Should You Hire a Car Wreck Attorney After A Hit-and-Run Accident?

The number of motor vehicles in the US is estimated to be around 280 million. There are over 227.5 million drivers. The numbers are staggering and more staggering is the fact that every year over 6 million car accidents occur in the country.

If you have ever been in a car accident you will know how unimaginably stressful the situation is. If you end up getting injured in a motor accident, the least you can expect from the party at fault is to pay for compensation.

But what happens if it is a hit-and-run accident? Can a car wreck attorney help you?

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is when the driver at fault drives away without stopping to help the other driver or informing the local authorities. A hit-and-run road accident is a punishable offense under the federal penal code. Refusing to render aid to the injured driver/fellow passenger can result in a serious injury or even death.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should call the local authorities and inform the police immediately. This is a vital step that can possibly help you identify the other driver. If you fail to report the accident to the authorities you will also be unable to file a claim for insurance recovery.

Penalties for A Hit-and-Run Accident

The penalty for a hit-and-run differs from state to state. Generally, a hit-and-run accident is categorized under a misdemeanor or felony, based on the circumstances. It is a felony when the other driver, co-passenger, or pedestrian is injured in the accident.

In most states, the penalty for a felony is a fine of $5000 to $20,000. Sometimes, the person may even be incarcerated. If the situation is more severe, resulting in grave injuries, the state can sentence the driver to a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

In case the accident is classified as a misdemeanor, the fine will be lowered to $5000 and the prison time reduced to 1 year.

How Can a Car Wreck Attorney Help You?

Hiring a car wreck attorney after you were the victim of a hit-and-run road accident is the best way forward for you. A lawyer will support you while you file your lawsuit against the other driver and prepare an appeal to seek compensation. Your lawyer will also represent you in court if needed.

What happens if the other driver is not found? You will need to put in a claim with your insurance company. Navigating the legal mumbo jumbo with a professional lawyer at your side can prove to be rather difficult.

Not only does an attorney secure your compensation, but they also make sure that you receive the maximum settlement possible.

Our legal team at Foshee & Yaffe ensures that your rights are protected and interested favored in the hit-and-run trial. We have been providing Oklahomans the efficiency of a big firm with the personal touch of a small firm. Being at work for almost half a century now, we promise Foshee & Yaffe is the perfect firm to take on your case. Contact us via our website for more information on our services.

**Disclaimer: This content is not to be construed as legal advice nor does it establish terms of a client-attorney relationship.