Determining how to recover compensation after a car accident can be confusing when you don’t know who the other driver is. They fled the scene, and now you’re wondering how to track them down so you can file a claim or lawsuit. The car accident lawyers at Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. have the resources to locate hit-and-run drivers so you can hold them liable for their actions. If finding them proves to be an impossibility, we can look to other sources for the compensation you need to heal your injuries and afford your resulting expenses.
The Warwick hit and run accident attorneys of Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. know the trauma of getting hurt by a person who caused your injuries but drove off without checking on your well-being. They put your life and safety at risk and should suffer the consequences of their actions. We can represent you in your case and seek the justice you rightfully deserve. We will advocate for your rights and work hard to get you the monetary award you need so you’re not forced to pay for any costs associated with the accident yourself. Call us at (401) 751-8855 for your free consultation.
How Should I Handle A Hit and Run Accident?
According to Rhode Island statute § 31-26-1, it is against the law to leave the scene of a car accident when serious bodily injury or death occurs to any occupants of other vehicles involved. Drivers typically flee after causing a car crash because:
- They don’t have auto insurance.
- They were driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- They violated a traffic law.
- They were texting or became distracted by something else behind the wheel.
- They panicked and decided that leaving the scene was the best option.
No matter what the other driver’s reasoning for leaving you injured in your car, there are steps you should take to protect your rights to compensation. The first thing you should do is call 911 and recall every detail you can remember to the investigating officer. That includes how the crash occurred, what the other vehicle looked like, and the direction you saw them drive off. After providing your statement, allow an ambulance to transport you to the hospital.
You shouldn’t refuse medical care or attempt to drive home. Although your injuries might seem superficial or minor, the shock you’re experiencing could mask the severity. Internal damage, such as a concussion or bleeding, might not be immediately apparent. Without medical intervention, your condition could worsen and lead to fatal results.
The emergency room physician should evaluate your injuries to determine a diagnosis and refer you for a specific treatment plan. It’s vital that you follow their orders and continue treating until you recover or until your doctors release you from their care. If you want to file an insurance claim, there must be sufficient medical evidence proving the accident caused your injury. Skipping doctor’s appointments or allowing too much time to pass in between each one could give the insurance company a valid reason to deny your claim or provide an inadequate settlement offer.
You should also hire a Warwick hit and run accident attorney so we can begin working on your case right away. There are strict deadlines to follow, and waiting to pursue legal action could delay the progress of your case or bar you from recovering any amount of compensation. We will handle the legal aspects of your case while you’re trying to recover from your injuries. We can investigate and obtain relevant evidence proving another person was responsible for the accident and should be held liable for your losses.
Filing a Claim with the Hit-and-Run Driver’s Auto Insurance Company
If we can track down the at-fault driver, we could file a claim with their auto insurance company. All motorists in Rhode Island must purchase liability insurance with minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage. These limits could compensate for your various losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Medical bills
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Loss of affection or companionship
When we file your claim, we can seek up to the maximum available liability coverage. You shouldn’t be financially responsible for your losses when the accident was due to another driver’s negligent actions.
If the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount or denies the claim, we might be able to move forward with a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit requires following a strict deadline, known as a statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years. If you want to sue the at-fault driver for compensation, you would have three years from the accident date. After the deadline passes, you likely won’t have the opportunity to file a lawsuit for this incident.
What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Is Never Found?
If we’re unable to locate the driver responsible for the accident, we could file a claim with your auto insurance company. Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) is optional insurance coverage in Rhode Island covering the losses suffered in a hit and run accident. We will request a copy of your policy to determine if you have UM insurance and the available limits.
State law requires any driver who chooses to include UM coverage on their policy to accept limits equal to their liability limits. If you chose to purchase the minimum limits required by law, you would have $25,000 in coverage. Filing a UM claim could recover compensation for your medical bills and property damage up to the amount on your policy. You might also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and lost wages.
Contact Us
Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. has a team of dedicated Warwick hit and run accident attorneys ready to take on the responsibility of your case to reach the best possible outcome for you. We will handle each step of the legal process from start to finish. You have faced the unfair ramifications of another driver’s decisions and shouldn’t be responsible for the expenses you incur. You can depend on us to explore all available options and find a way to recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve.
Call Law Offices of Ronald J. Resmini, Accident & Injury Lawyers, Ltd. today at (401) 751-8855 if a hit-and-run driver injured you in an accident, and we will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation.
