Hit-and-run accidents occur when a driver hits another vehicle, a cyclist, a pedestrian, or someone’s
property and flees the scene without leaving their contact or insurance information. Hit-and-runs can leave those affected with property damage, injuries, or both–with the damage incurred ranging from minor to catastrophic.
Victims often feel helpless after a hit-and-run, and it is easy to understand why. However, the situation is not hopeless. Connecting with an Andover car accident lawyer from DiBella Law is one way to mitigate damage. An Andover personal injury lawyer from our firm will work with you to secure coverage for your losses.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Options for reacting to a hit-and-run depend on your specific situation. Of course, if you are seriously injured, your only immediate first option is to wait for emergency medical care to arrive. However, if you can move without hurting yourself, there are steps you can take to help this very unfortunate situation.
If You See the Accident
If you are involved in the accident–you are the one hit–get whatever information you can, but do not chase down the offender yourself. Take note, as much as possible, of the car’s description, its color, make, model, and any digits you can recall from the license plate, and if you get a look at the driver, document their description as well. If it is possible to snap some pictures of the vehicle, take some.
Then, call law enforcement. Tell them where you are and the direction the offender headed after taking off, providing as much description as you can. Have law enforcement come to the accident scene to file an official report and gather any available evidence.
If there are any witnesses nearby, take down their contact information and ask them to pass along any photos or videos they might have. Also, note any traffic or security cameras nearby. If a local business has a security device, ask them to keep footage from the time of the accident.
If You Do Not See the Accident
Sometimes, you arrive at your car only to realize it has taken a hit while unattended. In this scenario, have law enforcement come to the scene and take pictures of your car’s location and the surrounding areas, being sure to document the damage, and again, get contact information from witnesses and ask businesses to retain camera footage. If the accident occurred on a residential street, look for camera-enhanced doorbells and ask those residents to check their footage.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Get Medical Care Right Away
If you are injured by the hit-and-run, see a doctor right away, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. You might be wrong–some injury symptoms are delayed–and could put yourself in danger by postponing care. Some extremely serious injuries, such as those to the brain or spine, do not present as immediately dangerous but can lead to permanent disability or death, and other times, the shock of an accident masks emerging pain and damage.
Having your injuries diagnosed and treated is important for your health and for securing coverage. If the offender is found and insured, you can file a claim against their insurance, and if they are not found or are not insured, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. In either case, having official accident reports and “official” medical reports will help you recover your losses.
Connect with a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Andover
After reporting the accident and getting medical care, take the important next step of connecting with an Andover hit-and-run accident attorney from DiBella Law. We will help you navigate the tricky, often frustrating, hit-and-run claims process. Our goal is to get you as much justice as you can from this completely unjust situation.
Handling Insurance Issues
You can count on your hit-and-run accident lawyer in Andover to handle all your insurance issues. Massachusetts requires drivers to carry a minimum basic auto insurance coverage, including:
- Bodily injury to others: $20,000 per individual and $40,000 per accident to cover others injured by an accident you cause.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): To cover up to 75% of lost wages and your medical bills if you, the car’s owner and operator, others you allow to drive your car, and other specific parties, no matter who causes the car accident.
- Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto: To cover you, others you let drive your car, and other specific parties injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Coverage also extends to hit-and-run accidents.
- Damage to another party’s property: $5,000 to cover damage you, or someone you allow to drive your car, causes to someone’s property.
If the culprit is not apprehended, your attorney will review your insurance policy with care and work to ensure you are provided with fair coverage. Sometimes, there are items in the fine print of a policy you may not have noticed. Your hit-and-run accident attorney in Andover will and can hold your company accountable for honoring your policy.
Massachusetts follows a no-fault system for car accidents. Even if the offender is caught, your injuries and losses must meet criteria established in Section 6D of Massachusetts law for you to be eligible to file an injury claim against them. Your attorney will assess your losses with precision, and if your losses warrant a claim, we will fight to negotiate the highest settlement possible.
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Andover Today
When you partner with an Andover hit-and-run accident attorney from our firm, you will experience the DiBella difference. For us, every case is unique, and every case is personal. We do not use a one-size-fits-all approach to representation. Rather, we customize our strategy for your specific circumstances, so you have the best chance of seeing a favorable outcome. We also meet you where you need to meet us. You can come to us, or we can come to you.
Along with a free case review, we give a 30-day “test” period. If you are not happy with our services within that time frame, you can end the partnership free and clear. That said, our Andover hit-and-run accident lawyers are confident that as you see the attention we give your hit-and-run case, you will leave it in our capable, experienced hands.
We are committed to providing valuable information and resources to assist you.
