When a motorist strikes someone else, such as another driver or a pedestrian, and leaves the scene, this is known as a hit and run accident. Unfortunately, hit and run cases often involve drivers who are drunk and who flee the scene because they know that they are going to get in significant trouble if they are caught and are drunk. In East Hartford, areas such as Main Street, Burnside Avenue, and Forbes Street see a significant amount of foot traffic and a considerable amount of pedestrian hit and run incidents.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a driver who left the scene, do not wait to contact a skilled East Hartford car accident lawyers. An East Hartford hit and run lawyer could help you hold the at-fault motorist accountable and pursue the compensation that you deserve.
Insurance Issues in Hit and Run Cases
The main way that hit and runs tend to differ from other collisions is that the at-fault driver may be unknown. This can be an issue because the injured party then has no insurer to file a claim with, leaving them stuck trying to make an underinsured motorist claim against their own policy.
An East Hartford hit and run attorney could help fight this issue by preserving any video camera evidence of the accident or hiring an investigator to look for surveillance footage in the area. An attorney could also hire an investigator to work with the police to make sure that the case is being followed up. Law enforcement has more resources at their disposal to determine what happened in the accident and could even be able to track down the driver who fled the scene.
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Recoverable Damages After a Hit and Run Wreck
An injured party could be eligible to collect economic and non-economic damages after a hit and run crash. Economic damages include tangible financial losses, such as lost wages and medical bills. Non-economic damages refer to psychological losses, like pain and suffering and impaired quality of life. An East Hartford attorney could help an individual determine the extent of their losses after a hit and run accident and pursue compensation accordingly.
When are Punitive Damages Available?
In cases where the at-fault party acts recklessly or egregiously, punitive damages could be available to the injured individual. Punitive damages provide additional compensation and punish the liable person for their conduct. If someone flees the scene but is eventually found, a skilled injury attorney could help the injured party seek punitive damages from them for their reckless actions.
Important Steps to Take After an Accident Where Someone Flees the Scene
The first thing a person in a hit and run accident should do is seek appropriate medical care for their injuries. If they are hurt, they should go out and get help to see a doctor. The second thing that they should do is refrain from talking to an insurance company. A person injured in an accident does not have to give statements to somebody’s insurance company without a lawyer, and they should always consult with their own lawyer.
If an injured person does have to give a statement against their own insurance, they should do so with the guidance of an East Hartford hit and run attorney. Working with a seasoned attorney can help prevent the insurance company from playing any games on the injured party’s claim.
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Discuss Your Case with an East Hartford Hit and Run Attorney
Hit and run accidents can be traumatic for those involved. You might be left with significant injuries, property damage, expensive hospital bills, and more. This can be all the more frustrating when the person who fled the scene is not found.
Fortunately, you are not without options after a hit and run. An experienced East Hartford hit and run lawyer could help you find the at-fault driver and hold them accountable for their actions. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we could help you pursue the compensation you need.
