Hit and Run Accidents

When you’re in a car accident, there’s a lot of confusion in the first few seconds. What was a normal day is suddenly changed when someone else stops paying attention and causes a collision. Because it happens so suddenly, it does take some time to realize what actually happened. Your brain is processing not just how the accident happened. It’s also trying to evaluate whether you’re injured.

After those few seconds pass, the normal thing to do is to make sure everyone is OK. Then, the parties exchange information or call 911 if necessary. What few people expect is for the other vehicle to leave the scene. In Massachusetts, it’s a crime to leave the scene of an accident if someone was injured or property was damaged.

There are many reasons why a driver leaves the scene of a collision. These include:

• Intoxication: If the other driver was drunk, he/she will leave the scene to try to avoid being charged with Drunk Driving
• Unlicensed Operator: If the other driver doesn’t have a license, he/she might leave the scene.
• Outstanding Warrant: If the other driver has an outstanding warrant, he/she would be arrested if police were called to the scene.
• Stolen Vehicle: If someone is driving a stolen vehicle

What Should I do if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene?

Most importantly, do not chase after the other car. Starting a car chase only puts yourself and others in danger.

When another driver leaves the scene before you exchange information, there are two things to do:

First, take a picture of the other vehicle’s license plate if you can. If the other car is too far away to take a picture by the time you have your phone ready, let the car go. Do not chase it.

Second, call 911. Give the police all the information you have, including the car’s make, model, and color. If you got a partial view of the license plate, that could be helpful as well. Police officers are often able to track down a hit and run vehicle.

Will My Insurance Cover Me?

There are two types of insurance that cover these situations:

• Uninsurance Motorist Coverage will pay the compensation for your injuries. This is required coverage, meaning everyone in Massachusetts has it, although the amount of the insurance varies depending on what you paid for.

• Collision Coverage will pay for any damage to your car. This is an option coverage, meaning you may not have it.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

If you were injured by a car that fled the scene, you need an experienced lawyer. There are many pitfalls when dealing with these scenarios. Many insurance companies will deny claims. This happens often when the injured person gets some, but not all, of the other drivers information while he/she was fleeing.

At Marcotte Law Firm, we have many years of experience dealing with all types of car accidents. We know the coverages available, and we know how to get you the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured by a driver that fled the scene, call the experienced car accident lawyers at Marcotte Law Firm for a free consultation.

As with all personal injury cases, there’s no fee unless you win.