Legal Options For When I get Hit By A Car and They Drive Off

mhhlawal

posted on 1 month ago — updated on 1 second ago

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waiting for law enforcement. In Alabama, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

<p>waiting for law enforcement. In Alabama, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, punishable by fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment. Unfortunately, hit-and-run cases remain common across the state, particularly in densely populated areas like Birmingham and Mobile.</p><p><strong>Nearly </strong><a href="https://aaafoundation.org/hit-and-run-crashes-prevalence-contributing-factors-and-countermeasures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>700,000 hit-and-run crashes occur annually in the United States</strong></a>, a troubling statistic that reflects the frequency of these incidents. You can learn more about these cases and their impact from<a href="https://aaafoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> AAA’s hit-and-run data</a>.</p><h4>Common Reasons Drivers Flee the Scene</h4><p>While leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, drivers often flee for the following reasons:</p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Driving Without Insurance</strong>: Alabama has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, which contributes significantly to hit-and-run cases. Explore <strong>how Alabama handles uninsured drivers</strong> to understand the legal challenges (Insurance Information Institute).</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Driving Under the Influence (DUI)</strong>: Intoxicated drivers may flee to avoid DUI charges.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Fear of Consequences</strong>: Drivers with expired licenses, outstanding warrants, or other legal issues may panic and leave the scene.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Emotional Responses</strong>: Some drivers flee out of fear or shock, not fully realizing the consequences of their actions.</li></ul><h4>Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident</h4><p>If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case:</p><h4>1. Prioritize Safety</h4><p>Move to a safe location and assess injuries. Call for medical assistance if needed.</p><h4>2. Report the Incident to Law Enforcement</h4><p>A police report is critical for documenting the hit-and-run and may aid in identifying the driver. Provide details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, and any part of its license plate.</p><h4>3. Gather Evidence</h4><p>Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle’s damage, and any visible injuries. Look for traffic cameras or nearby businesses that may have captured footage. Witness statements can also be crucial.</p><h4>4. Notify Your Insurance Company</h4><p>If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file a claim for damages related to the hit-and-run. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.</p><h4>5. Consult an Attorney</h4><p>A hit-and-run case can be legally complex. An experienced attorney can help you navigate insurance claims, pursue compensation, and hold the responsible party accountable if they are identified.</p><h4>Your Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run</h4><p>Even if the at-fault driver is not found, you may still have recourse:</p><h4>1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage</h4><p>Alabama law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can compensate you for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Check out <strong>how uninsured motorist coverage works in Alabama</strong> to better understand your rights (Alabama Insurance Department).</p><h4>2. Identifying the Driver</h4><p>If law enforcement locates the at-fault driver, you can file a personal injury claim to recover damages for:</p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1">Medical costs.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1">Property damage.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1">Lost wages.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1">Pain and suffering.</li></ul><p>Punitive damages may also be available in cases of gross negligence, such as a DUI-related hit-and-run.</p><h4>Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases</h4><p>Hit-and-run cases can be challenging due to:</p><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Difficulty Identifying the Driver</strong>: Without clear evidence, tracking down the driver can be difficult.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Insurance Limitations</strong>: Even with UM coverage, insurance companies may try to minimize your payout.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;" aria-level="1"><strong>Contributory Negligence Rule</strong>: Alabama’s strict contributory negligence laws mean that if you’re found even 1% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages.</li></ul><p>These hurdles make it essential to have an experienced attorney advocating for you.</p><h4>How Morris Haynes Can Help</h4><p>At <strong>Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law</strong>, we are dedicated to helping hit-and-run victims recover the compensation they deserve. Here’s how we can support you:</p><h4>1. Investigating the Accident</h4><p>Our team works closely with law enforcement, gathers evidence, and reviews surveillance footage to identify the responsible driver.</p><h4>2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies</h4><p>We handle all communications with your insurance provider to ensure you receive fair compensation under your UM coverage.</p><h4>3. Pursuing Legal Action</h4><p>If the fleeing driver is identified, we’ll file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.</p><h4>4. Personalized Support</h4><p>We understand the emotional toll of hit-and-run accidents and provide compassionate, personalized guidance throughout your case.</p><h4>Seek Justice with Morris Haynes</h4><p>A hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling powerless, but you don’t have to face it alone. At <strong>Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law</strong>, we fight for the rights of accident victims and work tirelessly to secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.</p><p>Call us today at <a href="tel:2053244008"><strong>(205) 324-4008</strong></a> or visit<a href="https://www.mhhlaw.net/"> our website</a> to schedule a free consultation. Let us guide you toward justice and recovery.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>