A hit-and-run accident is not only frustrating but also financially stressful. In a bewildering instant, you’re left dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages, often with no way to hold the at-fault driver accountable. If law enforcement has little evidence, finding the driver becomes even harder, making financial recovery more challenging.

Taking action as soon as possible can help protect your rights and improve the chances of financial recovery for your losses. Learn what to do after a hit-and-run and how a qualified Alabama car accident attorney can assist with your claim.

What Counts as a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run happens when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to provide contact and insurance information. This applies to all crashes involving other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or property.

Under Alabama law, drivers must stop after an accident, exchange information, and assist if someone is injured. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges.

Hit-and-run accidents create serious challenges for victims. Without the other driver’s information, it may seem impossible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, or vehicle repairs. However, victims still have options, especially if they take quick action.

Steps To Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Taking immediate steps after the crash can help law enforcement identify the driver and strengthen a claim for financial recovery. Here’s what to do if you’re in a hit-and-run:

Call Law Enforcement

Dial 911 and report the accident, which is required under Section 32-10-5 for collisions involving injuries or fatalities. Officers will document the scene, gather available evidence, and create an official accident report. This report will be critical when filing an insurance claim or taking legal action.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it’s safe, collect as much information as possible before leaving the area. Important details include:

• The fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, and distinguishing features like bumper stickers or dents
• The license plate number, even if only a partial number is visible
• The direction the driver was headed after leaving the scene
• Photos or videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and nearby traffic signals or signs
• Witness statements may help law enforcement piece together details and may have noticed something you missed

Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. Conditions like whiplash or internal injuries may not cause immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Medical records document the extent of your injuries and provide crucial evidence for insurance claims or legal action if the driver is identified.

How Insurance Can Help in a Hit-and-Run Case

When the at-fault driver remains unidentified, paying for medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs often depends on your own insurance coverage. These options may help:

Checking your policy or speaking with an attorney can help determine whether these coverages can provide financial support after a hit-and-run.

How The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers Can Help

Handling a hit-and-run accident alone can be overwhelming, especially when trying to locate the at-fault driver or file a claim without their information. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we assist hit-and-run victims by:

• Investigating the Accident: Our team works with accident reconstruction experts, reviews surveillance footage, and gathers witness statements to track down the responsible driver. Nearby businesses or traffic cameras sometimes capture important details that help identify the vehicle.
• Handling Insurance Claims: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even when a policy covers hit-and-run accidents. Our skilled lawyers negotiate with insurers to pursue fair compensation, helping you receive a settlement covering medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
• Exploring Legal Options: If the hit-and-run driver is identified, a lawsuit may be an option to recover damages. Even if the driver cannot be found, we can help you seek compensation through a UM claim or determine other potential sources of compensation.

Get Experienced Legal Counsel After a Hit-and-Run Accident

A hit-and-run can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. At The Vance Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we have years of experience helping victims of these collisions receive the compensation they are owed.

We can use our extensive resources to track down the irresponsible driver who caused the crash. If that’s not possible, we will help you pursue financial recovery from all available sources.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through the claims process while fighting for the compensation you need for recovery.