If you have been in an accident caused by a phantom driver, you have suffered damages. You will want to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation to cover those losses. A phantom driver is a driver who causes your accident without their vehicle actually coming into contact with your vehicle.
The term phantom comes into play because the driver is much like a phantom, causing the problem and then leaving the scene. The phantom driver just disappears without leaving you any information or contact details so they can be linked to the scene of the crash.
As an example, a phantom driver could swerve into your lane, forcing you off the road. When you leave the roadway, you strike a tree or a guardrail. Your car is damaged, you suffer injuries, and you are unable to work because of the injuries you suffered.
Commonly claimed damages include property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Your personal injury lawyer will help you gather supporting documentation to determine your damages.
The Claims Process
When you have been involved in an accident caused by a phantom driver, you should call the police. Try to remember as many details as you can about the crash, including the make and model of the vehicle, its direction of travel, and if possible, at least a partial license plate number.
Ask any witnesses to provide written statements regarding what they saw and be sure to get the names of witnesses along with their contact details. Take photos of the accident scene and be sure to get a written estimate for repairing the damages to your vehicle. Also, establish medical care right away, and be sure to keep medical bills and medical records.
The first step in filing a claim is to notify the insurance by sending a demand letter along with supporting evidence. You will need to itemize your damages and then add up them up, coming up with the total that you are asking for the settlement for your damages.
How A Lawyer Can Help You File Your Claim
If you have been involved in an accident with a phantom driver, you should enlist the help of a personal injury attorney who handles accident injury cases in your area. The insurance company will have legal representation, so make sure you have someone who is looking out for your interests.
An attorney will investigate the accident and track down other evidence, checking for dash cam footage, surveillance cameras, and traffic cameras in the area that may have caught the accident on video. With the help of a lawyer, you are much more likely to recover compensation for your damages.
When you retain a personal injury lawyer, you will not have to pay anything out of pocket. Instead, the lawyer will take the case on a contingency basis, only being paid when you recover compensation through a judgment or a settlement. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today.
