What Steps To Take After Being Involved In a Hit & Run Accident?

Laws Related To Hit & Run Accidents & What You Can Do

In a car accident in Arizona, people file a claim against the driver that caused the accident. After that, the victim will probably seek recovery of property damage, lost income, pain, medical expenses, and other harm thanks to the other driver’s insurance coverage.

However, if the driver hits you and flees the scene, the situation changes and becomes more difficult. We call this a “hit-and-run accident” and it requires special attention. The following article will explain the laws related to hit-and-run accidents and what you can do with Gilbert car crash injury lawyers.

A hit and run accident in Arizona

What Are The Hit-And-Run Laws In Arizona?

The A.R.S § 28-663 (Arizona Legislature) says that it is against the law to “run” from the scene of a car accident. The law demands the driver involved in the crash resulting in injury or death to offer the other driver their name, the address, vehicle registration number, and the driver’s license information.

Also, the driver must give necessary assistance to other people involved in the accident (if any).

If the driver does not do these obligations, they can be guilty of a Class 3 Misdemeanor. If the driver does not offer assistance to any injured person, they can be found guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Drivers should always stay at the scene if they are involved in an auto crash, regardless of the gravity of the accident.

How To Report a Hit-And-Run Accident To The Police

If you are part of a car crash with a hit-and-run driver, you have to report the accident immediately. The first thing you have to do is to call 911. Once you call, a police offer will arrive and start an investigation to find the runaway driver.

Before contacting a Mesa injury attorney, you have to report the accident to the police. This is crucial to make the process more manageable and easier for you.

Your testimony and that of eyewitnesses can be enough to help the police officers find the hit-and-run driver a few minutes after the crash.

If possible, carefully explain all you can about the other vehicle involved in the auto crash. These are some examples:

  • The color of the car
  • The vehicle model
  • The license plate number
  • Distinguishing features like scratches or stains
  • Physical features about the driver (if you can remember them)

You can write this information down to simplify the notes while responding to the officer.

Having this information is crucial when receiving medical care, especially in a hit-and-run claim.

How To Report The Car Crash To an Insurance Company

Since Arizona is an at-fault liability state, the driver who causes an auto crash should pay for your damages. Therefore, you should report the car accident to your auto insurance company as fast as possible. Your policy probably has a provision that asks you to file a report within a period after you have the accident.

If under any circumstances, the driver cannot be found, your Peoria injury attorney may recommend you check your insurance policy. Keep in mind that your insurance policy may help you pay for your injuries with the following:

  • Medical payments coverage. Most drivers in Arizona decide to include medical payments coverage as part of their auto insurance plan. This includes reasonable medical and funeral expenses following a crash.
  • Motorist coverage. If the other driver cannot be found, you may file a claim for motorist coverage. Unless you have denied this coverage, it should be available for your use.

Most drivers in hit-and-run crashes leave the scene because they don’t have auto insurance. Therefore, we strongly recommend drivers carry UM coverage.

Contact High-Rated Mesa Car Crash Injury Lawyers

Have you been in an accident with a hit-and-run driver? Do you want to know your rights in this case? The best is to contact an experienced Tempe car accident attorney.

Chandler car crash injury attorneys can help you understand your options if the driver cannot be found. With the right lawyer, you can be guided through your rights to take legal action.

At Mesa Injury Lawyers, our team knows how to deal with the complications associated with hit-and-run accidents. We do our best for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Contact Mesa Injury Lawyers today for more information.

 

Mesa Injury Lawyer
1731 West Baseline Road Suite #103
Mesa, AZ 85202
Tel: 602-600-6001
Enail: [email protected]
Website: injurylawyersmesa.com