Navigating the road to compensation after a car accident can prove difficult enough as you negotiate with the insurance company and struggle to show the full extent of the damages you sustained. Unfortunately, managing the aftermath after hit-and-run car accidents in Lake County, where the driver that caused the accident leaves the scene without providing contact or insurance information, can prove even more difficult. Working with a dedicated car accident lawyer can help you learn more about your rights, including how you can pursue compensation for your losses.
How Injured Individuals Can File a Claim After a Hit and Run
Since hit-and-run car crashes in Lake County involve the driver who caused the accident leaving the scene, many injured individuals may struggle to figure out what to do next. They may have a couple of options for pursuing compensation.
Locating the Driver and Filing a Claim
Sometimes, the police may locate the driver that caused the accident. Witness testimony and traffic camera footage can point to the liable driver, allowing the injured party to pursue compensation from them or through their insurance policy. If the police cite the driver for the hit and run, it can make it easier to recover compensation.
Filing a Claim Through Their Own Insurance
After many Lake County hit-and-run accidents, the injured driver may not know who the driver is or how to file a claim. Many insurance policies, however, offer options allowing the driver to file a claim through their own insurance for the damages that resulted from the accident. Most providers will add uninsured motorist coverage, which would apply after a hit-and-run. If the individual carries personal injury protection insurance, it can also provide much-needed coverage for the medical costs associated with the accident, regardless of who caused the incident.
Identifying a Third Party That Shares Liability
After a hit-and-run car wreck in Lake County that involves third-party liability, the injured party can file a claim against that party. For example, if the incident occurred in a parking lot due to poor visibility or parking lot damage, the owner of the lot may bear partial liability for the accident.
The Statute of Limitations on Hit and Run Accidents
In Lake County and across the state, the statute of limitations on hit-and-run accidents is four years from the date of the incident for both civil and criminal charges. However, several exceptions exist, so the injured individual should talk to a lawyer to learn more about how long they have to file a claim and what factors may impact it. However, the injured person should not wait to talk to a lawyer, since the longer they wait, the more difficult it may be to move forward with the claim process.
Discuss Hit and Run Car Accidents With a Lake County Attorney
Hit-and-run car accidents in Lake County add complexity to the claim process. However, a lawyer can help injured individuals work their way through the process and recover fair compensation for their losses. At Largey Law Firm, justice is our business. We strive to help individuals injured in various circumstances, including hit-and-run accidents, recover compensation for their damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.