All car accidents are tragic, but some of them are worse when the at-fault driver fails to stop to provide support or exchange information. There are many reasons drivers flee, and even though it is against the law to do so, you may encounter losses as a result of their actions. Work with a Summerville hit and run accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm to determine what your legal options are after suffering losses.
When you work with our Summerville car accident lawyer, you are represented by a team with more than 10 years of experience. Talk to a member of our team today to schedule a free consultation so you can focus on recovery.
Why You Benefit from a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Summerville
Being involved in a hit and run accident is a terrifying experience, one that can lead to long-term physical injuries and financial devastation. There is quite a bit at stake, even though you may feel like you have no way forward. You do when you hire a hit and run accident attorney in Summerville to help you.
Our attorneys handle every component of this process possible, minimizing the impact on your day, health, and life as a result. We strive to provide you with hands-on support as you navigate the legal complexities you face. That includes determining if the at-fault party can be found and, if so, what steps must be taken to hold them accountable.
In situations where that driver is not determined, you may need support completing an uninsured motorist accident claim. This is a policy you purchase to cover yourself in these situations. Yet, working with the insurance company is not simplistic, which is where a Summerville personal injury lawyer can help with your case.
We Assess Your Losses as a Starting Point
One of the first steps our attorney will take is to fully assess your losses. This allows our team to create a comprehensive claim that justifies any compensation owed to you with evidence. Some of the most common losses incurred include:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing and future medical needs
- Property damage claims
- Pain and suffering
- Missed wages and benefits
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
We will examine all angles of your case to create a clear picture of what is owed to you. This is an essential step before filing a claim. Without it, you could be settling for too little. Be sure to review our FAQs to learn more about hit and run accidents.
We Seek the At-Fault Party First
In cases where the at-fault party can be identified, such as through police work, you can expect us to seek out a claim against that party’s insurance policy. If they left the scene, the evidence you gather, such as dash camera images, local traffic cameras, or descriptions, can help to determine who the at-fault party is. Ideally, we will investigate this to the fullest level possible since it provides the best way for you to recover damages.
After a thorough investigation, if we can determine who the party is, the police will take legal action. They will provide criminal charges under South Carolina Code of Laws Title 56 against the party for fleeing the scene of the accident. However, criminal charges do nothing for you.
As a result, our legal team will pursue a claim, settlement, or lawsuit against the at-fault party. Our team works extensively to do so as a way to protect your rights.
We Seek Uninsured Motorist Coverage Next
In cases where the at-fault driver is not determined right away, and you purchased uninsured motorist coverage, that policy can work for you. You file a claim against that policy for the losses you have. They pay you up to the amount of coverage you can demonstrate to the coverage limits.
Note that uninsured motorist coverage is not always in place. If you do not purchase it, you may not have the right to seek compensation like this. However, it is nearly always beneficial to have this insurance.
Our Summerville hit and run lawyer will work with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement. Even though you hired them, they still are tasked with doing whatever is possible to reduce the amount of compensation paid out. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our hit and run accident lawyer holds them to what they should pay under the law.
What Happens After a Hit and Run Accident Depends on What You Do
If you are involved in a hit and run accident, what you do after the accident could help you seek compensation. Never put yourself at risk, but do act quickly to preserve as much information as possible. Some of the most helpful steps to take include:
- Call 911. Report what happened immediately.
- When possible, take a photo of the car leaving the area. Do not pursue them, especially if you are hurt.
- Write down or record everything you remember right away about the vehicle.
- Take photos of the surrounding area, damage to your vehicle, damage to the area, and any evidence left behind.
- Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who could help you later.
- Let the police investigate the claims and seek the at-fault party while you get medical care.
- Contact your insurance company after your accident to inform them of the incident and that the driver fled. You will not need to file a claim just yet. You do not know your losses.
- Contact a Summerville hit and run lawyer immediately. As soon as you can safely do so, our legal team is available to you. We will aim to provide you with clear information about how to proceed.
Avoid making any claims to the insurance company or the police that you cannot justify or back up with evidence. It is always helpful to work with an attorney who will help you navigate the insurance company yourself, avoiding any risk of complications, mistakes, or oversights that could be costly later. A hit and run accident is not the end of your fight, as our legal team will remain by your side.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Summerville Hit and Run Accident Attorney Now
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we know the devastation that can come from such an accident. We also know how to fight for you. Set up a free consultation to discuss your case. Our Summerville hit and run accident lawyer can provide the answers you need.
