Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run is one of the most stressful types of car accidents you can be involved in. Not only are you injured and left with a damaged vehicle, but you don’t even know who to hold responsible for it.

Drivers often assume that if a hit-and-run driver can’t be found, they’re left covering all of their expenses out-of-pocket. This is rarely the case. Even if the at-fault driver flees, you may still have options to recover compensation through your own insurance coverage, such as uninsured motorist coverage and/or personal injury protection (PIP). If you’re looking for help with your car accident claim, we’re here to help. Call Plaxen Adler Muncy to discuss your legal options now.

What is considered a hit-and-run accident?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a collision and leaves the scene without providing contact or insurance information, or even checking on the other person involved in the accident.

Hit-and-run laws apply to more than just collisions involving two moving vehicles. They also apply to accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, parked vehicles, and a single vehicle hitting a building or other obstacle.

In most states, fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime, and Maryland is no different. Under Maryland state law, any driver involved in an accident that leads to injury, death, or property damage must stop to render aid and exchange information.

Note, though, that the criminal case against the fleeing driver is separate from your civil case against them for the harm they’ve caused you.

What should you do immediately after a hit-and-run?

Because the outcome of hit-and-run accidents depends heavily on whether or not the other driver is ever found, what you do in the moments immediately after an accident matters. We recommend:

• Getting any identifying information you can: Anything you can remember about the vehicle or driver can be helpful. If you see a glimpse of the driver through the window, anything you can remember about their appearance may be useful. As for the vehicle, try to catch any part of the license plate if possible. Bumper stickers or vehicle damage can also make it easier to identify a car.

• Calling 911: All hit-and-run accidents should be reported to 911. Provide them with anything you remember about the driver or vehicle, especially since these memories tend to fade fairly quickly after a crash. When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened and document any injuries you notice.

• Seeking medical attention: This is critical after any car accident. The quicker you seek medical care, the easier it is to link injuries to a collision and hold the at-fault party responsible. Make sure you keep copies of any documentation or records you receive.

• Gathering evidence: If you’re physically able to, secure evidence before leaving the scene. This may include photos and video footage of the crash scene, debris from the other vehicle, your injuries, and damage to your car.

• Notifying your insurance company: Your insurance company must be notified of the accident. They can also help with finding the other driver, as they don’t want to be on the hook for all of your accident-related expenses.

• Reaching out to a car accident attorney in Maryland: Getting compensation after a car accident is hard; getting it after a hit-and-run is even tougher. Talking to an attorney can help.

Can you recover compensation if the driver is never found?

In many cases, you can still recover compensation if a hit-and-run driver is never located. Maryland requires that insurance companies offer personal injury protection coverage to drivers, and in fact, insurance is automatically included unless you sign a written waiver. This is coverage that pays for your and your passengers’ medical expenses if you are hurt in a car accident. While $2,500 is the minimum amount of coverage you can purchase, you can buy up to $10,000 in coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also an option. Maryland insurance policies must carry uninsured motorist coverage. This typically matches the liability limits of your policy.

What if the driver is later identified and found?

If the driver is later found, you may be able to seek compensation from their insurance company. Nowadays, there are traffic cameras everywhere, license plate cameras at stoplights and toll roads, and cameras on homes and businesses, making it much harder for a hit-and-run driver to get away permanently.

Should the driver be found, you may pursue a personal injury claim against them with the help of your car accident attorney. Note that if your insurance company has already compensated you for expenses related to your accident, they may recover that money from the at-fault party via subrogation.

If the driver is located, they may face criminal charges as a result of their decision to flee the scene. This is separate from your civil claim against them, but their criminal charges may support your case.

Explore your legal options with Plaxen Adler Muncy now

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run in Maryland, finding the right attorney matters. Our team is here to advocate for you as you seek the compensation you’re owed. Call us today or get in touch with us online to schedule a consultation now.