Car accidents involving hit-and-run drivers present their own unique challenges when it comes to obtaining reimbursement for damages. In many cases, hiring an attorney to advocate for your rights is the best way to ensure a fair settlement after this type of accident.
First Steps
After a hit-and-run accident, you’ll be asked to provide as much information as you can to help law enforcement attempt to locate the driver. Providing a license number or a detailed description of the car or driver is ideal, but even a partial plate number and a few identifying characteristics can be helpful.
Witnesses often prove valuable in helping to locate the driver, so try to get names and contact information for as many witnesses as possible. Even those who think they didn’t see anything of significance might be able to provide information that proves important.
Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial after a collision with a hit-and-run driver. Regardless of the severity of your injuries, you want to create a written record associated with the accident. Remember, many car accident injuries start off as minor discomfort and become more obvious as time passes.
Paying for Damages
If the police are successful in locating the other driver, you can collect from his insurance or other applicable assets. However, if the other driver can’t be located or he doesn’t have insurance or assets, you’ll need to seek reimbursement under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy.
Louisiana law requires all companies offering auto insurance to provide drivers with UM/UIM coverage unless it has been specifically rejected in writing. This means that the majority of drivers within the state will have coverage for their losses.
Have You Been Injured In A Louisiana Car Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Alexandria office directly at 318.541.8188 to schedule your free consultation.
| Related links: |