Any car accident can be shocking to deal with. In the best-case scenario, a wreck happens with only minimal injuries, and you and the other driver can exchange information, obtain a police report, and go on your way to let insurance handle things. However, in many instances, things do not go this smoothly.
Hit and run car accidents in Bear can be particularly frustrating to deal with. When the other driver takes off, rather than staying at the scene of the crash, getting compensation can be a harder and longer process. Fortunately, our auto collision attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya can lend a helping hand along the way.
Common Reasons Hit and Runs Happen
When a driver hits another vehicle and flees the scene, it reflects poorly on them, as common sense suggests that fleeing often indicates responsibility. However, not all hit-and-runs happen with the intent to abandon a victim. In some cases, a driver under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or extreme fatigue may not even realize they have been in an accident, particularly if the impact was minor.
Panic is another factor that can lead drivers to make the wrong choice. When someone realizes they may have caused harm or damage, the immediate shock and fear can drive them to keep going instead of stopping to assess the situation and offer assistance. Injuries from hit-and-run accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering harm, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal organ injuries.
In Bear, hit-and-run accidents often leave victims struggling with medical expenses and recovery costs on their own, unsure of how to hold the responsible driver accountable.
Filing an Injury Claim After a Hit and Run
Injury claims typically depend on proving that a driver’s negligence caused them to breach their duty of care and led to someone’s injuries. However, in a hit-and-run accident, pursuing a claim can be challenging because the driver at fault has fled the scene.
If you are a victim in a hit-and-run case, you might not immediately know the other driver’s identity. Sometimes, you may only catch a glimpse of the vehicle’s make and model or need to rely on witness statements or traffic camera footage to identify the person responsible. This process can be time-consuming and costly, and delays can jeopardize a person’s chances of timely compensation.
For example, Delaware’s statute of limitations, as outlined in 10 Delaware Code §8119, requires injury claims to be filed within two years of the accident. Locating the responsible driver and gathering necessary evidence can be time-intensive, and the longer the wait, the harder it can be to prove exactly what happened.
Fortunately, a skilled attorney can help navigate these hurdles in Bear hit-and-run cases. They can work closely with law enforcement, use community alerts to help locate the driver, and simultaneously begin gathering essential evidence to build a strong case. With legal support, victims can focus on healing while ensuring the claim remains on track to pursue rightful compensation. Quite often, the best method of recovering for injuries caused by a hit and run driver are through your own uninsured motorist coverage from your own automobile insurance policy. The attorneys at Doroshow Pasquale Krawitz & Bhaya can explain your rights and help you navigate your claim with your insurance company so that you receive fair competition.
Let Our Bear Team Help After a Hit and Run Accident
If you are a victim of a hit and run car accident in Bear, you might still recover from the driver. Once you and your attorney locate the person at fault, you can make your claim for compensation and hold them accountable for their actions. If you are not able to locate the driver, our team can help you pursue other forms of compensation, like your own uninsured insurance coverage.
Contact our office to learn more as soon as possible.