensure safety. Move to a safe location if possible, and pursue immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Documenting injuries from the outset is important for any future claims. Gather Evidence Try to gather as much evidence as possible from the scene. This includes taking photographs of the damage, noting the time and location of the accident, and collecting witness statements. If possible, try to remember and record details about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Report to the Police It’s essential to report the accident to the police immediately. Provide them with all the gathered evidence and a detailed account of what happened. A police report is a vital document that will support your personal injury claim. Notify Your Insurance Company Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They will guide you on the next steps and may provide coverage for damages under your uninsured motorist policy. What is the process for filing a personal injury claim? Remember, the process may vary depending on your location and the specifics of your case. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney to guide you through the process and ensure you receive fair compensation is essential. Filing a personal injury claim in a hit-and-run case can be challenging but not impossible. Here are the steps to follow: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Finding legal counsel is highly recommended in hit-and-run cases. An experienced personal injury attorney provides guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring that justice is served and your recovery is given preference.  Victims can find a personal injury attorney in their city through the personal injury lawyers directory ServeTheInjured, to protect their rights and manage the complexities of the legal system. A personal injury lawyer handles hit-and-run cases, protecting victims’ rights and pursuing compensation to prioritize their recovery. Uninsured Motorist Coverage In many cases, the victim’s own insurance policy can provide compensation through uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks sufficient insurance. Civil Lawsuit If the fleeing driver is eventually identified, you may have the option to file a civil lawsuit against them. This can be a long process, but it may result in additional compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Negotiation and Settlement Often, these cases are settled out of court through negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company. A fair settlement should cover all medical bills, property damage, and other related costs. What are the Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases? Hit-and-run cases present unique challenges, primarily due to the difficulty in identifying the responsible party. Here are some common hurdles: Identifying the Driver: Without knowing who the driver is, holding them accountable becomes nearly impossible. Insurance Complications: Even with uninsured motorist coverage, insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts.  Emotional and Psychological Impact: The trauma of being involved in a hit-and-run can have lasting emotional effects.  What Damages Can You Claim in a Hit-and-Run Case? Compensation in hit-and-run claims can cover a wide range of damages, depending on the specifics of the case. Under the principles of tort law, individuals who have been injured in a hit-and-run accident may be entitled to recover damages for their losses. Common types of compensation include medical expenses, which encompass costs related to treatment, hospital bills, medication, physical therapy, and future care. Lost wages may also be compensated if the injury leads to time off work or affects future earning potential.  Pain and suffering compensation addresses both the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident, though it can be more challenging to quantify. Additionally, if your vehicle or personal property was damaged, compensation may cover repair or replacement costs. FAQs  What should I do if the driver who hit me is found later?  If the driver who caused the hit-and-run is identified later, you have the option to file a civil lawsuit against them.  Can I still file a claim if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage?  Even without uninsured motorist coverage, you may have options through other parts of your insurance policy, or you may pursue legal action directly against the at-fault driver if they are identified. Conclusion Handling a personal injury claim after a hit-and-run accident can be complex and emotionally taxing. The process requires careful documentation, timely action, and often the expertise of a skilled attorney. By understanding your rights and the steps involved, you can handle the challenges and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.  The post How Are Personal Injury Claims Handled in Hit-and-Run Accidents? appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal.