Know Your Rights as an Accident Victim
If you are a driver or pedestrian who has been injured in a hit and run accident, there are several things that you should do in order to protect your rights. Working with a hit and run accident lawyer can help ensure you get the recovery you deserve. It is important to act quickly, or you could lose your right to compensation.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., our attorneys will help you navigate the legal process. We have extensive experience helping individuals who have been injured in a Mississippi hit and run accident. Contact us at 601-988-8888 to schedule a free consultation.
The Immediate Do's After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The steps you take after a hit and run accident can directly impact your right to compensation. One of the most important things you can do is contact a Mississippi personal injury lawyer. In addition to working with an attorney, you will want to move yourself and your vehicle to a safe location, gather the necessary evidence, and report the accident.
Move to a Safe Location
After a hit-and-run accident, it is imperative that you move to a safe location. Whether you were a pedestrian or driving another vehicle, staying on the road can be dangerous. If you are able, get yourself and your vehicle to the side of the roadway. Once you have moved to a safe location, you should contact 9-1-1 and provide as much information as possible to the reporting accident.
Gather Evidence
Evidence often plays a critical role in hit and run accidents. Start collecting evidence at the scene. Any description of the vehicle that was involved in the collision may help to identify the driver. Take pictures and videos of the accident and provide all evidence to your attorney.
Report the Accident
Finally, it is important to report the accident as soon as possible. A failure to timely report the collision could affect your right to hit and run accident compensation. Whether you were involved in a parking lot accident or a pedestrian accident, you need to take these steps immediately after the crash.
The Don'ts After a Hit-and-Run Accident
While there are several steps that you should take after a hit and run accident, there are also some that you shouldn’t.
Don't Leave the Scene
First, you should never leave the scene. Fleeing the scene of the accident may make it more difficult to obtain compensation, but it may also result in civil penalties. After you contact local law enforcement, you need to stay on the scene to discuss the incident with the reporting officer.
Don't Admit Fault
You should never admit fault. Before making a statement to an insurance adjuster or another party, you need to speak to an attorney. The things that you say can be used to put you at fault for the crash.
Don't Rely Solely on Your Memory
It is a mistake to rely solely on your memory. Car accidents can leave you in shock because they happen suddenly, without warning. Collecting evidence to help substantiate your claim is essential.
Don't Try to Find the Driver Yourself
One of the most dangerous things that people can do after a hit and run accident is try to find the driver themselves. Write down and report anything that you can remember about the driver or the vehicle. Even a partial license plate can go a long way to identifying the vehicle and the driver.
Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
It can be challenging to obtain the compensation you need to cover all of your car accident injuries without the help of legal counsel. In order to file a successful hit and run accident insurance claim, you will need to work with a top notch attorney. They can help you file a lawsuit and work to maximize your damages. Without the help of a lawyer, you could end up settling your case for less than it is worth or for nothing at all.
In the initial aftermath of a hit and run accident, you may be unsure of where to turn. You may not know your rights or whether you are entitled to compensation. A lawyer will help you from the initial consultation until your final payout. You should not have to go through it alone. Get the experienced help you need to get the results you deserve after an accident.
About Richard Schwartz & Associates
At Richard & Schwartz, we understand how difficult it can be after a hit and run accident. You may have mounting medical bills or be too injured to work. Our attorneys will work with you one-on-one, providing guidance throughout the process. Contact our office today at 601-988-8888 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. There are never any fees unless we win. Call now to get started.
