What to do in a Hit-and-Run Situation

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Contact a car accident lawyer with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to learn more about your rights after a hit-and-run accident.

Check For Injuries

After a hit-and-run crash, the first thing you should do is to check for injuries. If you are injured, or if anyone else involved in the accident is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention right away.

Call the Police

After you have checked for injuries, the next step is to call the police. A hit-and-run is a crime, and it is important to get the police involved right away. The police will be able to investigate the accident and try to find the driver who fled the scene.

Gather Information

If you can, try to gather as much information about the accident. Get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you have suffered.

To make sure the police report is as detailed as possible, take note of everything you can remember about the other vehicle involved in the accident. This includes:

• The color of the vehicle
• The license plate number
• The vehicle make and model
• Physical features of the other driver

The more evidence and information you have, the easier it will be for the police to locate the driver after the crash.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After a hit-and-run accident, you will need to contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will likely cover the damage to your vehicle if you have uninsured motorist insurance coverage.

It is important to speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer before speaking with your insurance company. An experienced lawyer will know how to deal with the insurance company and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our experienced car accident lawyers can help you after a hit-and-run. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

What Not To Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

There are some things you should not do after a hit-and-run accident. For example, you should not try to chase down the other driver. This could put you in danger and make the situation worse. You should also not leave the accident scene before speaking with the police and getting all the information you need. An official accident report will assist police in looking for the driver and may be helpful when you file your accident claim.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM), your auto insurance company will likely cover the damage to your vehicle, and compensation for your injuries With UM insurance, you are protected if the hit-and-run driver flees the scene or doesn’t have insurance. UM is required in most states and Washington, DC, so you likely have this coverage.

When you file a UM claim, you will be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you carry this kind of insurance,  you do not have to worry about being able to recover damages for your injuries because of the acts of a hit-and-run driver. 

To make sure you take the proper steps to preserve your rights, contact a car accident attorney at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. We can help you file your hit-and-run claim with your insurance provider.

Can You File Lawsuits for Hit-and-Runs?

If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to file a civil suit against the driver who fled the scene if you can identify them. In some cases, you may also be able to sue the vehicle owner if they were not the one driving at the time of the accident.

If the driver is never found, you may still be able to recover damages through your uninsured motorist coverage.

What Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Can Do For You

The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability.

Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the most respected attorney-ranking service organization in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.

How Much Money Can I Receive in a Hit-and-Run Claim?

The best way to find out what your case might be worth is to speak with an attorney with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our accident lawyers have obtained settlements for various car accident cases.

Here are a few of our case results:

• $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision.
• $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle.
• $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident.
• $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle.
• $1 million settlement was obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens.
• $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Today

If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

 We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600  or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.