Alexandria Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
All car accidents are jarring, but one of the most stressful situations an auto accident victim can find themselves in is one in which the driver who hit them speeds away without pulling over. Not only does the victim have to deal with being injured and having their car damaged, but they don’t have the identity of the person who caused the accident and therefore cannot file a claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company. In situations like these, it is necessary to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can guide them through the process of seeking compensation.
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, we have decades of combined experience handling a wide variety of car accident cases in Alexandria and throughout Virginia. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, we encourage you to contact us today to request a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Fill out an online case review form and we will be in touch with you soon! Call us today at (571) 290-2390.
What to Do After a Hit & Run Accident
If you are involved in a hit & run accident, take the following steps:
- Remain calm. While it may be tempting to try and follow the person who hit you, this will only make things worse and increases your chance of further damage and injury. Stay calm and move to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
- Call for help. As soon as you are able, call 911 to get police and medical responders to the scene. The police will fill out an accident report, so try to remember as much as you can about the accident and the missing driver.
- Take notes. Write down as much information as you know about the person who hit you, including the make and model of the vehicle, any part of the license plate you can recall, and any identifying factors you can remember about the driver. It is also a good idea to take down the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
- Take pictures. If you are able, take pictures of the damage to your car, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. This evidence may prove useful in proving liability for the accident later on if the driver is identified.
- See a doctor. Even if you don’t immediately feel hurt, you may still have suffered and injury and should have yourself checked out as soon as possible.
- Speak with an attorney. Do not attempt to handle a hit & run accident on your own. Retain an attorney who can help you understand your options.
Hit & run accident victims in Virginia may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering through their own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you are unsure whether you have this coverage, our lawyers can review your policy with you and inform you of your options.
Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the largest factors of hit-and-run accidents. It is widely known that alcohol can have very negative effects on the body, including a slower, more delayed reaction time, blurry vision, poor focus and concentration, and lack of coordination, among many other effects. Drivers, especially younger or more inexperienced, are afraid of the possible penalties associated with DUI.
Another reason? The driver does not have insurance. Getting caught strikes fear in many drivers who do not carry insurance or do not have their driver’s license on them. The unfortunate reality is that the penalties for being charged with a hit-and-run are much heavier than simply being cited without having a license or insurance. Even then, there are close to 30 million drivers on the road at this moment who do not carry insurance.
Contact The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC
Hit & run accidents can be complex, but an Alexandria car accident attorney at our firm can help by launching an investigation of your accident, working with law enforcement to identify and locate the liable party, and/or making a claim through your own insurer. We understand that this is a stressful time, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Call us today to request a free consultation.
