I Was Involved in a Hit and Run. Do I Still Have a Case?
A hit-and-run accident can take less than a minute to happen. It’s illegal for a driver involved in an accident to flee the scene – but it still happens. As the accident victim, you’re left with bills to pay and no one to hold responsible for the damage. Protect your rights after a hit-and-run accident because you do still have rights, even if the reckless driver sped away. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and take the best path forward.
As an attorney with over twenty years of experience, I know Oklahoma personal injury law. I can provide strong legal guidance after a challenging experience like an auto accident. My firm, Wilson Law Firm PLLC, proudly represents clients in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Chandler, Norman, Okemah, and Ada.
Oklahoma Is a Fault Insurance State
In an “at-fault” state like Oklahoma, the person who caused the accident is responsible for the costs. Any damages related to the accident should be paid for by that person’s insurance policy.
However, in a hit-and-run accident, you most likely will not know who the at-fault driver is. You may even be wondering, “Can I file an accident claim after a hit-and-run?” The answer is yes, you can. You should seek compensation from your own insurance provider if you do not know the identity of the driver who hit you.
Your insurance company may offer you compensation that will not cover all the expenses you incurred because of the accident. When this happens, it can be helpful to work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who will negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
In some cases, you may be able to find out who the driver was in the hit-and-run that struck your vehicle. A witness or a security camera might have caught their license plate number.
When this is the case, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Provision
However, even if you manage to find out who the driver is who is responsible for the hit and run, you may run into problems. While by law all Oklahoma drivers must carry auto insurance coverage, not every driver has insurance – or has a comprehensive enough insurance policy to pay for all the damages caused by an accident.
In this situation, you could make a claim through the uninsured or underinsured motorist provision of your own insurance policy.
Again, your insurance company may not offer you an adequate settlement. When this is the case, you may need to seek compensation directly from that driver, rather than their insurance company. An experienced car accident attorney can help you decide what to do next in this situation.
Steps to Take If You Were in a Hit and Run
You might feel uncertain about what to do after a hit-and-run. While your top priority should be your safety, there are steps you can take at the scene of the accident to protect your case.
First of all, if the vehicle that hit yours is still in the vicinity, take pictures of it if you can before the driver flees the scene. Then, write down everything you can remember about the vehicle.
If there are any witnesses in the area who saw the hit and run happen, ask them for their contact information. Their testimony may turn out to be extremely important down the line.
Let the authorities know that you were in a hit-and-run accident. Then, contact your insurance provider and inform them about the details of the hit and run. Contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options.
You Need a Strong Defense
A hit-and-run accident can cause a great deal of stress – and leave you with a pile of bills to pay. If you don’t know the name of the person responsible for the damage, your life can quickly get complicated. At my firm, Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I make it my priority to help car accident victims who have been in a hit and run accident or any type of auto accident.
I know that you’re facing a difficult road ahead after a hit and run, and I’m here to help. I have over twenty years of experience in Oklahoma law, and I will help you seek the best outcome for your situation. My firm, Wilson Law Firm PLLC, proudly serves clients in Shawnee, Chandler, Norman, Okemah, and Ada, Oklahoma. Contact my firm today to schedule a consultation.