A hit-and-run accident can leave victims not only physically injured but also feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps. When the responsible driver flees the scene, it complicates the process of seeking compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages. In such cases, hiring a car accident injury lawyer in Glendale, AZ, is crucial for ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
A best car accident attorney will help guide you through the complexities of a hit-and-run case, working to secure compensation and navigate the often-confusing legal process.
The Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, the moments following the incident are critical. Taking the right actions immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A car accident injury lawyer will assist you in the following ways:
1. Filing a Police Report
After a hit-and-run accident, your first step should always be to call the police. Reporting the accident is vital for documenting the incident and ensuring an official record is made. The police will investigate the crash, take witness statements, and attempt to locate the responsible driver.
2. Collecting Evidence and Witness Statements
One of the most challenging aspects of a hit-and-run accident is the lack of identifying information about the at-fault driver. A best car accident attorney will work to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your case. This may include:
- Witness testimony: If there were any witnesses to the accident, your lawyer will help gather statements that may provide crucial details about the incident and the fleeing driver.
- Surveillance footage: Many areas have security cameras that may have captured the accident or the suspect vehicle. A lawyer can help you obtain this footage to identify the driver or vehicle involved.
- Photos of the accident scene: Photographs of the crash site, damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries will serve as important documentation for your case.
Working with Your Insurance Company
One of the primary concerns after a hit-and-run accident is how to recover damages when the at-fault driver has fled the scene. In Arizona, if the responsible driver is not found, you may still be able to seek compensation through your own insurance policy. This is often done through the following types of coverage:
1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is designed to protect you if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who does not have insurance or cannot be identified. Similarly, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in if the responsible driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your medical expenses and damages.
2. Medical Payments Coverage
If you have medical payments coverage (MedPay) as part of your car insurance policy, it can help pay for your immediate medical bills after the accident. A best car accident attorney can assist you in using this coverage while your main claim is being processed, ensuring that your medical expenses are handled promptly.
The Role of a Car Accident Injury Lawyer in Glendale, AZ
When dealing with a hit-and-run accident, the legal process can become complicated. Here’s what you can expect from a car accident injury lawyer in Glendale, AZ:
1. Determining Liability
In hit-and-run cases, proving liability is a complex task. Since the responsible driver is unknown, your lawyer will focus on gathering evidence to support your claim, including working with police to track down the driver or identifying additional sources of compensation such as your own insurance policy. If the driver is located later, your lawyer will work to ensure that they are held accountable.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and hit-and-run cases can be especially tricky. A car accident injury lawyer will handle all negotiations with your insurance company and the other party’s insurer, ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.
3. Taking Legal Action
If negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend taking legal action. Even if the responsible driver is not found, your best car accident attorney can file a lawsuit against the insurance company to pursue the compensation you are entitled to. If the driver is eventually located, your lawyer will file the necessary legal documents to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
Why You Need Legal Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Hit-and-run accidents are particularly challenging because they often involve unidentified drivers and complicated insurance claims. Working with a car accident injury lawyer in Glendale, AZ, can help you navigate these challenges and secure the compensation you deserve.
A best car accident attorney will handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence and filing insurance claims to negotiating settlements and representing you in court if necessary.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a hit-and-run accident is a difficult and stressful experience. A car accident injury lawyer in Glendale, AZ, can help you navigate the legal complexities, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Whether the at-fault driver is found or not, your lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is handled professionally and efficiently.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Folger Law Firm for a consultation and start your journey toward recovery today.
