Everyone who drives on public Arizona roads has a number of obligations and expectations imposed on them by state law, with one of the most important being a requirement to stop, render aid, and exchange information after an auto accident. Someone who fails to do any of these things and instead flees the scene of a wreck they were involved in may face criminal charges for “hit-and-run” — and unfortunately, they may also significantly complicate your pursuit of compensation from them as a person injured in that wreck.
Hit and run car accidents in Tucson are not impossible to recover for financially, but they are definitely something you will want help from seasoned legal counsel with. A qualified car accident attorney from Phillips Law Group can help you understand every option available to you and work diligently to get you every cent of compensation you deserve, no matter what the process of pursuing that compensation entails.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Hit-and-Run Wreck
It is certainly understandable to want to chase after someone who causes a car accident and then immediately breaks the law by fleeing the scene, but doing this after a hit and run car crash in Tucson is never worth it. On top of the risk of getting into another collision during a high-speed pursuit that causes even more serious harm, chasing after a hit-and-run driver will prevent an accident victim from taking several steps at the crash scene to strengthen a possible civil claim later on.
While the police are doing their job of tracking down and identifying the law-breaking driver, a hit-and-run accident victim can do a lot to protect their own best interests by:
- Taking photos and videos of the crash scene, all vehicle damage, and any injuries
- Getting contact information from eyewitnesses
- Giving a statement to responding police officers
- Writing down any remembered details about the driver
- Making note of nearby surveillance or dashboard cameras that may have recorded the accident
A skilled attorney can later use this information to compile evidence and construct a strong civil claim against the hit-and-run driver once they are arrested.
Recovering Fairly Through Litigation or Insurance Claims
A hit-and-run driver found liable for an auto accident in Tucson can likewise be held liable for every short-term and long-term loss that wreck will cause to anyone else involved in it, including medical bills, lost work income, physical pain, and psychological trauma. Unfortunately, it is only possible to sue a hit-and-run driver if they can be positively identified as the person at fault for the wreck in question, and police are not always able to track down drivers who illegally flee accident scenes.
In this scenario, the best course of action for an injured crash victim may be filing a claim against their own auto insurance if they have coverage that applies to hit-and-run wrecks — for example, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A knowledgeable legal professional can also offer vital assistance with maximizing recovery through an insurance claim if that is the only option available.
A Tucson Attorney Can Help Sue Over a Hit and Run Car Accident
Ideally, everyone in Arizona would obey the law and act responsibly while driving. In reality, though, some people manage to do neither of these things and end up causing serious harm to others as a result. As unfair as it might feel, you may have limited options for seeking financial recovery after an incident like this if the person at fault for your wreck manages to evade the police.
Fortunately, you still have help available from the tenacious auto accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group, all of whom know how to make the most of any type of car accident claim. With over three decades serving the local community, we have the experience you need. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today by calling and speaking to one of our team members about hit-and-run car accidents in Tucson now.
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