Hit-and-run accidents vary in their severity and consequences. Some accidents may only cause damage to vehicles and personal property, as is the case when a driver hits a parked car with no one inside. However, more serious forms of hit-and-run accidents occur when one driver causes a collision with another driver and flees the scene. A Lafayette hit-and-run accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can defend your rights, pursue any compensation that you may be owed, and stand by your side throughout the legal process following a hit-and-run accident. Get in touch with someone at our office today by picking up the phone and calling us at (337) 446-4571.
Drivers Fleeing the Scene of the Accidents
There are many possible motives behind a hit-and-run accident. Of course, no two hit-and-run accidents are the same. In some incidents, the at-fault driver may receive brain trauma or other injuries in an accident. As a result, their judgment may be impaired, which triggers their fight or flight response.
Other times, at-fault drivers may be dealing with outstanding driving offenses or criminal charges, so they flee the scene to avoid greater punishments. If there were extenuating circumstances that forced a driver to leave the scene urgently, then this may impact the outcome of any charges and punishments. Regardless of the reason, fleeing the scene of an accident can bear enormous consequences for those involved.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit and Run Accident lawyer serving Lafayette, call 800-537-8185
After a Hit-and-Run Accident
According to Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) § 14:100, drivers who are involved in an automobile accident or cause one must stay at the scene of the incident to give their name and contact information and provide reasonable aid for those injured. A failure to do so constitutes a hit-and-run accident, and as such, any driver who fails to stay at the scene is culpable for punishments, including fines, impacted driver’s licenses, and jail time. If a hit-and-run accident leads to personal bodily injury or wrongful death, then legal consequences can escalate quickly.
In a case where a driver hits a parked car, they still have a responsibility to identify themselves. If a driver cannot locate the owner of the vehicle that they hit, then they must leave their personal information in a note so the vehicle owner can contact them. A failure to leave behind accurate identifying information after a collision with a parked car also qualifies as a hit and run accident.
After a hit and run accident, legal teams and law enforcement will do their part to locate the driver who fled the scene of the accident. In doing so, they may conduct a comprehensive investigation. Any witnesses who saw the accident may be questioned to assist in locating the driver at fault. Additional forms of evidence, such as photos and video footage, may also be collected and referenced to establish fault.
If a legal team or law enforcement officer locates the at-fault driver after a hit-and-run accident, that driver will face punishment for their involvement in the accident. If you were the victim of the hit-and-run accident, a lawyer can fight on your behalf, develop your case, and pursue any forms of compensation to which you may be entitled to receive. A Lafayette hit-and-run accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can protect your legal interests and protect your right to compensation if your case goes to trial. Call us today at (337) 446-4571 to speak with someone in our office.
Filing Claims and Pursuing Compensation
In some instances, hit-and-run accidents may complicate the process of filing a claim with a car insurance company. If a hit-and-run accident occurs and the at-fault party is tracked down and held responsible, their car insurance company will likely get involved. Their car insurance company may attempt to make arguments that strive to reject your claim. The insurance company may even offer you a small settlement amount to avoid further claims processing. Having a lawyer by your side can help as you navigate the process of filing an insurance claim following a hit-and-run accident.
There are many types of possible compensation that you may be owed if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident. Some severe forms of hit-and-run accidents may involve speeding, distracted driving, or other forms of reckless driving. When acts of reckless driving behavior are involved in a hit-and-run accident, the potential for personal injury is high.
Some common forms of personal injury that drivers may sustain in a hit-and-run accident include whiplash, brain trauma, burns, disfigurement, broken bones, and more. If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation to cover the costs of your medical care. Some injuries require emergency medical transportation, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medication, and more. In addition to pursuing compensation for medical costs, a lawyer will pursue other forms of compensation on your behalf. These may include lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and more.
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Get in Touch with a Lawyer
If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, a Lafayette hit-and-run accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm can work to defend your position, protect your legal interests, and pursue any compensation that you may be owed. Be aware that under Louisiana Civil Code (CC) § 3492, you only have one year to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the courts.
To get in touch with someone in our office, call us today at (337) 446-4571.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
