What makes hit-and-run accidents so frustrating is they make it much more challenging to file an accident claim. Requesting compensation with a typical car accident claim is hard enough, but there’s even less evidence after a hit-and-run to prove you were the victim of someone else’s negligent actions.
However, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of compensation. First, reach out to an experienced Kansas City hit-and-run accident lawyer, who will then help explain the following in more detail.
The Impact of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Many hit-and-run accidents result in tragic losses for families, severe injuries, and expensive vehicle damages. The financial burden of a hit-and-run weighs heavily from medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages.
The majority of hit-and-run accidents appear to occur at night, on roads with lower speed limits, and frequently involve intoxicated drivers. When motorists are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they’re less likely to make rational decisions. So speeding away from the accident is often an impulsive decision. Many drivers do this out of fear of the consequences.
Hit-and-run accidents leave the affected driver with little–to–no information on which to base a claim. For some drivers, this may prevent them from obtaining the compensation they need to recover but facing various legal challenges. Additionally, without much closure, some people may struggle for years to move past the accident.
How to Overcome Hit-and-Run Accident Challenges
It might seem you don't have any recourse, but there are a few steps to take immediately after the collision.
Call 911 right away. Even if you think your injuries are minor, emergency personnel should really give you a thorough exam and determine your medical needs. Also, when law enforcement arrives, they’ll describe the accident scene in a police report and take your statement to start an investigation.
Collect evidence. Any information you can pull together is helpful, including what you might have noticed about the driver and the vehicle, pictures of your injuries and car damage, and other details. The police might also use all of this to track down the driver.
Submit your claim. The police report, your evidence, medical records, and other essential documentation are required to open a claim with your insurance company.
With the assistance of a qualified hit-and-run accident attorney, you might also have additional leverage in the investigation to discover the motorist at fault. Then, your legal team can shift your claim to the insurance carrier for the negligent party for a proper settlement, allowing you to finally put this tragedy behind you.