Is It Worth Hiring A Hit And Run Lawyer?

A car accident can suddenly happen at any moment while you are behind the wheel, leaving you with a sense of shock and the question of what you should do next. This goes doubly for hit-and-run accidents in which the at-fault driver leaves the scene before you even have a chance to react.

If you sustain an injury in a hit-and-run, then there is really no question as to what your next steps should be – you should seek medical attention and talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. You can make the best possible decisions after an accident by understanding the worth of a hit-and-run lawyer in these circumstances.

What Can a Hit and Run Lawyer Do for You?

It can feel like you have a mountain of obstacles to overcome after being a victim of a hit-and-run, and it may also seem like there is opposition on every side.

Insurance companies do not always make it easy to secure the compensation you deserve, nor are they likely to prioritize your interests over their own financial bottom line. Even the laws that you trust to protect your rights and freedoms can be overwhelming and complicated to understand during a stressful time. Your hit-and-run lawyer is there to help you in a few key ways:

• Investigation – Your lawyer can help you build a favorable case by obtaining the police report regarding your accident, speaking to relevant witnesses and taking steps to identify the party that hit you and left the scene.
• Negotiation – You can consider your lawyer a buffer that will communicate with other parties on your behalf, calculate the total damages owed to you and use those calculations to negotiate a fair outcome with the insurance company.
• Education – An experienced hit-and-run lawyer can help you understand your rights at every step of the process, outline the timeline of your case and explain how you can comply with various legal processes and statute of limitations principles in your state.
• Advocation – Your lawyer should strive to demonstrate the liability of the hit-and-run perpetrator, file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf if you are hurt as a result and even represent you in court if it comes to that.

A hit-and-run lawyer ultimately serves to even the playing field between you and the insurers from whom you are trying to receive your due compensation. Insurance companies have vast resources and know both the laws and terms of their contracts intimately. Hiring a hit-and-run lawyer ensures you have the same level of expertise in your corner.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Hit and Run Lawyer?

Even if you come to the conclusion that the services of a hit-and-run lawyer are necessary for helping you navigate the complexities of an accident and a personal injury claim, it still might not be apparent what exactly you need from your attorney. Knowing which questions you might ask during your initial meeting with a hit-and-run lawyer will help you get the ball rolling and ensure that you reach a comfortable level of understanding in your own personal injury case.

What Does Michigan Law Say About Hit and Run Accidents?

Most drivers do not experience a reason to become familiar with personal injury law and other legal aspects surrounding an accident until one actually occurs. Your lawyer can explain the implications of the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically the obligations of every driver to stay at the scene of an accident and remain there until law enforcement authorities arrive. Violation of this code constitutes an illegal hit-and-run accident.

What Damages Am I Owed?

After you experience a car accident, you may have the right to receive damages to cover costs including:

• Medical treatments
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Pain and suffering

A hit-and-run lawyer can help you understand your entitlement to different types of damages and assist you in calculating the exact amount you can expect to claim from the insurance company.

What if My Claim Is Denied?

Insurance companies are businesses at the end of the day and will typically use any excuse they can find to deny your claim and avoid a payout.

One particularly common cause for a claim denial is if the insurer believes they can prove your injury is the result of a pre-existing condition or that you provided false information on your claim. A car accident lawyer can offer the right guidance in understanding your insurance policy and combatting a claim denial.

Will the Insurance Company Lowball Me?

Similar to a claim denial, insurance agents might also extend a lowball offer in an effort to protect company funds. It is difficult to fully know what your claim might be worth in the hours and days following an accident, so be wary of accepting an initial settlement offer before consulting a professional. Your hit-and-run lawyer can advocate for you in pursuit of the settlement amount you deserve.

Should You Hire a Hit and Run Lawyer if You Are Not Injured?

If you do not notice any injuries or feel any pain after a hit-and-run accident, you might think that the case will be fairly cut-and-dry or that your insurance will cover the damages to your vehicle without complications.

While these beliefs might come true in some cases, it is often better to err on the side of caution. For example, you might have an injury that you do not feel or notice right away if you were inside the vehicle at the time of the hit-and-run. Involving an attorney early on in the process ensures that you cover all bases in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise after the accident.

Mistakes To Avoid After a Hit and Run

While the party responsible for hitting your vehicle and leaving the scene is entirely at fault for the accident, there are still a few key mistakes you should avoid making yourself. Exhibiting these behaviors can harm your personal injury claim and make it difficult to receive the settlement you rightfully deserve:

• Leaving the scene without contacting the police
• Admitting fault to an officer or insurance agent by making passing statements such as “I was blocking the lane” or “I turned in front of him”
• Not seeking medical attention that can strengthen your claim by equipping you with a professional evaluation of the severity of your injuries and the costs of your treatment
• Accepting the initial settlement offer without considering that it might be unjustly low
• Neglecting to contact a lawyer who can help you unravel the complexities of a seemingly-simple hit-and-run case

Contacting a hit-and-run lawyer as soon as conveniently possible after an accident can also be a way to ensure you have the guidance you need to avoid other mistakes that might impact your personal injury claim.

Choose a Hit and Run Lawyer Who Brings Value to Your Case

Your top priorities after a hit-and-run are to secure your own well-being and document the scene of the accident. Those initial moments can be stress-inducing, but you are not alone in your fight to reclaim normalcy after a crash. Contact us anytime by calling 855-MIKE-WINS (855-645-3946) or by reaching out online. We want to be there for you to help you get the best possible outcome.