Hit-and-run drivers are responsible for thousands of collisions, injuries, and deaths every year from motor vehicle accidents. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run drivers are responsible for approximately 1,500 deaths annually, and over 11% of all reported car accidents involve at least one driver who immediately leaves the scene or car wreck.
Sometimes, both the criminal justice system and injury victims can find a hit-and-run driver and hold them accountable for the harm they caused. However, many irresponsible drivers disappear entirely and are never located or identified. When that happens, accident victims may wonder what, if anything, they can do to get help paying for the enormous bills that pile up after an accident, especially if they can’t work because of their injuries.
Fortunately, hiring an experienced Zion hit-and-run accident lawyer can go a long way towards getting you the money you need and deserve for your car accident case. In addition to calling Kirk Moyer for a free consultation, take the following steps if a hit-and-run driver recently injured you.
- Try to identify the other driver and their car. Any identifying information you can give to police may ultimately help them find the hit-and-run driver.
- Keep in touch with the police. The police want to find the driver who hurt you, so check in with them from time to time to find out if and when they locate that person or otherwise turn up any new information.
- File a claim with your own car insurance company. Your car insurance policy could be a source of compensation and relief through any uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage you have.
If you do make an insurance claim with your insurance company, they may attempt to deny coverage or minimize the amount they pay you. That is why it is so crucial that you consult with an experienced Zion car accident attorney if you have been hurt in a hit-and-run accident or are filing a claim with your insurance company. A good auto accident lawyer will negotiate with your insurer to ensure that they meet their obligations under the policy car accident victims pay hefty premiums for.