One of the most traumatic accidents is being a victim in a hit and run accident. After any type of accident all drivers involved are expected to remain at the scene following the event. They should help the victims by calling an ambulance and report the incident to the police. If they flee the accident this is called a hit and run and is breaking the law.
Often, hit and runs take place because the driver knows s/he is doing something wrong when the accident occurred. Fortunately many hit and rn drivers are caught because of the ease of getting suitable evidence.
How to Prove You’re Not at Fault for a Hit and Run Accident
If a driver hit you and ran away from the scene you will still have to prove that you weren’t part of the cause of the accident. The evidence you should use is much the same as any other accident. It is quite possible that the hit and run driver could have been driving negligently and was breaking the law when the hit and run accident took place. This could be DUI, texting or even falling asleep while behind the wheel.
All these actions are considered to be negligent so it means the driver could be charged and there is a high chance of the victims being eligible to file a PI claim. As long as you have some sort of evidence that proves that the driver who did the hit and run was driving negligently then this should help your claim.
Evidence to Help Win a Hit and Run Claim
If the hit and run accident took place in a no-fault car insurance state you will still have to prove what caused the hit and run accident. However, your medical treatment and lost income will be paid by your personal injury protection regardless of who caused the accident. In an at-fault state you will have to depend on evidence provided to the police so the at-fault driver can be found. If however you have underinsured or uninsured motorist cover, then you may be able to use this to make a claim. Otherwise you will have to depend on evidence to track down the hit and run driver. This can include any of the following:
- eye witness reports who recorded the car number plate and who took photos of the driver and vehicle;
- photographs taken by you at the scene that may help to identify the hit and run driver;
- photos recorded on nearby surveillance cameras that can identify the driver and vehicle.
How a Lawyer Can Help Win a Hit and Run Claim
If you think you have the evidence to prove the identity of the hit and run driver you may need help from a PI lawyer to file a PI claim. The PI lawyer will know the best action to take and how you can get your medical treatment and lost wages paid while you recover.
