What Evidence Do I Need to Convict a Hit and Run Driver?

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and other losses resulting from the crash. Suppose you suffer injuries in an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver. In that case, your options for pursuing compensation will depend on whether law enforcement can identify the at-fault driver. If not, you might need to turn to your insurance policy for the financial relief you need.

However, if the hit-and-run driver is found, evidence will be necessary to prove the driver’s guilt. Collecting evidence can be time-consuming and stressful, particularly when healing from injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the crash, gather crucial evidence, question witnesses, and file a claim on your behalf to help you seek the compensation you need.

What Is a Hit-and-Run?

Under state law, a hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene of an accident resulting in death, serious injury, or property damage without performing specific actions. These actions include:

•   Reporting the accident to law enforcement
•   Sharing contact information with the police and other drivers
•   Assisting any person hurt in the accident

Leaving the scene of an accident without performing the duties imposed by law is a criminal offense. An at-fault driver can also be civilly liable and required to compensate other drivers for injuries and damaged property.

Compensation Available in a Hit-and-Run Case

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you could be entitled to pursue compensation for the following losses:

• Medical costs of treating your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, mobility equipment, and medication
• Lost income if you cannot work while healing from your injuries
• Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss in quality of life
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Property damage

Evidence Necessary to Establish a Right to Compensation

To prove that a hit-and-run driver is liable for your injuries and other losses, your attorney might use various evidence, including the following:

• Photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and property
• Footage from traffic, dashboard, or surveillance cameras showing the crash occur
• Statements from witnesses who saw the driver hit you and flee
• Medical records
• Vehicle repair records

What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run?

You might be understandably upset after a hit-and-run crash and unsure what to do next. However, you can take a few steps to increase the likelihood of recovering compensation. You should do the following after a hit-and-run accident:

• If you can safely do so, write down details about the vehicle that hit you, including the make, model, color, and license plate number
• Call 911 to summon emergency medical services and the police
• Provide details about the crash to law enforcement, and get a copy of the police report
• Talk to eyewitnesses who saw the crash and get their contact information
• Take photos at the crash scene of any damage to vehicles and property
• If you are not taken to the hospital via ambulance, see your doctor immediately to have your injuries examined and treated
• Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all follow-up appointments
• File a report with your insurance company

How Can an Attorney Help When A Hit-and-Run Accident Occurs?

A skilled hit-and-run accident attorney can help you navigate the legal system after a crash so that you can focus on healing from your injuries. A lawyer can help you with your case by:

• Investigating the accident to try to identify the driver who hit you
• Gathering critical evidence to support your claim, including photos of the accident scene, statements from eyewitnesses, medical records, and other documentation
• Identifying all possible sources of compensation, including applicable insurance coverage
• Communicating with insurers and other third parties on your behalf
• Filing the necessary paperwork with insurance companies
• Taking your case to trial if necessary to help you pursue the compensation you deserve

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

If you have sustained injuries in an accident involving a hit-and-run driver, CHASENBOSCOLO has the experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to hold a hit-and-run driver legally responsible for your injuries. After an auto accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Let an experienced auto accident attorney with CHASENBOSCOLO handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. Call CHASENBOSCOLO at (301) 220-0050 or contact us online for a free consultation. We can help reduce the stress and uncertainty related to any accident, especially hit-and-run accidents.

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