Car wrecks are stressful. Not only do plans get delayed or canceled, but injured motorists often have to deal with painful injuries and figure out how to handle unexpected bills. What can make circumstances even worse is when the at-fault driver leaves the scene of the wreck and refuses to be held accountable.
However, you still have options. It is illegal to hit another driver or pedestrian and run off. There are serious legal consequences for people who flee the scene of a crash. It is often the case that the responsible driver was participating in other illegal activity, such as driving under the influence or speeding. If you have experienced a hit and run car accident in Wilmington, the auto collision attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya will fight for accountability on your behalf.
Common Injuries From Hit-and-Run Collisions
Injuries can range from mild to catastrophic after a car crash. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Soft tissue damage like strains or sprains
- Skin abrasions
- Broken bones
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
People who are hurt in hit-and-run collisions can file personal injury claims to recover for any physical, financial, or emotional losses they sustained as a result. An experienced Wilmington hit-and-run car accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After Experiencing a Hit-and-Run Crash
People are often traumatized and frustrated after experiencing a hit-and-run collision in Wilmington. There are several things to keep in mind when it happens to you:
- Stay calm. As tempting as it is to chase after the culprit, being as reckless as them could get someone hurt.
- Call for help and remain at the scene. It is essential to contact the police and get a report from them documenting everything, as the report will assist your case when you file an insurance claim. If you have injuries, call for medical assistance, too.
- Get as much information as possible. If you are able to take photos and videos, make sure to document the scene. Write down any details you remember about the at-fault driver, like the car make and model, license plate, and color. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information, as they may have noticed something you did not.
- Contact your insurance company. They can help you file a claim. Be careful not to make any statements or admit fault.
Contacting the attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, & Bhaya for help as early as possible allows an injured person to focus on recovery while the legal team handles all the other details and ensures all deadlines are met.
Possible Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Crash
Injured motorists can often be compensated through an investigation of the driver who fled or potentially through his or her own insurance company through the uninsured motorist part of their own policy. This process can be complicated and may go on for a long time. Insurance companies often seek to settle early on directly with a motorist, before they secure legal representation. That is because they want to protect their own assets and give the lowest settlement possible.
Some of the things a successful claim can reimburse an injured person for include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and a loss of enjoyment of life. There is no average settlement amount because the facts make a difference in each case. Some factors that can affect the money a plaintiff can receive in a settlement include the severity of their injuries, the cost of treatment for the injuries, and the plaintiff’s level of negligence that contributed to the incident. An experienced Wilmington hit and run accident attorney will be able to guide their client through the process and provide any necessary information.
Talk to a Wilmington Attorney About Hit and Run Car Crash Claims
Knowing what to do may be unclear after experiencing a hit-and-run car accident in Wilmington. One of the most important steps is to retain legal representation. You should learn about all of your options before moving forward. During a consultation, our team can make sure you have taken all necessary steps to have a successful case. Call today to begin reviewing the details of your situation.