Was your life significantly impacted by a hit-and-run accident? Maybe you have considerable medical expenses or property damages, or perhaps the emotional trauma of the accident has taken its toll. When you are hit by a driver who flees the scene, you have the right to compensation for your damages.
However, bringing them to justice may be more challenging than other car accident claims. You need the legal guidance and support of an experienced Stillwater hit-and-run accident attorney at BDIW Law to help you navigate your next steps. Contact our Stillwater personal injury lawyer for a free consultation today and learn more about how to identify hit-and-run drivers, how the claims process works, and the value of your damages.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Stillwater
The steps you take immediately after your collision will significantly impact the outcome of your case. Although every person’s wreck is different, here is a general idea of what to do in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident:
- Do not leave the accident scene.
- Contact emergency responders and 911.
- Start together evidence to support your case at the scene.
- Obtain a medical evaluation.
- Hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Stillwater, OK, for help.
- Work with Stillwater police and your car accident attorney to identify the driver that fled the scene.
- File insurance claims against the liable party.
- Pursue civil lawsuits when insurance does not entirely cover your damages.
Remember, every person’s case is different. Some may be able to settle with the insurance company outside of court, while others may need to pursue both insurance and civil claims to maximize their awards. You can rely on your hit-and-run accident attorney to be by your side, helping you understand the personal injury laws and ensuring you are not taken advantage of during this challenging time in your life.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYCommon Causes of Stillwater Hit-and-Run Accidents
Negligent drivers typically cause hit-and-run accidents. If the driver of the vehicle that hit you was not practicing safe driving, they could be held accountable for your damages accordingly. Some of the most prevalent types of negligent driving include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Following too closely
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Refusing to stop at stop signs or traffic lights
- Failure to yield to the right of way
- Failure to check blind spots
These are just a few examples of dangerous driving. Your hit-and-run accident could also have been caused by hazardous road conditions, inclement weather, wildlife, or even defective motor vehicle parts. You may not initially be aware of the cause.
However, your hit-and-run accident attorney in Stillwater, OK, will conduct a thorough investigation. This way, we can be sure we understand the cause of your collision to identify the liable party and maximize your restitution.
Why Drivers Flee the Accident Scene
Motorists will flee the accident scene for multiple reasons. Generally, it is because they are responsible for causing the accident and do not want to be held accountable. However, some of the other reasons drivers commit hit-and-run accidents include the following:
- Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Driving without having their valid driver’s license with them
- Driving with insufficient or no auto insurance coverage
- Fear of the repercussions
- Wanted by police for other crimes
- Fleeing the commission of another crime or traffic violation
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Possession of drugs or other controlled substances
How You Can Make the Driver that Hit You Pay
While you may not initially know who hit your motor vehicle, by working with the Stillwater Police Department and your hit-and-run accident lawyer, you can demand the driver that hit you be held accountable for their negligent actions.
Police will utilize traffic cam footage, dash cam video, and investigators to identify the individual that hit you. Once this party has been identified, we can proceed with your claims against them. In some cases, drivers that flee the scene have insurance coverage. If this is true for your case, you might be able to file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance provider.
However, if this motorist did not have insurance coverage, you might need to file a civil lawsuit against them. Although you might have hoped to avoid going to court, doing so could be your best opportunity to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Recoverable Damages After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Stillwater
You have the right to reimbursement for every loss you suffer when someone commits a hit-and-run accident. This includes not only your financial losses, such as your lost income, medical bills, or vehicle repair costs. It also consists of the ways your life has been affected.
For example, if you are struggling to cope emotionally, dealing with disfiguring injuries, or are in excruciating pain due to the extent of your trauma, these losses should be considered as your Stillwater hit-and-run accident lawyer calculates the value of your claim.
Take Action on Your Claim Before Time Runs Out
According to Oklahoma Statute §12-95, your hit-and-run accident lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations passes. Here, you have as many as two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. However, this deadline can vary if extenuating circumstances are present.
For instance, if a minor child was injured in a hit-and-run accident, the statute of limitations may be temporarily tolled (delayed). In certain circumstances, the statute of limitations will be tolled until the liable party has been identified. You can learn more about how much longer you have to file your claim when you go over the details of your case with your personal injury attorney.
Contact a Stillwater Hit and Run Accident Attorney for Help Today
When you have been injured and suffered automobile damage because someone hit your vehicle and left the scene, they should be compelled to cover your losses in their entirety.
Get help pursuing your insurance and civil claims when you speak with a dedicated Stillwater hit-and-run accident lawyer at BDIW Law. Our firm proudly offers free, no-obligation consultations to hit-and-run accident victims across Stillwater and the state of Oklahoma. Please take advantage of this opportunity by filling out our quick contact form or calling our office today.
