Few things are more frustrating than being in a car accident where you are hit by another driver who simply takes off. The aftermath can feel overwhelming when you need to deal with personal injury and vehicle damage simultaneously. If this scenario has happened to you, let us help you understand your rights and the steps to take.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run in Towson?
Safety comes first, so if you are able to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, do it, but only if it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers can see you, and check yourself and anyone else in the vehicle for injuries carefully. If someone is hurt or if you feel any pain at all, call 911 right away. Some injuries do not announce themselves immediately, and it is always smart to get checked out.
Once everyone is safe and you have addressed any immediate medical concerns, call the police: Maryland requires you to report accidents that cause injuries, fatalities, or serious property damage.
What Information Should I Gather at the Scene?
While everything is still fresh and your memory is accurate, write down or record as much as you can remember, yet be careful not to put yourself in danger while gathering evidence.
Take photos of your damaged vehicle from multiple angles, any injuries you can see, and the area where the crash happened, and capture things such as traffic patterns, weather conditions, and anything else that might matter later, because these details could prove invaluable to your case.
If you caught even a glimpse of the other driver’s vehicle, jot down what you remember—the make, model, color, or any part of the license plate you saw—and do not worry if you are unsure about some details.
How Do I Report the Hit-and-Run to My Insurance Company?
Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as you can, provide them with the police report number, and share all the documentation you collected at the scene thoroughly. In Maryland, every auto insurance policy has to include uninsured motorist coverage, and that coverage applies to hit-and-run situations where you cannot identify the other driver.
When you describe what happened, stick to the facts as you remember them, and do not guess about details of which you are not sure.
What Coverage Pays for My Damages After a Hit-and-Run in Towson?
If police track down the hit-and-run driver and that person carries insurance, you would file a claim against their policy. However, when the driver is unknown or does not have coverage, your uninsured motorist protection steps in automatically. Maryland requires minimum uninsured motorist coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injuries, plus $15,000 for property damage, and these minimum amounts provide a baseline of protection for victims like you.
Can I Recover Compensation if the Driver Is Never Found?
You can recover compensation, and your uninsured motorist coverage protects you even when the person who hit you disappears without a trace. Of course, you will need evidence showing the accident actually occurred—another reason why documenting the scene and getting a police report matters so much.
Your insurer will review your claim based on what you can prove, and if they reject your claim or lowball the settlement offer, an attorney can look over your policy, pull together more evidence, and push for the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Maryland?
Maryland gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, but if you do not file within that window, you lose your right to take the case to court permanently. Although three years might sound like plenty of time, waiting too long hurts your case.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid After a Hit-and-Run?
Do not leave the scene yourself, and do not chase after the other driver—both could put you in danger or create legal problems that complicate your case further. Keep details about the accident between you, the police, and your attorney, and do not say anything that sounds like you are taking blame.
Do not sign any documents unless the police require it, and hold off on repairing your vehicle until your insurance company has documented the damage.
Towson Car Accident Lawyer at Garner Legal Is Ready to Help With Your Hit-and-Run Accident
You do not need to handle your hit-and-run accident by yourself: Reach out to a Towson car accident lawyer at Garner Legal to help you recover fair compensation for your claim. Our legal team in Baltimore knows how overwhelming it feels when someone hits you and drives away, and our firm has achieved strong results for clients. For a free consultation about your hit-and-run case, reach out to us by calling 443-899-1758 or filling out our online form. Our offices are in Baltimore, and we serve clients in the surrounding areas.