Hit and run accidents can come in a variety of forms, ranging from a driver unknowingly fleeing the scene of a minor accident, to a driver causing injury and damage and the scene in order to avoid legal and financial consequence. Victims of hit and runs are often left in shock. It can be very difficult to collect one’s self after any kind of traumatic motor vehicle accident, and take the steps necessary to remain safe, while obtaining the necessary information to protect one’s rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, and an involved party left the scene of that accident, our firm may still be able to help you and your family recover the financial compensation that you need and deserve for your injuries and the resulting damages. Call our office to discuss your unique needs and concerns when it comes to hit and run accidents in Bloomfield.
Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident?
Drivers may have many different reasons for leaving the scene of an accident before providing their information or discussing the situation with the authorities. Reasons for fleeing the scene of a hit and run accident in Bloomfield vary, but some of the most common causes include:
- The driver was drunk
- The driver is uninsured/underinsured
- The driver has a criminal history, or is on probation
- The driver is driving a stolen vehicle
- The driver’s car contains contraband such as illegal drugs or weapons
It is important to understand that although the negligent driver may have his or her own personal reasons for fleeing the scene, they are still liable for their actions. Our attorneys have decades of experience sorting through evidence from hit and run accidents, and helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional and physical pain and suffering.
What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident in Bloomfield, it should be the number one priority to ensure that you and any passengers are safe before moving or exiting your vehicle. If you or your passengers are injured, call 911 immediately.
Beyond these immediate measures, it is also highly recommended that, if possible, you:
Write down the license plate – Ideally, if the license plate is visible and legible, that is the best case scenario. Writing this down as quickly as possible will reduce the risk of forgetting at a later time
Record other details – Make, model, and color of the car are also incredibly helpful, especially if you were able to get a partial license plate number
Take as many pictures as possible – This is the case with any car accident, but is particularly crucial when the other party has left the scene of the accident.
Look around for other witnesses – Perhaps they saw something differently or more clearly than you. Get their names, contact information, and record whatever details they are able to recall. A witness to corroborate your testimony can be vital in a civil or criminal lawsuit.
Never pursue the fleeing vehicle – Not only could this action put you and any passengers in danger, you would also be fleeing the scene rather than allowing the authorities to do their job. The most important thing for victims to focus on is their own safety and acquiring as much information as possible
It is also illegal to send a text message to an individual operating a motor vehicle if the sender knows that the recipient is driving
Recovering Compensation for Hit and Run Injuries
As with any car accident injury, your first avenue for recovering compensation will be through your own car insurance policy. However, if and when your own policy is insufficient for covering the expense of the damages you have suffered as a result of a hit and run accident in Bloomfield, or your insurance company is contesting the extent of the damages you are claiming, it is highly recommended that you consult with our attorneys.
If you have the information of the offending driver, we can help you to file an injury claim with their insurance provider. Or, if you do not have this information, their insurance policy does not fully cover your damages, or they do not have car insurance at all, we can help you to effectively demonstrate to your own insurance provider the full extent of the damages you have suffered, and ultimately help you recover full and fair compensation.
Contact an Attorney for Help After a Bloomfield Hit and Run Accident
Hit and run accidents in Bloomfield require experienced legal guidance to successfully navigate. Reach out to our firm today to begin reviewing the details of your incident.
