If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident in Utah before, the first step should be to remain calm and take the necessary steps to safeguard yourself and the others involved. Subsequently, consult an attorney on how to go about your claim to get compensated for property damage and injuries.
According to the Utah Highway Safety Office, there were a total of 60,021 crashes in 2023. Utah is among the top five states with the highest number of accidents in the United States.
In case the accident was a result of someone else’s fault, then you need to identify the defendant and file a personal injury claim.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
It occurs when a driver collides with a valuable object, such as a person or vehicle, and leaves the scene intentionally without providing their insurance information or identity. A hit and run accident may range from serious issues like killing an individual to minor ones like scratching a vehicle in the parking lot.
The Utah code 41-6a-401 reports that any person who believes that they’ve been in a car accident that has caused death, physical injuries, or property damage should avoid fleeing but stay at the crash scene. The drivers involved ought to exchange their insurance and contact information.
If the accident destroys property valued at over $2500 in value, you should file a police report and seek hit and run legal advice. On the other hand, if death or injury occurs, the involved parties should contact emergency services and provide reasonable assistance.
What Are the Major Causes of Hit and Run Accidents?
There are specific reasons that may cause a driver to leave the scene after an accident. Some of these reasons include the following:
- Distracted driving: Failure to pay attention when driving can lead to a crash and cause the driver to flee the scene without proper knowledge of the consequences.
- Driving in unfamiliar areas: A driver may decide to leave the accident scene out of fear or confusion about being arrested in a foreign area.
- Impaired driving: If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they’re likely to panic and thus, escape the scene.
- Fear of the consequences: Drivers with a history of criminal offences or those who are uninsured are likely to flee in an attempt to escape detection.
What Steps Should You Take After a Hit and Run Accident?
The immediate steps you take after being involved in a hit and run accident are significant for legal and medical reasons. These actions also determine whether you receive compensation and how much you get. Here are the essential steps you need to take to uphold your legal rights in accidents:
Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Help
Begin by checking if you have any injuries that require immediate attention. Injuries such as concussions and internal bleeding may not be evident straight away. Ensure you go to a hospital near you, regardless of how minor the injuries may be.
Call Law Enforcement
Always contact 911 after an accident so they can gather any witness statements and document the scene. The presence of the police at the crash scene ensures everyone cooperates and provides a sense of calm.
Give the cops a detailed account of the accident, avoid speculation, and stick to the facts. This information will come in handy in case any legal action needs to be taken later on
Gather Witness Information and Evidence
If you can, collect any evidence you may find helpful. It may include:
- Witness statements
- Skid marks
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Surveillance footage
This information comes in handy in the accident claim process in case you need to prove some details of the accident. Additionally, take note of the vehicle’s model, make, and identifying marks to help the police find the fleeing driver.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer and provide them with all the necessary information regarding the accident. Finding a hit and run lawyer will help you identify clauses in your insurance policy that guarantee you compensation after the accident. They will advise you on the best way to communicate with insurance adjusters.
Consult a Hit and Run Lawyer in Utah
Before proceeding to court, you can negotiate a fair settlement with your insurer with the help of an attorney. A lawyer will help you understand what fair compensation in Utah involves, depending on the kind of injuries you’ve incurred.
If negotiations fail to work, you can attempt arbitration or mediation, which are less formal and provide faster resolutions compared to court trials. The last course of action will be to file a lawsuit. This process may take quite some time, but you’re assured of your deserved compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If the Other Driver Is Underinsured or Uninsured?
In case the other driver involved isn’t insured, you’ll have to file a third-party claim with your insurance company. The process may be complicated, making it necessary to consult an attorney for assistance. This lawyer will help you receive the compensation you deserve if the other driver caused the accident.
Which Types of Compensation Are Available for a Hit and Run Accident Claim?
These kinds of accidents often cause various damages and costs. Among the types of damages, you’re entitled to include the following:
- Lost earning potential and wages
- Costs of treatment and medical bills
- Damages caused by pain and suffering
How Can a Lawyer Help You Find the Guilty Driver?
A hit and run lawyer will investigate the accident, collect relevant evidence, and work with the police to find the driver responsible. They may also use surveillance footage and witness statements to track down the at-fault vehicle.
Earn Compensation With a Hit and Run Lawyer from the Durham Law Firm
If involved in a hit and run accident, it’s crucial to understand the steps you need to take and your legal options. Ensure you choose a law firm with experience in such cases to assist you with your claim.
Durham Law Firm has qualified attorneys with strategies and techniques to investigate hit and run accidents and help you get maximum compensation. We also help you find the at-fault driver using attention to detail and investigative techniques.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get the results you’re looking for.
