A hit-and-run accident in Montgomery is a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, event. Alabama law requires all drivers involved in a crash to stop, check on others, and exchange information. When a driver fails to do this and flees, they not only break the law but also inflict extra pain and confusion on the person they hit.
This is where having the right legal help makes a difference. If you have been hurt in a hit-and-run crash, our experienced Montgomery car accident lawyers at Hunter | Everage understand the difficulties of these cases and are here to help you fight for justice.
What Is Considered a Hit and Run Accident in Alabama?
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or offer aid. In Alabama, the law requires drivers to stop immediately at the scene of an accident where there is injury, death, or property damage.
The driver must give their name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license to anyone injured and to the owner of any damaged property. They also must render reasonable aid to any injured person, including making arrangements for transportation to medical care if needed.
When a driver fails to meet these obligations and flees, they have committed a hit-and-run accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit and Run in Montgomery
Here are the steps to follow after a Montgomery hit-and-run accident:
1. Prioritize Safety and Get Medical Help
Move yourself and your vehicle out of the path of traffic if you can do so safely. Even if you do not feel hurt right away, call 911 or see a doctor immediately. Injuries like whiplash or concussions can have delayed symptoms.
2. Call the Police
Tell the police you were involved in a hit-and-run accident. The police will come to the scene to investigate and create an official accident report. This report is important evidence for your case.
3. Look for Witnesses
Ask anyone who saw the accident for their contact information, including their name and phone number. Witness statements can provide third-party accounts that are essential.
4. Take Photos
Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the accident scene, and your injuries. Capture images of the roadway, traffic signs, and any debris left by the fleeing vehicle.
5. Do Not Chase the Driver
Never attempt to chase the driver who fled. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to a more serious situation or cause complications with your claim.
6. Contact a Lawyer
As soon as possible, speak with a lawyer for hit-and-run cases. Before you talk to insurance companies, an attorney can advise you on your rights and guide you through the next steps.
How to Identify and Report the Fleeing Driver
The goal when trying to identify the driver who caused your accident is to collect enough information to aid law enforcement and your hit-and-run lawyer.
Immediate Steps to Collect Identifying Details
- Vehicle Description: Try to note the car’s make, model, and color. Even a partial or general description is better than nothing.
- License Plate: The license plate is the single most valuable piece of evidence. Write down the full plate number if you can, or any digits and letters you remember, as well as the state or plate frame details.
- Direction of Travel: Note the road and direction the driver took to leave the scene.
- Driver and Passenger Details: Try to describe the driver’s gender, hair color, approximate age, and any noticeable features or clothing.
- Damage to the Fleeing Car: Did the impact cause visible damage to their vehicle? A broken headlight, a missing bumper piece, or a dent on a specific side of the car can help police find a match later.
- Physical Evidence at the Scene: Look for any debris like broken plastic, fragments of a taillight, or paint chips that can be forensically matched to a suspect vehicle.
Reporting the Hit and Run
Start by calling the Montgomery Police Department. Tell the officer that you were a victim of a hit-and-run. Provide all the details you gathered to help them begin their investigation.
Then, file an official police report. This officially documents the crash, your injuries, and the search for the at-fault driver, which you need to make an insurance claim.
Finally, look for surveillance and witnesses. If the accident happened near a business, intersection with traffic cameras, or even a home with a doorbell camera, let the police know.
Recovering Compensation When the At-Fault Driver Isn’t Found
Even when the driver who hit you flees and is never found, you still have paths to financial recovery. The most common way to get compensation is through your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your car insurance.
UM coverage acts as the insurance for the driver who committed the hit and run. It can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Alabama, insurance companies are required to offer this coverage, though you may have declined it in writing. Checking your policy is the first simple step.
Dealing with your own insurance company for a UM claim can still be complicated. They may try to minimize the value of your claim, even though you are their customer. A lawyer for hit-and-run cases can help you in multiple ways. More on this next.
How a Montgomery Hit and Run Lawyer Can Help Your Case
The hit and run lawyers at Hunter | Everage will help you fight for compensation by:
1. Investigating the Crash
We conduct a full investigation to find the hit-and-run driver, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies
We handle all communication with your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance if they are found. We protect you from accepting a low settlement and fight to get you the full compensation you are owed.
3. Calculating Damages
We work with medical professionals and financial experts to accurately calculate all your losses, including current and future medical bills, lost income, and the physical and emotional pain you have suffered.
4. Taking Your Case to Court
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Contact Our Montgomery Hit and Run Lawyer
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Montgomery, the hit and run accident lawyer team at Hunter | Everage is ready to listen to your story, explain your rights, and take decisive action to protect your future.
For a free consultation, contact us at 704-377-9157, and let’s hold the responsible party accountable and get you compensation.
