A hit and run incident can take a number of different forms. The most common is when two cars are in a collision and the other driver either never stops or stops and then leaves the scene. A hit and run can also involve a motorist hitting a pedestrian and driving away.
Both of these actions are illegal and can also hinder an injured victim’s ability to pursue compensation. If you were struck by a driver who left the scene, consult an attorney with experience handling Elsmere hit and run car crashes. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya, our skilled lawyers could explain your legal options for getting the restitution you deserve.
Differences between Hit and Runs and Other Car Crashes
The first thing to note is that leaving the scene of a car crash is a criminal violation. This is different from most traffic collisions that stem from negligence rather than illegal actions. If caught, the fleeing motorist could be facing criminal charges as well as civil liability for the injured person’s damages.
Additionally, it is crucial to call the police after a hit and run, as many insurance policies will not give uninsured motorist benefits if the victim did not call the police. Unlike most traffic crashes involving identified drivers, an injured victim cannot pursue compensation from the other party’s insurance company if the driver fled the scene. Our experienced attorneys understand how to handle these situations and could help a hit and run victim get compensation from the uninsured motorist coverage under their own policy.
Recoverable Damages in a Hit and Run Case
Hit and run cases are generally the same as any other car crash in terms of recoverable damages. An injured victim can recover for their:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages or loss of opportunity
- Pain and suffering
- Other losses associated with the collision
Can I Get Punitive Damages for a Hit and Run?
Generally speaking, punitive damages are unlikely in a hit and run case. These types of damages are meant to punish a person for their egregious behavior, which can be a difficult case to make when the at-fault driver is unidentified. Some courts will not allow punitive damages to be recovered under uninsured motorist coverage. If, however, the other driver is tracked down, punitive damages might be pursued depending on whether their leaving the scene increased the injury to the injured party.
Our dedicated hit and run attorneys can assess a victim’s case to ensure that a claim for compensation covers all of their losses, even without punitive damages. We could advise a victim on pursuing civil action while navigating a criminal case for the hit and run incident.
Consult an Elsmere Attorney for Hit and Run Collisions
After any car crash, especially one involving an unidentified driver, it is crucial to get legal counsel as soon as possible. Hit and runs can be particularly tricky when navigating insurance claims and seeking the necessary compensation to cover your losses. A skilled attorney with experience handling Elsmere hit and run car crashes could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
The legal team at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya could further explain uninsured or unidentified motorist coverage and advise on the best ways of recovering damages in your case. Call today to set up a consultation.
