Personal Injury and Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents can cause life-changing injuries, especially when pedestrians are involved. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable and may suffer serious injuries, including death, when hit by a moving vehicle. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to legal compensation. For more information about your legal rights regarding personal injury and hit and run accidents, contact the Oklahoma City, OK personal injury lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident is an accident in which an involved driver leaves the scene without stopping and giving aid, which may include calling for an ambulance, calling the police, or exchanging insurance and contact information. A hit and run accident may be between two or more vehicles or may involve a single driver and a pedestrian or bicyclist. Hit and run accidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists can result in serious injury, including paralysis, amputation, or even death.
Why Do People Flee The Scene?
A driver involved in an accident may flee the scene for a number of reasons. In most hit and run accidents, the party at fault will leave the scene. However, in some cases, the victim may flee. Some possible reasons someone may leave the scene of an accident include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Not having a valid driver's license
- Possession of an illegal drug
- Possession of an illegal weapon
- Panic
- Fear of prosecution
Finding the Driver
In order to file a hit and run lawsuit, the driver must be found. Finding the driver in a hit and run accident can be difficult, especially when you are unable to identify the car or driver, or no witnesses were present. Victims that are rendered unconscious in a hit and run accident and did not see who hit them should seek out witnesses. Interviewing people around the area where the accident occurred may yield witness and information to help find the party at fault.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Hit and Run
Victims of hit and run accidents may win compensation for their injuries or other damages provided it can be proven that the driver caused damages. For example, if injuries were made worse by a failure to receive immediate medical attention, there would be a strong case for a personal injury claim. In some cases, it's possible to file and win two claims - one for the hit and run accident and one for the traffic accident.
Damages in a Hit and Run Case
Victims in a hit and run accident may be entitled to monetary compensation for their injuries or other damages. Some common damages paid in hit and run lawsuits include:
- Lost wages, both current and future
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills or other related expenses
- Property damage
- Funeral costs
Contact the Attorneys at Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit and run accident, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys to find out how we can help in your injury claim.
