Getting caught up in an auto accident caused by another person’s negligence is almost always unsettling, but it can quickly make the jump to infuriating if that negligent person then illegally flees the scene. Worst of all, police are not always able to track down drivers who commit “hit and runs”, which may significantly limit your ability to seek financial compensation for your injuries even though you did nothing to deserve them.
In a situation like this, it can be more important than ever to have support from a knowledgeable car accident lawyer who has experience handling similar cases successfully in the past. With representation from Phillips Law Group, you will be able to build the strongest possible claim against the driver who injured you if the police are able to find them, and you will also be able to make the most of your own insurance coverage with or without identifying that other driver.
What to Do After Being Hurt by a Hit-and-Run Driver
It is certainly understandable to want to chase after someone who causes any hit-and-run car accidents in Glendale, but it is virtually never a good idea to actually do so. Even if the other person fled the scene first, an injured driver who pursues them may find themselves in legal trouble as well, and they may end up causing another accident which causes them and other people even more harm.
That said, there is still a lot that a hit-and-run crash victim can do at the scene of the incident to help the police do their job of finding the law-breaking driver and to strengthen a future civil claim against that driver once they are identified, including:
- Taking photos and videos of the accident scene and all vehicle damage
- Writing down all possible details about the hit-and-run driver, such as a basic physical description, their car’s color and model, and a partial or total license plate number
- Getting contact information from eyewitnesses who saw the wreck happen
- Seeking immediate medical attention after making sure everyone else involved is okay and speaking with responding law enforcement officers
A qualified attorney from our firm can offer further guidance about helpful steps to take after this sort of incident during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Does Standard Car Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Wrecks?
The minimum amounts of “liability” car insurance that drivers in Arizona are required by law to buy only cover injuries and losses suffered by people other than the policyholder in an accident. Unfortunately, this means that someone with the minimum required amount of coverage who cannot identify the person who hit and injured them on the road would likely not be able to file a claim against their own insurance policy to recover for their crash-related losses.
This is where additional optional forms of coverage like “collision” coverage, “comprehensive” coverage, and especially “uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage” can be absolutely essential, and usually well worth the small increase in monthly premiums. Legal counsel can review a particular person’s insurance policy with them during a private meeting and offer advice about what recovery options they may have.
Get Help From a Glendale Attorney With a Hit and Run Car Accident Lawsuit
Someone violating their “duty of care” to act responsibly behind the wheel is one thing, but someone breaking the law in an attempt to avoid that responsibility entirely can be several degrees worse. Fortunately, it is still possible to be proactive about enforcing your right to recovery after a hit-and-run car accident in Glendale, especially if you have representation from a seasoned legal professional.
Phillips Law Group is ready to fight tenaciously on your behalf and litigate your case all the way to a civil courtroom if necessary to get you the restitution you need. Call today to discuss your options with a member of our team in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do not hesitate to reach out — we look forward to hearing from you and to working with you to help you get the justice you deserve with a little help from our experienced team of personal injury attorneys.
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