Maryland Hit & Run Accident Attorneys

Trying to Identify Hit & Run Drivers

After a hit and run accident, you should proceed as you normally would after a crash. Call 9-1-1 right away and report the hit and run, including any details you remember about the make, model, and color of the vehicle. Sometimes, witnesses will stop after a hit and run and report a license plate number or other identifying information about the driver. You want police officers to have as much information as possible regarding the hit and run driver and their car.

Sometimes, people are shocked when the police call and announce they found the hit and run driver. The driver will likely face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. However, the criminal case will do very little to compensate you for your accident-related losses. It is important that you contact a car accident lawyer who understands how to proceed in hit and run cases.

Insurance Claims after a Hit & Run Crash

After a hit and run, you should always seek medical attention right away if you believe you suffered any injuries. Even if no obvious injuries exist, head to the emergency room or the doctor if you feel sore, stiff, or disoriented, as these could be signs of soft tissue injuries or a concussion. Many people fail to get the medical care they need after a hit and run due to concerns over the medical costs. However, getting a timely diagnosis and treatment can actually help with a future insurance claim.

No matter whether police officers found the driver or not, you will need to prove two things for a successful insurance claim:

• That the other driver was responsible for causing the accident
• The amount of damages you claim

Our attorneys work to prove liability and damages in the same way we would in any car accident case. We investigate the circumstances of the crash, interview witnesses, seek out video footage, and more. Often, the fact that the driver fled the scene can be important evidence of their fault. We then use your medical records, pay statements, and other evidence to prove your losses, which can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If police officers found the driver who hit you, the insurance claim will proceed like any other auto accident claim. We will file a claim with the other driver’s insurance and fight for the settlement you deserve. Insurance companies are notorious for taking advantage of injured accident victims by offering minimal settlement amounts, delaying claims, or wrongfully denying claims altogether. Even if authorities identified the hit and run driver, you should still have the help of a skilled lawyer from the start of the claims process.

If no one was able to identify the driver who fled, you can still seek compensation for your losses. Maryland law requires you to have a minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage, which also kicks in after a hit and run. Because you do not know the driver’s identity or insurer, the claim is treated similarly to accidents with uninsured drivers.

Always remember that your own insurance company can be difficult, as well. This is especially true when it comes to uninsured motorist claims stemming from hit and run accidents. You should seek representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can handle your insurance claim on your behalf. This not only protects your rights but also allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries instead of the frustrating insurance process.