What to Do If You’re the Victim of a Hit-and-Run in Alabama

Being injured in a hit-and-run accident can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. When you have no idea who may have caused your injuries it can be daunting to think about how you’ll pay for your medical expenses, loss of income, property damage and other accident-related expenses. At Moore Law Firm, our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Mobile, AL can help you help you understand your rights and pursue all possible avenues of compensation.

Hit-and-Run Statistics

Unfortunately, the number of hit-and-run crashes continues to rise an alarming pace in the U.S. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in 2016, there were a total of 1,980 fatal hit-and-run accidents resulting in 2,049 fatalities–which had been the highest annual number since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began collecting statistics on fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1975. Almost 65 percent of people killed in these crashes were pedestrians or bicyclists.

From 2018 to 2022, there were approximately four million hit-and-run accidents in the United States, according to the NHTSA. In 2022, there were 2,932 hit-and-run fatalities. Once again, the majority of people who died in hit-and-run accidents were bicyclists or pedestrians.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash, our Mobile car accident lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on whether filing a wrongful death claim could be an option.

Hit-and-Run is a Crime in Alabama

Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving injuries or death can be charged as a felony in Alabama. Regardless of who is responsible for a crash, all involved parties are required by law to stop and provide information such as their name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Drivers must also render reasonable assistance to those who are injured. This means you should call 911 and administer first aid if you can. Our hit-and-run lawyers are well-versed in the law and understand the crucial role that Alabama traffic laws can play in proving these types of cases.

Steps to Take after a Hit-and-Run Accident in Alabama

If you’ve been injured as a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist, it’s vital to move to a safe location if you’re on the road. Check for injuries and call 911 to report the accident. Under Alabama law, motorists are required to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage.

Write down or record a description of the vehicle, license plate and its driver. When police arrive, make sure to provide as many details as possible about the vehicle, driver, and the direction in which it left the scene.

Take photos of the scene, your injuries and damage to your vehicle. Ask any witnesses for their contact information. Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of serious conditions like traumatic brain injury don’t always appear right away. Medical records also provide valuable documentation when filing a car accident claim.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Even if a hit-and-run driver can’t be located, your own car insurance company may provide compensation through medical benefits coverage and uninsured motorist coverage (UM). Although these types of insurance are not required in Alabama, our hit-and-run accident lawyers believe adding them to your auto policy is well worth the cost. Paying a little extra for this coverage can help to ensure your medical bills and other damages are covered in case you’re involved in a hit-and-run or an accident with an uninsured motorist. Your medical insurance may also cover all or some of your medical expenses.

Contact a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

While you may think that your auto insurance company is looking out for your best interests, most will try to pay as little as possible and may even deny your claim. That’s why it’s crucial to contact a hit-and-run attorney before giving a statement to insurance adjusters or accepting a settlement offer.

Your lawyer can follow up with law enforcement and gather evidence like traffic police reports, camera footage, eyewitness accounts, vehicle and driver descriptions, and license plate numbers. This important evidence provides proof of the accident and your injuries when filing a claim with your insurance company.

How Our Mobile Hit-and-Run Lawyers Can Help

Communicating with insurance companies can be stressful, especially when you or a loved one is trying to heal. Accident-related expenses and lost time from work can put you and your family in a precarious financial situation. Our auto accident lawyers protect your rights and fight to help you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve. Your hit-and-run attorney will handle communications and negotiations with your insurance company and ensure that all required, relevant documentation is provided to support your claim.

If the police have come to a dead end, your hit-and-run accident lawyer may employ the services of investigators to find the driver. If the other driver is caught, you may be able to pursue damages through their insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical bills, past and future loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

You may be able to sue for punitive damages as well, especially if the driver was intoxicated or behaving recklessly. Alabama has strict laws surrounding punitive damages, so it’s vital to seek the counsel of an accident attorney to ensure your hit-and-run case is handled properly.

Over the past 40 years, our team has helped more than 15,000 personal injury victims in Alabama. We have a solid record of success helping our clients navigate the complex claims process. Our fee guarantee helps you get more of the compensation you deserve without paying any up-front costs or attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.

Contact Our Hit-and-run Accident Lawyers in Mobile, AL

If you’ve been hurt or have lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident in Alabama, our personal injury attorneys provide the tenacious, compassionate legal representation you need. Call us at 251-445-7602, contact us, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a hit-and-run attorney in Mobile, AL today.