Virginia Beach Lawyers Assist Hit and Run Accident Victims      

Firm seeks damages from drivers who leave the scene of a vehicle collision

A motorist who leaves the scene of a crash they’ve caused violates the law and might make it tougher for the victim to recover civil damages. At Ernest Law Group, PLC, we represent motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians who were struck by a car that just took off. Our Virginia Beach hit and run accident lawyers have had success finding these dangerous drivers and obtaining substantial damages from them. If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident, we thoroughly investigate facts, consult with police reports to track down the offender and press to hold the driver accountable for physical harm and property damage they caused. When identification of the driver is not possible, we can negotiate with your insurance company in pursuit of an appropriate settlement.

What to do after a hit and run accident in Virginia Beach

If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run, the most important thing is to remain calm and prioritize your next steps. Your first concern is your safety, so you must get your car out of traffic to a safe spot on the side of the road. If you can’t move your car, place traffic cones or road flares to divert traffic to avoid a secondary collision. Next steps include:

• Calling the police
• Collecting information at the scene
• Making a record of the description of the car, as well as you or any witness can remember
• Seeking immediate medical attention at the closest hospital emergency room

Once you have addressed your urgent healthcare needs, you should contact an experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Common reasons for leaving the scene of an accident in Virginia

There are a number of reasons drivers flee the scene of an accident, such as:                            

• Driving without a valid driver’s license
• Driving without insurance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Being unaware someone was hit

Whatever the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime that exposes the driver to potential prosecution.       

Filing an insurance claim after a hit and run injury         

Following a hit and run accident, you should immediately file a claim with your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it should pay for your medical expenses and property damage. You can also file a claim under your collision coverage for the damage to your car. Depending on the situation, this might put you in an adversarial position with your insurer. That’s why it’s best to have an auto accident attorney handle negotiations for you.

When should you contact a Virginia Beach hit and run injury lawyer?

You should call a lawyer as soon as you are physically able. The sooner you retain a lawyer, the sooner the investigation can begin. Acting promptly means there’s a better chance to locate evidence and witnesses that help identify the liable motorist and make your case stronger. Especially in cases of severe injury and wrongful death, you should never accept an insurance company settlement offer until you have spoken with counsel about the potential value of your claim.

Compensation for hit and run victims

If our investigation reveals who hit you, we can file a claim against that driver for personal injury damages, which can include:

• Medical bills
• Lost income from missed work
• Compensation for physical pain and mental suffering

Our legal team has one goal: to maximize the amount of compensation you receive for all of your losses.

Contact an effective Virginia Beach hit and run accident attorney for a free consultation

Ernest Law Group, PLC advocates for people hurt in hit and run traffic accidents throughout the Hampton Roads area. Call 757-289-2499 or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation at our Virginia Beach office.