Under Arizona state law, everyone involved in any kind of traffic collision is required to stop at the scene, make sure everyone else involved is okay, summon emergency services to the scene if not, and exchange contact and insurance information with each other while also waiting for the police to arrive in most situations. Failing to do any of these things after a wreck is considered a “hit and run,” a criminal offense that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances.
Unfortunately, the threat of fines and jail or prison time does not always stop people from trying to flee the scene of wrecks they caused to avoid being held civilly liable for them. Whether the police are ultimately able to track down a hit-and-run driver or not, assistance from a seasoned car accident attorney is key to recovering as much compensation as possible for damages sustained in a hit-and-run car accident in Peoria.
Does Car Insurance Cover “Hit and Run” Accidents?
Since Arizona is a “fault” state, the financial recovery process after a car accident typically involves the injured person filing a claim against the insurance policy of the person responsible for the wreck and/or a lawsuit against that at-fault person directly. However, if the person at fault for a car wreck in Peoria then commits a hit and run and is never identified by police, it may not be possible to sue them or to make a claim against their insurance, and the minimum liability insurance required by Arizona law only covers harm sustained by other drivers, not harm sustained by the actual policyholder.
In this kind of scenario, the best and only option may be to take advantage of any optional coverage an injured person purchased in addition to the legally required minimum, such as collision coverage, comprehensive injury coverage, and — most importantly of all — “uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage” designed specifically for situations when recovery through an at-fault driver’s liability insurance is not possible. The team at Phillips Law Group can provide vital help with identifying possible sources of recovery and taking full advantage of all of them.
Filing Suit Against a Hit and Run Driver
Notably, even if a driver who left the crash scene is found and arrested by police, the fact that they committed a hit-and-run does not automatically make them civilly liable for the wreck. That said, it is very rare for someone not at fault for a car crash to then break the law by fleeing the scene, so it is very often possible to file suit successfully against a hit-and-run driver after a car crash in Peoria.
This could allow recovery for a variety of damages that insurance typically would not cover, including things like:
- Long-term costs of rehabilitative and maintenance care
- Personal property damage other than vehicle repair/replacement costs
- Lost work income and/or working capacity
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
A seasoned legal professional from Phillips Law Group can offer more specific guidance about the losses that could be factored into a particular claim during a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
Take Action After a Hit and Run Car Accident With a Peoria Attorney’s Assistance
Being involved in a car crash under any circumstances can be frightening and stressful, especially if it leads to you sustaining a serious injury. If the person who caused your wreck then fled the scene, you can likely add “frustrating” to that list of emotions, as well as a pile of additional stress to the process of seeking fair financial recovery.
If you or a loved one was hurt under circumstances like this, you should make contacting and seeking help from Phillips Law Group one of your top priorities. Call today to speak to one of our team members and learn how we can put our 30+ years of experience as a locally owned and operated firm to work for you.
Available 24/7