Can a Hit-and-Run Driver Be Caught?
Seeing a huge dent in your car is infuriating especially if the offender didn’t care to leave a note. When this happens, it means you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident. Fortunately, modern technology makes it hard for hit-and-run drivers to escape the consequences.
Devices like traffic cameras and security cameras have surveillance footage that can capture license plate numbers. This allows law enforcement agencies to identify and track down offenders even if they try to escape.
How Police Use License Plates to Track Down Hit-and-Run Drivers
The police will follow a stepwise approach to identify a hit-and-run driver who flees from the accident site. This includes:
- Searching the area to find witnesses.
- Checking the footage of security cameras in the area.
- Examining the debris found at the scene to get the vehicle’s model, make, and license plate number.
- Using the license plate number to identify the name and address of the registered owner.
- Questioning the registered owner to confirm who was using the car at the time of the accident.
Tips for Reporting the Hit and Run to Your Insurance Company
Your own insurance company will manage the hit-and-run accident even if the other driver is at fault. Reporting the accident immediately and getting sufficient evidence to file an insurance claim is crucial. Here are some helpful tips to get sufficient compensation.
- Take pictures of any damage done to your vehicle and the area where the accident occurred, including the intersection. This can also give clues on the location of the other driver.
- Look for people who witnessed the hit and run happen. Get their names and contact details. Their statements can help strengthen your claim.
- Request documentation from the healthcare team that treated you as proof of the injuries you sustained during the accident.
- Write down the details you remember while they are still fresh.
- Provide the insurance company copies of the official police report, pictures, and witness information.
What Damages Can Victims of Hit and Run Accidents Claim?
Filing a claim with insurance companies.
Michigan is a no-fault insurance state, meaning you make a claim on your own insurance policy even if you were the victim. The ideal outcome would be your policy being able to cover all your costs. However, you need to shell out money if the damages exceed the policy limit.
There are two kinds of optional insurance coverage for hit-and-run victims:
- Collision insurance: This can be added to the required coverage. This covers any damage done to your vehicle because of the crash. This is applicable for both damage and deductible.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: This gives additional coverage if your policy doesn’t cover all your injuries. It can also be used if the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough or has none.
Filing a civil lawsuit
Your lawyer can file a lawsuit for damages related to your accident once you obtain the at-fault driver’s details. This may include costs for medical expenses, pain, suffering, property damage, serious injuries, and lost wages. Since most hit-and-run accidents result to serious harm, compensation can be significant.
Legal Consequences for Hit and Run Drivers
Aside from the civil lawsuit, the at-fault driver can also be convicted of criminal charges. The severity of the offense and its potential penalties vary depending on the consequence of the accident.
Property Damage
Leaving the accident scene that caused damage to another vehicle or other property is considered a misdemeanor. Those convicted can be sentenced to jail time of up to 90 days, a fine of up to $100, or both.
Personal Injury
The offense is more severe if the accident leads to injury of another person and the at-fault driver doesn’t stop. Punishment may include jail time of up to 1 year, a fine ranging from $1000-5000, or both.
Serious Bodily Injury
An accident leading to serious impairment of body function and failure to stop is treated even more seriously. The punishment can be up to 5 years in prison, a fine between $1000-$5000, or both.
Death
If the accident caused death, the convicted individual would face up to 15 years in prison, ranging from $2500-10000, or both.
How to Deal with Criminal Defense Attorneys
Criminal defense attorneys will always try to protect the best interest of their clients, even if they were clearly at fault. They will try to lessen the charges or prevent criminal prosecution.
Most hit-and-run cases are resolved through an out-of-court settlement before a civil trial. Your lawyer should push for a settlement that adequately compensates you for the harm caused. If the negotiations don’t work out, the case will be brought to trial.
Your personal injury lawyer understands all your options and would ensure that justice is served. They would oversee all negotiations with the other party so you can concentrate on recovering from your injuries.
If a settlement or judgment is reached, your lawyer can follow-up to ensure that the agreed amount is paid promptly. He can also guide you on how to file liens to receive the other unsettled accident-related costs.
Get a Free Consultation From a Top-Notch Michigan Personal Injury Lawyer Today.
Getting involved in a hit-and-run accident is traumatizing, especially if the at-fault driver escapes from the scene. It might be confusing who to talk to after the crash. An experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer may be able to help ease the stress and confusion after the accident.
Our team at The Clark Law Office will help you know your rights so you’ll feel in control of the situation. We will fight with you to be able to receive the compensation you deserve. Book a free consultation with us today.
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