Each year, nearly 3 million people are injured in car accidents on U.S. roadways. Nearly 632,000 of these accidents are hit and runs.

Each year, nearly 3 million people are injured in car accidents on U.S. roadways. Nearly 632,000 of these accidents are hit and runs.

Each year, nearly 3 million people are injured in car accidents on U.S. roadways. Nearly 632,000 of these accidents are hit and runs.

A hit and run accident is when a driver leaves the scene after hitting another car, a pedestrian, or a motorcyclist. It’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident, yet many people do. What’s worse is that many hit and run accident victims are injured. If you sustain a hit and run accident injury, here’s what you need to know.

What is a hit and run accident injury?

Drivers who are involved in an accident are required by law to stop, exchange information, and wait for the police. A driver is even supposed to provide assistance if possible until emergency responders arrive. If you are hit by a driver and they leave the scene, you could have a hit and run accident injury if the accident results in bodily harm. You want to make sure to call the police, report the incident, and possibly hire an auto accident attorney.

Why hire an auto accident lawyer?

If you have an auto accident injury that was caused by a hit and run, you may need a lawyer to receive compensation. It can be more difficult to get your medical bills paid or your vehicle fixed in a hit and run accident, but an experienced lawyer can consult with you and investigate the accident.

What happens next?

If you’ve hired a car accident injury lawyer, they will file a claim with the insurance company if the hit and run driver has been identified. This can be complicated because the insurance company might say that the driver is innocent. The lawyer will have to prove that the driver hit you and caused injury. The driver could then face criminal charges and be ordered to pay you damages.

If the hit and run driver cannot be identified, you may be able to get compensation from your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, the insurance company may pay you as if they represented the hit and run driver. You may still want to hire a lawyer because your insurance company may not pay you what’s appropriate. In that situation, your attorney may be able to negotiate with your insurer.

A hit and run driver may never be found, much less brought to justice. However, you still have options is you have a hit and run accident injury. If it happens to you, preserve any evidence, call the police, and hire a lawyer.