Hit-and-run car accidents can feel doubly overwhelming: not only will you need to deal with whatever injuries come from the accident, but you also will need to try and locate the at-fault driver to cover your damages. The next legal steps to take will likely feel unclear; let our Towson car accident lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC tell you what you need to know in this situation.
What Should You Do Immediately After the Accident?
You may feel tempted to chase after the driver, but we advise against it: depending on where the collision occurred, you may put yourself in the flow of traffic and endanger yourself. And even if you catch the at-fault driver, you could escalate the situation beyond what you can control.
Focus your efforts on gathering as much information as possible from the scene. Try to document the details of the vehicle, including the license plate number or any distinguishing features that may help law enforcement locate the driver.
Call 911 to report the accident to the authorities and request medical assistance, even if you do not feel hurt. Both the police report and the medical report will help you with any insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits, and a medical examination can catch any invisible injuries.
Should You Talk to Witnesses?
If your accident occurred with people around, strongly consider approaching them and asking for their contact information. They may have information that you missed—for instance, they may have memorized the license plate number or saw the driver up close. When you file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, witness testimony can go a long way.
Is Your Insurance Policy Relevant?
You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible about your accident; even though Maryland requires drivers to carry car insurance, they do not need to purchase personal injury protection. However, you should still check to see if your specific coverage grants you any compensation for your hit-and-run accident.
When speaking to your insurer provider, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the other driver’s intentions. The company has a financial incentive to twist your words to save themselves money, so be truthful but concise.
Why Should You Seek Legal Help?
Especially when you do not know who to hold accountable for your accident, the aftermath of a hit-and-run collision can feel overwhelming. However, an experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the process, advise you on the best course of action, work with your insurance company, and potentially assist in finding the hit-and-run driver. In addition, your lawyer can help you pursue compensation for any medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Recovering from Your Hit-and-Run Accident with the Towson Car Accident Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC
If you need to find the at-fault driver in your hit-and-run accident or recover compensation for your injuries, look no further than the seasoned and compassionate Towson car accident lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Call us at 443-589-0150 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, offices serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
