Wichita Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
Few experiences are as infuriating as watching someone speed off after a collision without stopping to see if you’re okay or exchange insurance information. In the state of Kansas alone, there were a total of 85 hit-and-run accidents that resulted in one or more fatalities in a recent 10-year period. If a hit-and-run driver injured you, there’s a specific approach you need to take.
You may be looking at dealing with a painful recovery, costly medical expenses, lost wages, and other crash-related expenses. Not to mention daily life doesn’t come to a halt so you can deal with your new problems. You still have to provide for your family, pay rent, etc…
The Wichita team at Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys understands what you’re going through because we’ve represented thousands of clients who have been injured in accidents over the decades. With our help, you may be able to locate the at-fault driver and hold them accountable for the harm you’ve suffered or seek compensation from your insurance if available. We’ll do all we can to help you get the money you need to rebuild your life and move on from the crash.
What to Do if You Were Hit by a Driver Who Fled
Many people try pursuing justice on their own after a hit-and-run accident. We get it, chasing after the bad guys may seem to be the easiest route. Let the authorities take care of that. Fortunately, there are simple steps you could take to protect your rights, such as:
- Stay on the scene — Do not follow the other driver or leave the scene. The law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident. It won’t help your case if you break the law trying to find the hit-and-run driver.
- Call 911 — Contact the police to report the accident and request help if needed.
- Get medical help — Seek prompt medical attention to make sure your injuries are diagnosed and treated. Follow your doctor’s care plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
- Collect evidence — Gather as much evidence as possible, including writing down everything you remember about the collision, the other driver, and their vehicle. Take photos of the crash scene, visible injuries, and damage to your vehicle.
- Document your losses — Keep track of accident-related expenses, including medical bills, alternative travel costs, and lost wages from missed time at work.
- Be careful about social media — Watch what you say to others or post online while the accident claim is pending.
- Call an attorney — Contact a knowledgeable hit-and-run accident lawyer to help you seek compensation.
Receiving Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
This section lays out how you can receive the compensation you deserve in a hit-and-run accident.
If the hit-and-run driver is identified and has insurance coverage, the insurance company could be responsible for compensating you for your losses and face criminal charges for leaving the scene.
If you cannot find the other driver, your uninsured motorist (UM) will likely cover some crash-related bodily injury losses after a hit-and-run. Since hit-and-run drivers do not leave their insurance information behind, they are considered uninsured when you file an insurance claim. All Kansas motorists must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM coverage. This pays for medical, rehabilitation, and funeral costs after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
Depending on the circumstances, you could also be entitled to compensation from:
- The hit-and-run driver, if you can find them
- Another party whose negligence contributed to the wreck
- Your health insurance policy, after you exhaust other types of coverage
- Your employer, if you were driving a company vehicle or traveling for work-related purposes when the hit-and-run accident occurred
Speak to a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Wichita
You should always contact an experienced car accident attorney after a hit-and-run accident. Without information or insurance from the other driver, your legal options are probably limited. That means every aspect of your claim counts. An experienced Wichita injury lawyer can help you maximize your recovery by identifying all possible sources of compensation, negotiating aggressively, and avoiding common mistakes that could cost you money. For a free consultation, call us or reach out to us online today.