According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Louisiana has one of the highest rates of fatal hit and run accidents. If you were in a hit and run accident, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and other losses.
The attorneys from the Morris Bart law firm are here to serve your legal needs when another driver’s negligent act led to an accident. If you retain a Shreveport hit and run accident lawyer at our firm, we will work to document your losses, assign a value to your case and investigate your accident to prove liability—even if the driver cannot be located. Our attorneys can also assist with insurance claims and general legal counsel.
To learn more about the legal services we offer at the Morris Bart law firm, contact a team member today for a free consultation. When you are the victim of a hit and run accident, our Shreveport car accident lawyer can help build your case.
Legal Definition of a Hit and Run Accident
While any negligent accident that causes injuries or property damage may result in compensation for the victim, the circumstances surrounding the offense can affect your ability to secure the compensation to which you may be entitled. Hit and run accidents can be especially difficult to navigate.
La. R.S. §14:100 defines a hit and run as a situation in which a driver causes a collision and quickly leaves the scene—without stopping to give their contact and insurance information or render reasonable aid.
Since Louisiana is a no-fault state, most victims of collisions are able to file insurance claims with the negligent driver’s insurer. But if you are unable to identify the responsible driver, you are left with fewer options to pursue compensation. A hit and run accident lawyer from our firm may be able to help you better understand your legal options.
For a free legal consultation with a Hit and Run Accident lawyer serving Shreveport, call 800-537-8185
Understanding Recoverable Damages for Hit and Run Accident Victims
Damages in any type of personal injury accident, including hit and runs, fall into two groups: economic and non-economic compensation. These recoverable damages vary depending on your losses, though they generally cover any financial, psychological, and physical suffering you endured after your accident. Examples include:
- Property damage, encompassing vehicle damages, as well as other damaged valuables.
- Lost wages and a loss of future income.
- Medical costs associated with treatment programs, including in-patient hospital stays, rehabilitation services, medical devices, and medications.
- Losses related to long-term disabilities, which can be physical or mental.
- Loss of consortium, entailing damaged relationships with your spouse, children, or family.
- Mental suffering associated with physical disfigurements.
If this all sounds overwhelming, our Shreveport hit and run accident lawyer can be there to offer guidance every step of the way. When you choose the Morris Bart law firm, one of our attorneys will catalog every aspect of your pain and suffering, including both the economic and non-economic losses you have sustained. We will assign a value to your intangible losses to help you recover appropriate compensation.
You don’t have to do this alone. We are here to help you. To learn more about calculating case values in Shreveport, contact a representative at the Morris Bart law firm today to receive your free consultation.
Common Causes of Hit and Run Accidents
While accidents happen every day, hit and runs usually occur when negligent drivers want to avoid the repercussions of their actions.
For the offender, the magnitude of a hit and run accident can mean the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony, depending on the extent of the injuries the accident caused. Hit and run accidents may occur if the offender:
- Was convicted of a serious crime in the past, or if there is currently a warrant for their arrest.
- Did not have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle.
- Was uninsured or underinsured.
- Consumed drugs or alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
- Wanted to avoid a confrontation with the victim.
- Fears facing serious jail time if the victim was severely injured.
Click to contact our Shreveport Car Accident Attorney today
A Shreveport Hit and Run Accident Lawyer from Our Firm Can Fight for You
At the Morris Bart law firm, we want accident victims to know they are not alone during their fight for justice. We understand the kind of financial impact these accidents can have on you and your loved ones. That is why our firm does not charge any attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation for you.
If you choose to retain a Shreveport hit and run accident lawyer at the Morris Bart law firm, we will tailor our legal services to your needs. To do so, we begin with a complimentary consultation in which we review the details of your case. Once we understand the circumstances surrounding your accident, we will:
- Offer guidance regarding the next steps in your case.
- Gather any evidence of how your accident occurred.
- Evaluate your injuries and damages to estimate a fair settlement.
- Build a strong case for compensation.
- Help you navigate the insurance claims process.
- Represent you in front of any other parties involved.
We can handle your legal needs so that you can focus on healing from your injuries. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get started with reviewing your case.
We Can Help You Establish Liability
It can be difficult to establish fault in a hit and run accident. When the other driver flees the scene, you aren’t able to collect their contact information or insurance information. However, our team can gather evidence to determine who is liable for your injuries. We can use proof of liability such as:
- Video camera footage: Even if the driver who hit you flees the scene of the accident, we can examine video footage from traffic cameras. We may be able to identify the driver through this footage.
- Eyewitness statements: Sometimes eyewitnesses might remember details from the crash. If they recall the type of car or the plate number of the liable party, we can use this information.
- Police and emergency service statements: The police and paramedics should arrive at the scene of the hit and run accident. When they do, the reports they create can be used as evidence to prove that you did not cause the accident.
Any other information you have about your accident can be used to determine the liable party.
Contact Us Today to Receive Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was the victim of a hit and run accident in Shreveport, our team can help you seek justice. We will build a case to help you get the compensation you need.
Reach out to the Morris Bart law firm to speak to a lawyer in a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
