Hit and run accidents can be devastating, and leaving the scene of an accident can have severe consequences. If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene, a hit and run accident lawyer serving Chesapeake can work with you to help recover the damages you are owed.
The Pendleton Law Team understands the frustration that comes with hit and run accidents. We have helped thousands of clients secure the compensation they are owed, and as your Chesapeake car accident lawyer, we are prepared to fight for you.
An Experienced Hit and Run Accident Attorney Serving Chesapeake Can Help Strengthen Your Case
Hit and run accidents have several additional layers of complexity. Often, the driver is never identified, so you must rely on your own insurance to recover costs and secure payment. Additionally, unlike a typical car accident, hit and run cases are criminal cases, so they involve more police activity.
Your lawyer will help coordinate with law enforcement to get statements to help build your case, along with investigating any available evidence. They will also identify any applicable insurance coverage and handle the communication with the insurance company.
Having a trustworthy lawyer advocate for you gives you peace of mind, knowing your case will be handled with care while you focus on recovering and getting back to your life. Any car accident is stressful, especially if the other driver isn’t identified, but working with a qualified Chesapeake personal injury lawyer can help ease that stress.
For a Free Legal Consultation
Call The Personal Injury Lawyer Hotline.
804-250-5050
Common Reasons Drivers Flee the Scene of the Accident
A hit and run accident is a serious offense in Virginia, but far too often, a driver fails to stop. There are many reasons a driver may flee the scene of an accident, from criminal activity to panic and fear, but none are legal or acceptable. Common reasons drivers flee may include:
- Fear of legal consequences
- Lack of insurance
- Driving underage
- Driving under the influence
- Driving without a valid license
- Outstanding legal issues
- Panic or poor decision-making
Under Virginia law, failure to report an accident is a serious offense and, depending on the extent of the damage, can be a Class 5 felony (Va. Code § 46.2-894). Still, some drivers fail to stop. In the most tragic events, a driver may fail to stop because they know the victim likely lost their life. If this has happened to a loved one, a Chesapeake wrongful death lawyer can help you get justice.
Let the Heavy Hitters® Take On Your Case 804-250-5050
Who Is Most Often Injured in Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents can happen to anyone. You can be obeying all traffic laws and driving defensively, and before you realize what has happened, you can get hit and then have the other driver flee the scene. This often happens when multiple vehicles are involved, not just you and the hit and run driver.
Pedestrians and bicyclists have the highest risk of serious injury in hit and run accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s Traffic Safety Facts: 2023 Data – Pedestrians, 24% of fatal pedestrian accidents were caused by hit and run drivers. A Chesapeake pedestrian accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and what you may be entitled to.
If you have been involved in any accident involving a fleeing driver, a hit and run lawyer serving the Chesapeake area can help you to secure the maximum payout for your injuries. You deserve an advocate fighting for you, and The Pendleton Law Team is here to fight on your behalf.
Central Virginia's Top Rated Personal
Injury Lawyers 804-250-5050
What to Do and What Not to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident
Your actions immediately following a hit and run accident can have major effects on the outcome of your case. Understanding what actions to take and what actions to avoid can mean the difference between receiving the full compensation for your injuries and a limited payout.
It is important that you seek immediate medical evaluation, even if the injuries feel minor. While you may feel OK at first, injuries can worsen over time. This also demonstrates that you took swift action. Additionally, contact a Chesapeake area hit and run attorney as soon as possible.
Since you do not know the state of the fleeing driver, it is important that you do not attempt to chase them. If you can collect any identifying information about the vehicle that may be helpful, but stay where you are and call the police. Avoid making statements to your insurance company before speaking with your attorney.
Let Us Be The Heavy Hitters® For Your Case Speak To An Attorney Now
You Can Likely Still Recover Damages, Even If the Driver Is Never Found
In Virginia, uninsured motorist coverage is required on all auto insurance policies unless you explicitly decline it, which is rarely recommended. This coverage can help you recover damages in the event of a hit and run accident. This helps cover expenses such as medical costs and lost income.
If you have MedPay (Medical Payments) coverage, you can also stack this with your uninsured motorist coverage to help cover costs in the event of a hit and run accident. It can also be used in conjunction with your own medical insurance to cover as much of the cost as possible.
If a driver is later found, you are able to file a civil lawsuit in addition to the criminal lawsuit that will be handled by the state. This allows you to recover the maximum amount for the suffering you have endured during this process.
Our Chesapeake Area Hit and Run Lawyer Is Here to Fight For You
At The Pendleton Law Team, our Chesapeake area hit and run attorney believes that you deserve justice for the injuries and pain you have had to endure. Our team of Heavy Hitters® is here to advocate on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Call us today for your free consultation to see what your case may be worth. Being involved in a hit and run can leave you feeling distrustful, but we are here to get you the justice you deserve.
The Pendleton Law Team Is Here For You 804-250-5050
