When a driver leaves the scene of a vehicle wreck, they break the law and leave injured people to deal with the consequences alone. Our car accident attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya help victims of hit-and-run car accidents in Dover demand justice and compensation. We have been serving the community since 1978 and have a long tradition of leadership in the legal profession. We provide strong legal support for those who have suffered injuries, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Before concerning yourself with pursuing compensation, there are a few more urgent things to do immediately following a car wreck. Smart and safe steps that will benefit you in the long run include:
- Calling 911 immediately to report the incident to the police department
- Carefully documenting the scene by taking photos or videos of the crash site, any damage to your vehicle, and your injuries
- Gathering information from witnesses, including their names, contact details, and what they saw
- Notifying your insurance company while avoiding giving a recorded statement until you have hired an attorney and discussed your situation with them
- Seeing a doctor for your injuries, even if you initially feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical record is important evidence for a potential personal injury claim
If you follow these steps after your hit and run vehicle crash, our Dover attorneys can handle the legal work of sorting out the evidence you gathered while you can focus on your recovery.
Laws to Know After a Hit and Run
Drivers in the state have a legal duty to stop at the scene of a crash, render reasonable assistance to any injured person, and exchange information. Failing to do so is a crime under Delaware Code Title 21 § 4202. The penalties for leaving the scene are severe, especially if the crash resulted in injuries or death.
Another critical law to know is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Under Delaware Code Title 10 § 8119, you generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you do not file a lawsuit within this two-year deadline, you risk losing your right to recover compensation for your hit-and-run car crash in Dover entirely.
Can I Get Compensation Without Knowing Who Hit Me?
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file an insurance claim with your own insurer. While UM coverage is not mandatory, it is available to provide compensation for injuries and property damage when you cannot identify the at-fault driver or they do not have insurance. Additional recovery options in Dover include suing the hit-and-run driver responsible for the vehicle crash, if you can locate them, or making a claim against another responsible third party.
If you have UM coverage, our lawyers can handle the insurance claim. Your insurance provider will want to minimize payments, so help from an attorney is critical. We will work with your insurance company to ensure you receive the full benefits of your policy.
Contact a Dover Lawyer if You Have Suffered Injuries in a Hit-and-Run Car Crash
At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, we have been serving the community for decades. We know how devastating hit-and-run car accidents in Dover can be, and we are ready to help you recover and seek the justice you deserve, whether the police find the driver or not.
Consultations are no-cost with no obligation. Our team is committed to helping crash victims secure compensation for medical bills and other costly losses. Call us to set up a free case review with one of our lawyers.