What To Do If You’ve Been in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Baltimore

Imagine being involved in a collision where the driver flees the scene without providing identification or assistance. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist, this incident can be traumatic. It can leave you injured and uncertain about how to recover damages. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents like this are frequent occurrences in Baltimore.

Because the driver is unknown and unlocatable, it is difficult for victims like yourself to seek justice. Despite this, you can still pursue compensation for injuries, damages, and other losses associated with the accident. However, you must act quickly to protect your health and legal rights.  

Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run

If you were in a hit-and-run accident, here are the immediate steps you should take:

1. Move to a safe location: Your priority is your safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and ensure you’re in a secure spot away from further danger.
2. Call the police: Maryland law requires reporting incidents. When you call the police, provide as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle.

A police report is required for insurance purposes too. While the police may not always locate the fleeing driver, having a report on file is essential for pursuing compensation. But, to qualify for uninsured motorist (UM) coverage should the driver remain unidentified, you must report the accident within 24 hours.

1. Gather key details: While waiting for the police to arrive, collect information from witnesses. Their statements may be critical in identifying the driver who fled the scene. Take notes on the location of the accident, the time, and any other relevant circumstances that could help the investigation.
2. Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Medical records will also serve as evidence when filing your claim.

Promptly taking these steps will help ensure you’re on solid ground for any legal action or insurance claims that may follow.

Documenting the Accident for Legal Purposes

Thorough documentation is vital after a hit-and-run accident as it strengthens your case when seeking compensation or pursuing legal action. Here’s how you can effectively document the incident:

1. Take photos of the scene: Use your phone to capture clear images of the accident site, including any damage to your vehicle, surrounding property, and visible injuries. Make sure to take pictures from multiple angles to provide a comprehensive view.
2. Record key details: Write down the time, date, and exact location of the accident. Include any relevant weather or road conditions that contributed to the collision. This information will help investigators piece together the events.
3. Collect witness statements: If there are any bystanders, get their contact information and ask them to provide a statement about what they saw. Witness accounts can be invaluable in identifying the driver and corroborating your version of events.
4. Obtain the police report: Once the police have responded, request a copy of the official police report. This legal document is important in your case and may include essential details, such as the investigating officer’s notes and any initial findings.
5. Keep medical and repair receipts: Save all receipts related to medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and any other expenses tied to the accident. This will be essential when calculating the damages you seek to recover.

Properly documenting the accident will provide evidence to support your claims and ensure you are in the best position to pursue compensation.

Legal Recourse for Hit-and-Run Victims in Baltimore

After a hit-and-run accident, victims in Baltimore have several legal options to pursue compensation and justice. Although it is difficult to identify the responsible party in these accidents, Maryland law still provides avenues for victims to seek recourse.

1. Police investigation: Once you’ve reported the hit-and-run accident, local law enforcement will begin an investigation to identify the fleeing driver. It may involve reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting a thorough search for the vehicle. While the police work on locating the driver, it’s important to stay in contact with them for any updates on the case.
2. Filing a civil claim: If the police identify the driver responsible for the hit-and-run accident, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. It can include compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A civil claim also holds the at-fault driver accountable for negligence or recklessness.
3. When the driver is never found: Unfortunately, many hit-and-run drivers remain unidentified. In these cases, Maryland law allows victims to pursue compensation through uninsured motorist coverage, which is designed to cover accidents where the responsible party cannot be located. This claim can help recover financial losses even if the hit-and-run driver escapes justice.

Victims of hit-and-run accidents should be aware of their legal rights and the potential for both criminal and civil actions. Understanding the steps available to you will help ensure that you are prepared to move forward with your case, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

Filing Uninsured Motorist Claims for Compensation

In hit-and-run cases where the driver cannot be found, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can provide much-needed financial relief. Maryland law requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist insurance, which covers injuries and damages caused by a driver who is either uninsured or unidentified.

1. Understanding uninsured motorist coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks sufficient insurance. This policy covers medical expenses, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other damages resulting from the accident. Review your policy to understand the limits of your UM coverage.
2. Steps to file a claim: Contact your insurance company immediately after the accident to file an uninsured motorist claim. Furnish them with the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and other documentation supporting your case. Your insurer will assess the evidence and determine the compensation you are entitled to under your policy.
3. Common challenges: Filing a UM claim can be complicated. Insurance companies may dispute the extent of your injuries or the compensation needed to cover damages. In some cases, they may argue that the hit-and-run accident does not qualify for UM coverage. It’s necessary to be prepared for these challenges and to have the proper documentation to support your claim.

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Uninsured motorist coverage is a vital resource for hit-and-run victims, offering a path to recover damages even when the responsible driver is never found. Knowing how to file a claim and what to expect can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side after a hit-and-run accident is important. Navigating the legal process, dealing with insurance companies, and ensuring you receive fair compensation can be challenging without professional help.

1. Expert guidance through complex legal procedures: A lawyer who specializes in hit-and-run cases understands the intricacies of Maryland’s laws and the best strategies to maximize your compensation. From filing claims to gathering evidence, legal representation ensures that every step is correctly handled.
2. Dealing with insurance companies: Handling the claim process on your own can be overwhelming, especially since insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. On the other hand, an attorney will negotiate on your behalf, fighting to secure a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
3. Maximizing compensation: With a lawyer’s expertise, you can pursue all possible avenues for compensation, including uninsured motorist claims and, if the driver is identified, civil lawsuits. Legal representation increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve, without the stress of navigating the process alone.

Seeking legal representation ensures you have the best chance of securing the financial recovery needed to move forward after a hit-and-run accident. Contact The Law Offices of Nicholas A. Parr today.