Hammond Hit and Run Accident Damages
When an individual is involved in an automobile accident, they could sustain serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and paralysis. Generally, the party responsible for an accident is held liable in court and required to pay the victim compensation. However, in a hit and run case, obtaining compensation could be a difficult process.
Speak to a knowledgeable accident attorney to learn about how you may still be able to recover compensation if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident. A lawyer can help you determine which Hammond hit and run accident damages you may be eligible to receive.
What Are the Recoverable Damages in a Hit and Run Case?
Hammond hit and run accident damages are the same as any other car crash case. Injured victims may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages, which include:
- Property damage
- Lost wages and future lost wages
- Present and future medical expenses
- Compensation for the injury itself
- Inconvenience
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability and impairment
To recover damages in a Hammond hit and run case, the injured individual either has to identify or locate the at-fault party and hold them accountable, or they will have to make a claim for uninsured motorist coverage on their insurance policy.
Punitive Damages
The only situation where punitive damages can be awarded in Hammond is if it is proven that the party at fault was intoxicated, either by chemical substances or through the use of alcohol. Further, it must be shown that the intoxication is to such an extent that the hit and run driver is considered to be wanton and reckless in causing a crash.
When a hit and run driver can be located and determined to have liability insurance, the injured party may pursue punitive damages. Some liability insurance companies, however, exclude punitive damages as an element of recovery in their insurance policies.
An experienced attorney knows how to obtain the policies and review them to determine whether such damages can be recovered. The same is true for the uninsured motorist coverage provision and the injured party’s insurance policy. It needs to be examined to determine if the policy would provide for those special exemplary or punitive damages if it is proven that the party at fault was intoxicated.
Steps to Take After Being Involved in a Crash
When someone is involved in a hit and run collision, there are several steps they should take. The individual should notify their insurance company that they were involved in an accident. It is also critical to contact law enforcement. The person should give the officers as much information as possible so that they can help locate the at-fault driver.
If the individual is injured, they should seek medical treatment. They should also contact an accomplished lawyer who can help them recover Hammond hit and run accident damages. An attorney could assist in the investigation and with gathering evidence such as taking photos of the scene and seeking witnesses to the crash.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
A determined Hammond attorney could examine the injured parties insurance coverage to make sure they have uninsured motorist coverage to cover the negligence of the hit and run driver. It may turn out that when the injured party purchased their liability insurance, they were convinced by their agent that they could save premium dollars by limiting how much uninsured motorist coverage they purchased or to waive uninsured motorist coverage completely.
A reduction or waiver of uninsured motorists coverage by the insurance company or agent can only be accomplished with a special form that has to be initiated by the prospective insurance purchaser. The purchaser indicates on the form that they are declining or limiting their uninsured motorist coverage which would help them in a hit and run accident. A lawyer can assist in the hit and run accident by investigating whether the injured party has uninsured motorist coverage or if it was properly and legally declined.
How a Hammond Attorney Can Help Recover Hit and Run Damages
By obtaining an attorney, an injured individual can have a legal professional assist with all aspects of the case. This includes the investigative process and recovering compensation in court.
If you were injured in a hit and run collision, call a seasoned lawyer today. Let an accomplished attorney help you recover Hammond hit and run accident damages.