Hit and Run Accidents in Maryland

All types of car accidents are stressful, but hit-and-run car accidents are one of the most frustrating and overwhelming experiences that a person can go through because the driver who hit them cannot be located or found.

When this happens, you may feel lost and confused about what to do or where to turn. However, the good news is that you may be able to still receive compensation from your own insurance company for your damages while you wait and hope for the hit-and-run driver to eventually be found.

How common are hit and runs in Maryland?

In Maryland, hit and run car accidents are more common than you might think. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there were almost 300 hit-and-run accidents across the state that involved at least one fatality from 2006 to 2016. A news article published by 2 WMAR also pointed out that Maryland’s largest cities and counties typically experience high numbers of hit-and-run accidents. For example, Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, reported an average of over 10,000 hit-and-run accidents from 2007 to 2016 and Kent County, a smaller county in Maryland, reported around 14  hit-and-run accidents each year.

What steps should you take after a hit and run?

If you are a victim of a hit and run, you may be wondering what you should do. This is completely normal as you are the only one left at the accident scene oftentimes feeling confused or clueless about where to get the help that you need. Here are seven simple steps you can take if you are currently or ever a victim of a hit-and-run car accident:

1. Stop your car and stay at the scene: While you may think that it is pointless to remain at the scene of a hit-and-run accident when the other driver fled the scene, it is actually recommended for you to stop your car, park, and stay at the scene. It is against the law to leave the scene of an accident. Therefore, if you have the idea to chase after the individual who hit your vehicle, you should refrain from doing so as it may also be dangerous to engage in a chase
2. Call 9-1-1, report the accident, and request an ambulance if needed: Next, you should call 9-1-1 and report the accident. The 9-1-1 operator will send law enforcement officers to the scene of your accident and ask if you need an ambulance. If you or anyone else needs an ambulance, do not hesitate to let the operator know.
3. Look at the damage done to your car, communicate with an officer, and take photos/videos of the scene: If you are physically able to get out of the vehicle safely and look around, it is a good idea to look at the damage done to your car. You should also talk and communicate with the responding officer once they arrive at your accident scene. While you wait for the officer to finish their accident report, you can take a few photos or videos of the damage done to your car and the scene of the accident to use as potential evidence.
4. Remember everything that you can about the hit-and-run driver and give details to the police: While speaking with the police, try to remember everything that you possibly can about the driver who struck your vehicle and the vehicle they were driving. This may be the color of their hair, the make or model of the vehicle they were driving, the color of their vehicle, which direction they went, license plate number, or any other detail. You may have also been able to take photographs of the vehicle’s license plate.
5. Locate and speak to any eyewitnesses: It is also a great idea to look around your accident scene and see if any eyewitnesses may have witnessed your accident. If you see anyone, you should speak to them, exchange contact information, and ask if they saw any details about the driver and would be willing to give a statement.
6. Get checked out by a physician: Even if you do not think that you are injured immediately following the accident, it is crucial that you get checked out by a licensed physician. This can be at the hospital, your primary care doctor’s office, or an urgent care clinic. The doctor will take notes of your symptoms and assess your body for any possible injuries from the accident as some injuries may have a later onset.
7. Consult with a car accident attorney at your earliest opportunity: After you have left the scene of the accident and received medical treatment for your injuries, you should consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will listen to your experience, explain your legal rights, conduct their own investigation, and communicate with your insurance company about the compensation you need to get back on your feet again.

How do you recover compensation after a hit and run?

There are two ways to recover compensation after a hit-and-run accident. We will go over both ways below.

• Filing a claim with your own insurance company: Maryland drivers are required to purchase uninsured/ underinsured insurance coverage. Therefore, if you are involved in a hit-and-run crash, you can file a claim with your own insurance company requesting compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. You must provide significant proof of the hit-and-run accident to receive this compensation and the -at-fault driver must have been uninsured or never located
• Finding the at-fault driver: Your other option is to wait and hope that police officers or your attorney are able to find the at-fault driver who fled. If they are able to find them, you can file a claim against their insurance company. However, you must remember that sometimes hit-and-run drivers flee the scene because they are unlicensed or uninsured.

If you suffer injuries from a hit-and-run accident in Maryland, the car accident lawyers from Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. are here to help you. You can call our office or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation today. We have multiple offices across the state for your convenience.