A hit and run accident may involve damage to property such as automobiles, motorcycles or stationary objects such as a telephone pole, fence, parked car or the property of a homeowner.
A hit-and-run may also result in injury or death to a pedestrian, another driver, a passenger, a motorcyclist or a bicyclist.
Hit and run accidents can be a devastating event for a family, particularly in wrongful death situations. Losing a loved one is difficult enough, but the uncertainty of who is responsible adds to the devastation. It is important to hire an experienced car accident attorney to guide you through the legal process and help you recover damages for your injuries and losses. Bridgeport hit and run accident lawyers, such as Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr., have recovered millions of dollars for car accident victims in Connecticut.
Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident?
In many instances, a driver flees an accident because they do not have insurance to cover any damage they may have caused. They might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or they might not have a valid license. A driver may also leave the scene of an accident because they knew they were at fault for the accident and do not want to take responsibility for it. When a person leaves the scene of an accident without giving their information, the law deems that to be an implicit admission of guilt. A hit and run accident attorney in Bridgeport can help determine the reason for why a driver left the scene and use that fact to prosecute an injury case.
What to Do In a Hit and Run Accident
There are five steps one should take if involved in a hit and run accident where the at-fault driver flees:
- Remain at the scene: Do not follow the other driver. Remain at the scene of the accident and call the police. Chasing the driver could cause further injury to you or someone else.
- Gather information: Try to remember as many details about the hit and run driver’s vehicle as you can, such as the make, model, and color and, if possible, the license plate number.
- Rely on the aid of witnesses: You may be in shock, but good witnesses can help identify the at fault driver. Collect the personal information of the witnesses.
- Purchase underinsured or uninsured car coverage from your insurance: In many hit and run accidents, at-fault drivers may never be identified, especially if there were no other witnesses. Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your own insurance policy can help protect you for your injuries if the at-fault driver is not identified.
- Talk with your attorney: An experienced hit and run lawyer can help you determine your best course of action.
What if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the person who caused the accident is arrested by the police, your injury attorney can contact the criminal court to determine if that person had motor vehicle insurance at the time of the accident. If there is no insurance, then a local hit and run collision lawyer can assist by working through the states Attorney to try to get your out-of-pocket medical bills and damage to your vehicle paid by the driver who left the scene of the accident.
If the missing driver is either is not caught or does not have insurance, then you can then have your attorney, such as Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr., can contact your own insurance company regarding an uninsured motorist claim, in an effort to obtain economic and non-economic compensation for you. It is always better to have your attorney contact the insurance company on your behalf so that your interests are properly protected.
Retain the Services of a Bridgeport Hit and Run Accident Attorney
If you or your loved one is injured in a hit and run accident, then contact Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr. at Ganim Injury Lawyers who will help and protect you through the legal process. Attorney Ganim is committed to helping you. He will do everything he can to get you just and rightful compensation. Contact Attorney George W. Ganim, Jr., a Bridgeport hit and run accident lawyer today for a free consultation.