Everyone who ends up involved in a traffic collision is required by law to stop at the scene. They should then call emergency medical services for anyone in need of them and exchange contact and insurance information with all involved parties before leaving the scene. A driver who fails to do this can face criminal charges for a hit and run and can also significantly complicate the civil recovery process.
Seeking and obtaining financial restitution after hit-and-run car accidents in Lowell is possible, but it does tend to work differently than with other auto accident claims. Fortunately, you have support available from the experienced car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of David W. Holub, where we have years of experience obtaining favorable outcomes.
What To Do After Being Involved in a Hit and Run Wreck
After being hurt or having your car damaged in a hit and run, your first instinct may be to follow the culprit yourself to hold them accountable. However, it is always better in situations like this to stay at the accident scene and wait for the police to arrive. Getting involved in any kind of high-speed chase after a collision can put you and others around you at risk of further harm and potentially result in you facing criminal charges as well.
However, you should write down every identifying detail you remember about the car and driver involved in a hit-and-run car crash before leaving the scene, so both Lowell police officers and your attorney can use that information to help you seek damages from the right person. In particular, you should take note of any part of a driver’s license plate number that you can see, their car’s make, model, and color, and any physical traits of the driver that could be used to identify them later.
How Could Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) Help After a Hit and Run Crash?
While local police often work to identify hit-and-run drivers so you can include them in a civil lawsuit or insurance claim, there is no guarantee they will locate the driver. As a result, you should understand your options for financial restitution beyond filing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance or suing them directly after a hit-and-run auto wreck in Lowell.
If it is included in your auto insurance coverage, UIM could help cover losses that the other driver’s liability insurance should have covered had they been insured. A qualified lawyer could guide you through the process of negotiating with your insurance provider for restitution and help with pursuing claims under other types of coverage, such as collision and comprehensive.
Contact a Lowell Attorney To Learn More About Hit and Run Car Wreck Claims
Hit and run car accidents in Lowell often leave injured parties feeling helpless, especially when the at-fault driver is never found or arrested. There is no easy way forward after a serious auto accident, but even in these difficult situations, you may still have options for financial recovery that seasoned legal counsel could help you make the most of.
A car accident attorney from The Law Offices of David W. Holub could offer preliminary guidance during a confidential consultation about what you should do in the wake of a hit-and-run accident. Call today to schedule a free consultation.