Suffering injuries in a car accident can be one of the most traumatic events of your life. The stress and worry that come with a crash are only amplified when the other driver involved leaves the scene before law enforcement arrives. Hit and run car accidents in Crown Point can leave you frustrated, but it is important not to despair. With the right team behind you, recovering compensation could still be possible.
The ultimate goal is to identify the responsible driver and hold them accountable. That said, insurance coverage can be invaluable in these cases when the other party remains unidentified. Let a skilled car accident attorney help you navigate this challenging process.
Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen
Drivers leave the scene of a crash for various reasons, even though the law typically requires them to remain until police arrive. Leaving the scene qualifies as a criminal offense, but some still make that choice. Common causes of hit-and-run car accidents in Crown Point include:
Lack of Insurance
Many drivers leave the scene of an accident because they are uninsured. Not only will this lead to a citation from the police, but it also means they are personally responsible for any damage they cause. This can lead a driver to risk fleeing to avoid liability for a serious accident.
Fear of Arrest
Drivers frequently leave the scene of a collision out of fear of arrest. This might include motorists with outstanding warrants or individuals who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
Immigration Status
Another common reason for a hit-and-run accident in Crown Point is the fear of immigration consequences. If a person is not in the country legally, they could be at risk for deportation if they make contact with the police.
Panic
Some individuals flee the scene of a crash without a clear or rational reason. Panic often overrides judgment, leading them to leave rather than face possible consequences, even when the outcome of the accident is relatively minor.
Options for Compensation
Although these situations may seem overwhelming, there can still be options for recovering damages after a Crown Point hit-and-run car accident, depending on the provisions in your automobile insurance coverage. If you purchased optional uninsured motorist coverage, an attorney could review the wording of your policy to see if it would cover a hit-and-run collision. If so, you could bring a personal injury claim against your insurer, seeking to recover damages from your uninsured motorist coverage. However, some policies specifically exclude coverage for hit-and-run collisions, so it is important to have an attorney review the policy language.
In some cases, law enforcement successfully identifies hit-and-run drivers shortly after the crash. Attorneys can also investigate, using details like license plate numbers or other identifying information to help locate the vehicle involved. In that scenario, a personal injury lawsuit directly against the hit-and-run driver might be an option.
Talk to an Attorney in Crown Point About Your Hit and Run Collision
Hit-and-run car accidents in Crown Point can feel hopeless, especially when the at-fault driver leaves the scene without taking responsibility. If you have been hurt in a hit-and-run car accident, now is the right time to explore your legal options. Insurance coverage could pay for your losses, but you also have the chance to seek damages through a personal injury lawsuit in some situations. Reach out to The Law Offices of David W. Holub today to learn more about your options during a free consultation.