Getting in a wreck is bad enough, but when you see the other driver take off in an attempt to avoid responsibility for what happened, then you have a much more complicated situation on your hands. When you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may feel unsure what to do next. A skilled Indiana hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you determine your best path to recovery.
Due to technological advancements and the presence of surveillance cameras on just about every block, hit-and-run drivers are often caught. When that’s the case, an Indiana car accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the other driver. In cases where the driver is not found, however, an experienced lawyer will be able to determine your best strategy for securing the compensation you’re due.
At Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand how frustrating a hit-and-run accident can be. You’re hurt and in pain and likely facing a growing stack of medical bills you shouldn’t have to pay. You’re not without options, however. Our Indiana car accident attorneys have the skills and resources to take on large insurance companies and win, whether the insurance company is the other driver’s or your own.
We offer free consultations where we can go over the accident, your case, and your legal rights. Contact us today at (219) 286-7361 to start your consultation.
Types of Hit-and-Run Accident Cases We Handle
Unfortunately, hit-and-run cases are not uncommon. A driver may panic at the sight of the wreckage they caused and drive off, leaving you to deal with the aftermath. We handle many types of hit-and-run accidents, which may include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Large truck accidents
- T-bone collisions
- Distracted driving accidents
- DUI accidents
- Reckless driving accidents
Injuries That a Hit-and-Run Accident May Cause
Depending on the type of crash and the speed of the driver who hit you, your injuries caused by the accident could range from minor to severe. Some cases, unfortunately, result in fatalities. When a driver leaves the scene without calling 9-1-1, then your injuries could be exacerbated by the fact that you had to wait longer for medical attention. Following are some of the types of injuries you could suffer in a hit-and-run crash:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Concussion
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Strains/sprains
- Lacerations
No matter the severity of your injury, you should not have to cover expensive medical bills caused by someone else’s recklessness. The team at Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers will work persistently and effectively to get the money you need to cover your medical expenses, your lost wages as you take time to recover, and more.
Reasons Why a Driver May Leave an Accident Scene
There could be many reasons why a driver could leave the accident scene in a panic. Some drivers let their insurance coverage lapse, and they do not want to be caught by the police without valid insurance. Some may have an active warrant out for their arrest, and some may have a suspended driver’s license.
Occasionally, a driver could also get out of the car to see the damage they’ve caused and then drive off knowing that they may be underinsured. If they refuse to give you their contact information, try to at least get a photo of their license plate or write the number down. At the very least, get a description of the make, model, and color of the car so that the police have some information for their investigation.
A driver who leaves the scene is in violation of Indiana law and will often end up facing some degree of criminal charge as a result. At an accident scene, drivers are required to exchange personal information, insurance companies, provide license and registration, and make sure the other driver does not need medical attention. They also need to provide that same information to the responding police officer.
If the driver leaves without doing this, they could end up with charges such as:
- A class B misdemeanor of leaving the scene
- A class A misdemeanor if anyone in the other car has some sort of bodily injury
- A level 6 felony if the accident causes serious bodily injury or if the driver was involved in a similar predicament within the last five years
- A level 5 felony if the accident results in a fatality
- A level 3 felony if the driver was impaired in any way and causes severe injury or death
What Happens If the Other Driver Is Not Caught
Many times, the police are able to track down the other driver and charge them. In this case, you can go after their insurance company for the compensation you need. Even if you already had to pay for repairs or medical bills, you can try to recover the financial losses you suffered as a result of the accident. However, there are times that these hit-and-run drivers cannot be found. In this case, you will have to file a claim with your insurance company for damages to your car and your medical insurance for any injuries or needed medical treatment.
Most insurance policies in Indiana offer underinsured/uninsured driver coverage, unless you opted out of it when signing your policy. This type of insurance may cover your medical expenses, emergency care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Collision and other forms of coverage may also cover the accident and damage to your car.
The Types of Compensation You Could Claim
If the police track down the other driver, there are a number of damages, or losses, that you can pursue if you file an injury claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Your damages may include:
- Medical bills: After the wreck, you may be left reeling by the injuries you are suffering from – and you should not be stuck with the medical bills. The cost of surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medicines, follow-up visits, and more should be added to your claim.
- Lost wages: Even if your injuries are minor, you will likely miss some time at work while you recover from the wreck. Those lost wages can add up quickly, and you deserve to be compensated for them.
- Property damage: Your car likely sustained damages and needed to be fixed. The cost of that repair bill should be paid by the insurance company instead of you.
- Pain and suffering: Indiana does not have a cap on non-economic damages, which is good for you as the plaintiff. Pain and suffering is meant to compensate you for the mental and emotional trauma you endured.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Hit-and-Run Accident Claim
No matter whether the other driver is found or not, your lawyer can help you navigate the insurance claims process to ensure that you recover the maximum compensation available. Insurance companies are for-profit companies who will want to pay out as little as possible. Even your insurance company will not be on your side or operating in your best interest. They will more than likely attempt to take advantage of you if you don’t have a lawyer at your side.
Your lawyer can be the point person for all communications with the insurance companies. That way, you avoid the possibility of saying something that can used against you, either to minimize your claim or to deny it altogether.
Your lawyer will also gather crucial evidence to support your claim, which may include police reports, medical records, witness statements, traffic camera recordings, and more. They will take all of the information they gather and file all of your paperwork so that you don’t miss any deadlines that could keep your claim from moving forward.
While most of these claims are resolved before they ever reach a courtroom, the team at Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers meticulously prepares each case for court, in the event that the insurance company fails to offer you the compensation you need.
Are You Suffering from a Hit-and-Run Accident in Indiana? Call Us Today.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Indiana, contact the legal team at Custy Law Firm | Accident & Injury Lawyers. We provide you with a free consultation, and if we both decide that our firm is a good fit for you, we will move forward with your Indiana hit-and-run accident claim. Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, so we will not charge you for anything until you win your case.
Contact us today at (219) 286-7361 so we can start talking about the accident, what happened, and how we may be able to help you move forward.
