Hit-and-run accident victims still have options

March 06, 2013

Hit-and-run accident victims still have options

Article provided by Thompson Law Firm
Visit us at http://www.phxinjurylaw.com

Anyone injured in a car accident due to the fault of another driver knows the frustration, fear and uncertainty that comes with trying to deal with an insurance claim. Perhaps most frustrating, however, is having to deal with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident.

There are many reasons why a driver might flee the scene: perhaps he or she is uninsured or unlicensed, or fears legal consequences such as a driving while intoxicated charge. Whatever the reason, failing to stay on the scene puts the injured victim in a difficult spot. The hardship is more than just legal or dealing with insurance; if the victim is injured or killed, it can be difficult for loved ones to not having the knowledge and closure of who the at-fault driver was.

On February 19, a Phoenix pedestrian experienced a hit-and-run firsthand. The accident happened at approximately 7:00 p.m. as the victim was crossing 20th Street near Osborn Road. The make and model of the car is unknown. Witnesses reported that the car immediately left the scene towards the SR 51. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition. The driver of the car has still not been identified.

This is not an isolated occurrence. According to a reportby the Arizona Department of Transportation, in 2010, 44 people in Arizona were killed in accidents that involved a driver who fled the scene. Over three thousand were injured, including both pedestrians and other drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that same year over 4,000 pedestrians died nationwide.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage is used by people injured in a car accident to cover their injuries when the other driver involved in the accident is uninsured or leaves the scene and cannot be found. Arizona law requires insurance carriers to offer UM coverage, but drivers can choose to not carry it.

Establishing the facts

On occasion a hit-and-run insurance claim can be more difficult to prove fault. Because there is no other party to the accident there may be less evidence regarding what took place. People injured in a hit-and-run may have to bring in experts to re-create the scene to prove their claim. Pooling witnesses or getting independent medical experts may be necessary.

Because of the complications of a hit-and-run accident, drivers and pedestrians injured in such a car accident should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss their claims.