Being injured in a hit and run accident is a harrowing experience. Wondering how you’ll pay for your medical bills, lost time from work, damage to your vehicle, and other accident-related expenses can leave you stressed and financially strapped. At Moore Law Firm, our hit and run accident attorneys can help you understand how Alabama hit and run law works and help you recover compensation from all available sources.
Alabama Hit And Run Law
Regardless of who is at fault for an accident, all involved parties are required by law to stay at the scene until police arrive. In Alabama, all drivers involved in any motor vehicle accident that involves damage, injury, or death must provide their name, address, and registration number of the vehicle they are driving, and show their driver’s license upon request. Drivers must also render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured in an accident, which typically means giving first aid, calling 911, or transporting injured parties to the hospital in another manner.
Leaving the scene of an accident or failing to follow the law as mentioned above can lead to hefty fines and potential jail time. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident that caused injury or death, the can be charged with a Class C felony, which carries penalties of one to 10 years in prison, and a $15,000 fine. In addition to facing criminal prosecution, if a hit and run driver is found, any injured victims can bring a personal injury lawsuit against them.
Recovering Compensation From Insurance Companies
If a hit and run driver cannot be found, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries from your own auto insurance company. Our hit and run accident lawyers have decades of experience in handling these types of cases. We can help you understand your options and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Although liability insurance is required in Alabama, uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage is not. However, insurance companies are required to offer this type of coverage, and if drivers want to waive it they must do so in writing.
Having enough UM/UIM coverage is vital, especially after a hit and run accident. Minimum liability insurance requirements in Alabama will not cover your damages in a hit and run accident. Without UI/UIM coverage, you may be left high and dry after a hit and run accident or a crash with an uninsured motorist. Your health insurance policy may cover some of your medical expenses, but high deductibles and copays can still leave you with substantial bills. Our attorneys recommend that drivers always opt for valuable comprehensive, collision, and UI/UIM coverage and go well above and beyond the 25/50/25 minimums to help cover their medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and property damage. Adding this coverage to your policy is well worth it in the event of a serious accident involving a hit and run driver.
How Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Even when you’re trying to recover compensation from your own insurance company these types of claims can be complex and contentious. Insurance companies try to pay as little as possible or even deny claims altogether. Our attorneys handle negotiations with your insurance company and fight to get you the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Our team at Moore Law Firm also has access to resources that may help locate a hit and run driver. We often hire investigators that work closely with police to find hit and run drivers. Evidence such as witness statements and video from security cameras can be valuable as well. If the motorist who caused your injuries is found, our attorneys can bring a civil claim against them to help you recover compensation. In cases involving hit and run or drunk drivers, you may be entitled to receive punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. The law surrounding punitive damages in Alabama is complex. If there were other parties involved or a defective product was partly at fault for your accident, bringing a third-party liability lawsuit may be a possibility as well. Having an accident attorney who understands the legal nuances of these types of cases is vital to ensure all possible avenues of compensation are pursued.
What To Do After A Hit And Run Accident
Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to call the police and seek medical attention immediately following a hit and run accident. To recover compensation from your insurance company you must provide proof that the accident occurred. Without evidence such as a police report, your claim will most likely be denied. If possible, write down the vehicle description, license plate number, and description of the driver. It can also be helpful to write down everything you remember about how the accident happened. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle and your injuries. Gather statements and contact information from any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. This evidence can provide important clues that may lead investigators to a hit and run driver.
Act Quickly After A Hit And Run Accident
The sooner you contact a hit and run accident lawyer about your case, the better. It’s important to take swift action, as insurers often impose strict time limits on filing uninsured or unknown motorist claims. If you miss these important deadlines, you may not able to recover anything from your insurance company. Insurers often look for any excuse to minimize or deny hit and run claims. Do not accept a settlement or sign anything from an insurance company (including your own) before speaking with a qualified attorney. Having an experienced lawyer handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies ensures that your rights and interests are protected.
The Cost Of Legal Representation
Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay any attorney fees unless or until we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free. A hit and run accident lawyer will evaluate your case and advise you on the most effective course of action to recover maximum compensation for your damages. Our compassionate team understands how frustrating and stressful being injured in a hit and run accident can be. We act as your staunch advocate and guide you through the process so you can focus on healing.
Contact Our Hit And Run Accident Attorneys Today
At Moore Law Firm, we’re dedicated to helping injured victims and their families find the justice and compensation they deserve after a hit and run accident. We provide personalized legal representation you can rely on. Call our Mobile hit and run accident attorneys today at 251-445-7602 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.