How to Protect Your Rights in a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident is stressful, but when the at fault driver flees the scene, leaving you to handle the aftermath, it can feel even more overwhelming. Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common, and the uncertainty of not knowing who is responsible for the crash can add to your anxiety, especially if you’ve sustained injuries. Drivers flee accidents for many reasons, but being under the influence is probably the most common reason. This is why it is vitally important to act quickly when involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and pursue compensation, even if the at-fault driver is not immediately identified. Gold, Khourey & Turak is a trusted personal injury law firm, serving injured clients for over 45 years. If you find yourself injured in a hit-and-run accident, we are here to provide honest legal help and guide you through the process of securing the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how to protect your rights if you’re involved in a hit-and-run car accident, and how Gold, Khourey & Turak can assist you in navigating the legal process.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
When you’re involved in a hit-and-run, your first priority should always be safety. Here’s what to do next:
Step 1: Get to Safety
If possible, move to a safe location. Pull over to the side of the road, out of traffic, to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Step 2: Call 911
Contact the police immediately to report the hit-and-run. It’s essential to have an official report documenting the accident and your injuries. The police will also attempt to locate the responsible driver based on any available evidence or witnesses.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Even though the other driver left the scene, try to collect as much evidence as possible:
- Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any visible damages.
- Look for any witnesses who may have seen the accident or the fleeing driver.
- Write down the license plate and as much information as you can remember, including the make, model, color, and any distinguishing features of the vehicle that fled.
- If there are any nearby traffic cameras or surveillance footage from businesses, try to identify whether those cameras captured the hit-and-run.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel immediately injured, it’s crucial to get checked by a healthcare provider after the accident. Injuries like whiplash or concussions can develop symptoms hours or even days later. Having a medical record of your injuries will be important for your claim.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. In many cases, your uninsured motorist coverage (UM) will apply in hit-and-run situations, as the unknown responsible driver is considered uninsured. Don’t let your insurance company guide you through the process, call GKT first. We have your best interest in mind, and we’ll guide you through the claims process and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
Reporting the Incident
After a hit-and-run, it’s important to file a report with the local law enforcement and your insurance provider. This documentation will be necessary to move forward with both police investigations and your insurance claims. In fact, failing to report the accident can impact your ability to make a claim under your insurance. Insurance companies require proof that the accident was caused by a hit-and-run driver and not by you. The police will investigate the accident and help develop the facts that support your claim. It is also vital to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.
How Gold, Khourey & Turak Can Help
At Gold, Khourey & Turak, we understand the stress and challenges you face after a hit-and-run accident. Our experienced car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping people injured in accidents caused by someone else, including hit-and-run incidents. Here’s how we can assist you:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims
If the at-fault driver is not found, your own insurance may cover your damages under your uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage provides protection to you and your family when the other driver doesn’t have insurance or cannot be identified. Our attorneys can help you understand your insurance policy and ensure you receive the maximum benefits available under UM coverage. We’ll assist with the claims process, negotiate with your insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Investigating the Accident
In many hit-and-run cases, finding the responsible driver is a priority. Our firm works with experts and investigators who may be able to identify the fleeing driver. This includes tracking down surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, or reviewing traffic camera data. Our goal is to hold the responsible party accountable, even if they attempt to avoid liability by fleeing the scene.
Pursuing Compensation
Even if the at-fault driver is never identified, we can help you pursue compensation through your UI insurance to ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in hit-and-run cases when they believe they can blame you for the accident. At Gold, Khourey & Turak, our skilled attorneys are well-versed in handling insurance claims and will work tirelessly to make sure you obtain the best settlement possible. We will deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about the complexities of the claims process.
Litigation If Necessary
In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action to get the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s through filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver (if they are found) or against your insurance company for a fair settlement, Gold, Khourey & Turak will stand by your side and advocate for your rights in the courtroom.
Why Choose Gold, Khourey & Turak?
With nearly 50 years of experience, Gold, Khourey & Turak is a trusted local law firm in the Ohio Valley. Our team of car accident attorneys is licensed to practice in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and we focus exclusively on helping individuals who have been seriously injured in accidents.
If you’re dealing with a hit-and-run accident, you need an experienced attorney who knows the law, understands the complexities of uninsured motorist claims, and is committed to fighting for your rights. Here’s why you should choose GKT:
- We have attorneys that focus exclusively on personal injury cases and are experts in handling car accident claims, including hit-and-run cases.
- We provide honest, reliable legal advice and are dedicated to protecting your best interests.
- We offer personalized attention, guiding you through every step of the legal process.
- We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
GKT Can Help Today
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident is a difficult and frustrating experience, but it’s important to take the right steps to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Gold, Khourey & Turak is here to help you through the legal complexities and fight for your future.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will guide you through the process, help you understand your options, and work hard to secure the compensation you need to move forward. When you need honest legal help, GKT is the honest choice.
Call us at (304) 845-9750 or visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.
Need help? Get help. Get GKT.
Christopher M. Turak focuses his practice in the areas of wrongful death and personal injury, with a special commitment to representing victims injured or killed by drunk drivers.
