When a hit and run accident occurs, the victim rarely sees it coming. The driver that causes the accident may hit you or your car, panic, and flee the scene before you even know what really happened. This can be a scary situation for you. You may be disoriented after your injuries, or you may be caring for passengers in your car who also were injured. You also may be concerned about who is going to pay for your medical bills when the responsible party flees.
At Morris Bart, LLC, we have the ability to make sure insurance companies do what they are supposed to do and help pay for your treatments. As a hit and run accident lawyer serving New Orleans, New Orleans East, and the Orleans Parish, we will work tirelessly for you. Contact us at (504) 613-4771 for a free consultation today.
A Hit and Run Accident in Louisiana
A hit and run accident occurs when one of the vehicles involved in a crash flees the scene before law enforcement arrives to investigate. It is the responsibility of anyone involved in a crash to stay at the scene and make sure any injured parties are taken care of until aid has arrived.
The state of Louisiana specifically spells out penalties for any driver convicted of a hit and run accident. The penalties are especially harsh if someone leaves the scene of an accident where the victims were injured or killed. If you or a loved one has been a victim, an auto accident attorney in New Orleans can explain your options.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit and Run Accident lawyer serving New Orleans, call 800-537-8185
Why People Flee the Scene
Unfortunately, a hit and run accident is more common in Louisiana than in other states, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Louisiana, New Mexico, and Florida had the highest rates of hit and run crashes per 100,000 people between 2010 and 2016. Hit and run accidents are common throughout the United States. In 2015, 11.7 percent of all crashes involved a hit and run driver, accounting for 1,819 fatalities and 138,500 injuries. In Louisiana in 2015, there were 41 fatalities related to hit and run crashes and 4,155 injuries. Multiple theories exist as to why someone would cause a traffic accident and then leave the scene:
- Driving drunk or while on drugs: The driver does not want the police to charge them for a DUI, so he or she tries to escape. Drunk drivers also will make errors in judgment.
- Possession of drugs or other illegal items: The driver may have illegal drugs or a firearm in the car, and he or she does not want law enforcement to find them.
- No license: The driver does not have a legal driver’s license, so he or she flees the scene to avoid the police.
- Committing another crime: The driver may have committed another crime, caused the accident, and wants to avoid speaking with the police.
- Panic: The driver who caused the accident simply panics and is not thinking clearly, choosing to flee the scene instead of taking responsibility.
Regardless of why someone fled the scene, they will be subject to prosecution for the hit and run crime when the police catch them.
New Orleans Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-537-8185
What To Do After a Hit and Run Crash
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you should immediately call the police. If someone suffers injuries in your vehicle, he or she will need care from first responders. After all of the victims have received proper care, you can then begin trying to help law enforcement track down the driver who fled the scene by taking a few actions:
- Write down the license plate number of the other car
- Write down anything you remember about the other driver or car
- Write down a description of the damage on the other car
- Check with any witnesses
- Tell the police if you suspect the other driver was speeding, drinking, or behaving in an abnormal manner
By catching the other driver, his or her insurance can provide you with payment for your injuries. As a hit and run accident lawyer, we know how to help you gather information about your accident. At Morris Bart, LLC, we stand by those from the Orleans Parish, New Orleans East, and elsewhere in the greater New Orleans area. Call us at (800) 537-8185 for a free case review.
Click to contact our New Orleans Car Accident Lawyers today
Defending Your Rights in a Hit and Run Crash
If the other driver evades the police after a hit and run crash, you may have medical bills and other problems for which you deserve compensation. In a case like this, you will have to rely on your health and auto insurance to help you recover damages.
- Medical bills: Your health insurance policy will cover the injuries you have suffered in the crash. If you have a certain type of auto policy, it may pay for a portion of your medical bills up to a cap.
- Property damage: Your car insurance policy’s collision coverage should pay for the damages to your car that resulted from the hit and run. However, your insurance company will expect you to pay the deductible.
- Pain and suffering: Your compensation for pain and suffering will come from your own auto insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. In Louisiana, drivers must specifically opt out of uninsured motorist coverage, or it will be included in their policies.
Surprisingly, you may find that your own insurance company is fighting you on providing proper compensation. If your insurer is not helping you with medical bills, property damage claims, and pain and suffering claims, your attorney can present the facts to the insurer.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
We Use a Contingency Fee System
As a New Orleans hit and run accident lawyer, we know how to help. We will work tirelessly on your behalf, helping you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. When you hire the team at Morris Bart, LLC, we will be ready to begin working for you immediately. Call us at (504) 613-4771 as soon as possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not accept payment until we reach a satisfactory settlement.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
