Elsmere sees a high number of hit and runs due to several factors. For one, Kirkwood Highway narrows as it enters Elsmere, and collisions often occur when drivers fail to adjust and slow down. Pedestrians may be struck when trying to cross the highway, and sadly, many motorists do not stop.
If you were injured by a driver who fled the scene, consult Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya on what to do after a hit and run in Elsmere. Our experienced attorneys could help you navigate this difficult time and get the resources you need to recover.
Steps to Take after a Hit and Run Collision
After a hit and run collision, there are three important steps for an injured victim to take. These include calling the police, getting medical attention, and contacting a nearby attorney.
Calling the Police for a Hit and Run
After a hit and run collision, call the police immediately and wait for them to show up. Do not try to follow the person that struck you if they drive off. While waiting, it is a good idea to note any information that you can remember about the other driver and their vehicle. If you saw their license plate number, write it down so you do not forget it. If there are any witnesses to the crash, ask them to wait for the police to show up. Witness statements can be especially crucial for hit and run cases.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are feeling any pain after the collision, seek medical attention, whether it be from a hospital, walk-in clinic, or other medical provider. It is important to have documentation of all symptoms and injuries for any future claims for compensation. Even mild injuries can worsen over time, so it is a good idea to get a medical professional’s opinion as soon as possible after the hit and run collision.
Contact a Hit and Run Attorney
One of the most important steps to take after a hit and run is to get in contact with an attorney. These types of cases can be more complex when trying to recover compensation, and unrepresented victims will have a difficult time dealing with insurance companies. It is crucial to have effective legal representation to get compensated for hit and run injuries.
How Can a Lawyer Help with Hit and Run Claims?
Many people are unaware of how uninsured motorist coverage works, although most drivers in Delaware have this coverage and can use it to recover after a hit and run. The insurance companies may try to claim that a person has rejected uninsured motorist coverage. However, if they cannot provide documentation as proof, they will still be required to cover the state minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per collision.
The lawyers at our Elsmere office have experience handling these types of claims and know how to pursue insurance coverage after a hit and run. For instance, an attorney could prevent the insurance company from accessing unnecessary information from your personal injury protection (PIP) files. This is to ensure that the insurance company does not get anything that could be used against you.
Consult an Elsmere Attorney on What to Do after a Hit and Run
After a hit and run, you may be overwhelmed and uncertain of how to proceed. You are not alone—many people do not understand how to recover the compensation they are entitled to, especially when a crash involves an unidentified driver.
To ensure that you are properly compensated, reach out to the knowledgeable attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya. We could explain what to do after a hit and run in Elsmere and advise you throughout the legal process of recovering damages. Contact us today and set up an initial consultation.
