Car accidents are already extremely stressful events, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, things become that much more complicated. In this situation, it is perfectly normal to be concerned about whether or not you will be able to collect compensation for your injuries and damages when the other driver is nowhere to be found.
In 2020 alone, Virginia had almost 5,000 hit-and-run accidents, most of which involved traffic violations such as drunk driving and speeding. Even though car accidents are frightening and cause many people to panic in the immediate aftermath, there is never a justifiable reason for fleeing the scene.
If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, you might be able to sue. An attorney with prior experience in hit-and-run accidents can offer invaluable legal help. If you were hurt or a family member was killed in a hit-and-run accident, contact a Virginia hit-and-run accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp as soon as possible so we can start investigating your case.
Fleeing the Scene Is Against the Law
Not only is fleeing an accident scene morally reprehensible, but it is also illegal. Virginia law states that anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident that involves injuries, fatalities, vehicle damage, or other property damage must remain at the scene.
In the event of a collision, everyone involved is legally required to:
- Stay at the scene
- Offer reasonable aid to any injured victims
- Provide responding officers with their proper name, address, vehicle registration number, and driver’s license number
- Provide the same information to anyone else involved in the crash
Failing to remain at the scene and follow the laws listed above comes with severe consequences. You might think leaving the scene means you won’t have to face any repercussions for your accident, but in the end, you are only making your situation worse.
Possible Damages for a Hit-and-Run Accident
If a hit-and-run accident left you injured, you might be able to seek monetary recovery. Both economic damages and non-economic damages are designed to indemnify you for your damages.
In an accident involving a hit-and-run driver, potential damages could include:
- Current and anticipated medical bills
- Lost income
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Damage to property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Decreased quality of life
In order to pursue fair compensation, your attorney will examine the facts of your accident and assign a dollar value to your case. Once your damages have been calculated, they will seek the maximum amount of financial compensation possible under the law.
Pursuing Compensation From an Unidentified Driver
If you are unable to properly identify the driver who caused your car accident, you might still be able to collect financial compensation via your own insurance provided that you have uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Unlike the minimum coverage amounts, uninsured/underinsured coverage is not required in the state of Virginia. Fortunately, if you do carry this form of coverage, it could help you secure recovery through your insurance company.
UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you if you are ever involved in a collision with a driver who has no or insufficient insurance coverage. UM/UIM coverage can also be useful in a hit-and-run accident where the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
Talk to a Reputable Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced car accident attorney will have the resources to properly investigate your hit-and-run accident, and help you pursue every potential avenue of financial compensation.
If you would like a Virginia motor vehicle accident lawyer from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to review your claim, please contact our Virginia Beach office at (833) 997-1774 and schedule your free case review today.
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An experienced personal injury attorney with dual licensure in Virginia and North Carolina, Eric Washburn received a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University—initially worked in the information technology field before obtaining his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Once an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Danville, Va., Eric has been recognized by Super Lawyers Magazine as a “Rising Star” Super Lawyer in Virginia since 2014.
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