If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Glastonbury, Connecticut, you might be worried about how you’ll cover the medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and other expenses you’ve been left with. If you can identify the perpetrator, you may be able to file an auto insurance or personal injury claim against them. On the other hand, if you can’t identify them, the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto insurance policy should step in.
Whether you were driving your car, riding your bike, or simply walking across the street when the hit-and-run driver struck you, Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, can help you seek fair compensation for your losses. We have a track record of securing compensation for people hurt in auto accidents, including recoveries valued at $800,000, $655,000, and $525,000, among others.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free case evaluation from an experienced Glastonbury hit-and-run accident lawyer.
What Are Some Reasons for a Driver Fleeing an Accident?
A driver may decide to flee after a car crash in Glastonbury for many reasons.
Some of the most common reasons people hit and run include:
- Avoiding responsibility – In some cases, the at-fault driver is afraid of the consequences of their actions. That may be the case if they were doing something negligent and believe they will be liable for the accident if they stick around.
- Driving under the influence – Drivers who commit DUI offenses may flee after an accident either because they don’t realize they’ve hit someone or because they fear they’ll face criminal charges if the police get involved.
- Unlicensed or uninsured driving – Drivers who don’t have valid licenses or insurance may flee the scene because they fear criminal prosecution or personal financial responsibility. In Connecticut, all drivers must have a minimum amount of liability insurance.
- Criminal history – A driver with a criminal history or warrant for their arrest may fear the legal repercussions if the police identify them.
- Post-accident panic – Sometimes, people don’t react rationally to high-stress situations, such as a serious car accident. For example, a teenage driver might flee the scene because they panicked and didn’t know what to do.
What Evidence Should You Try to Collect After a Glastonbury Hit-and-Run Accident?
Several key pieces of evidence could improve your chances of recovering compensation after a hit-and-run car accident, such as:
- Pictures of the hit and run vehicle (if safe to do so) – If conditions permit and it is safe to do so, it’s critically important to get take photos of the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run accident. Typically, a hit-and-run driver can be expected to stay on scene for a minute or two before they flee. These photos may be the chance to identify the other vehicle.
- Description of the hit-and-run driver – Record and report anything you recall that could help identify the hit-and-run driver, including information about the type of car, the vehicle’s license plate number (even if partial), a description of the driver, which way they fled, and so on.
- Pictures of your vehicle damage – Take photos of the damage caused by the hit-and-run accident. Not only can they attest to the extent of the property damage you suffered, but they can also provide clues like paint transfers that could help authorities search for the perpetrator.
- Pictures of your injuries – If you have visible injuries, take photos immediately after the accident and over time as they heal. In addition to photos, you should keep reports of all medical treatment you undergo immediately after the incident and throughout your recovery.
- Pictures of the accident scene – Document the scene before you leave, including any relevant traffic signs or signals. Write down anything you can remember about it while the memories are still fresh in your mind.
- Eyewitness statements – If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information so your attorney can follow up on their testimony.
- Traffic camera footage – While not something you can collect directly after the accident, your attorney may be able to access nearby traffic camera videos that show the hit-and-run.
How Can You Pursue a Lawsuit Against a Glastonbury Hit-and-Run Driver?
Pursuing an auto insurance or personal injury claim against a Glastonbury hit-and-run driver can be challenging if you don’t know their identity. However, there are two things you can do to improve your chances of identifying the at-fault driver and being able to file a lawsuit against them:
- Report the accident to the police. Always report any accident resulting in injury to the police. Police accident reports are usually necessary for filing auto insurance claims. In a hit-and-run case, the police can use their resources to track down and identify the culprit so you can seek compensation from them or their insurance company.
- Contact a Glastonbury hit and run accident attorney at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC. Our Glastonbury hit and run attorneys are ready to investigate your car accident case by gathering additional types of evidence you may not have easy access to. We can work to identify the hit-and-run driver and explore your options for pursuing an uninsured motorist claim under your auto insurance policy.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage or “UM”, is a mandatory type of auto insurance coverage in Connecticut that protects individuals in accidents caused by uninsured drivers. UM coverage also extends to unidentifiable drivers, such as in the case of a hit-and-run car crash. The compensation you can receive through an uninsured motorist claim will depend on your injuries, property damage, and policy limits.
Even though you deal with “your” insurance company with a UM claim, do not be lulled into believing they will have your best interests at heart. Maximizing profits by minimizing payouts remains their goal. That’s why you need our experienced Glastonbury car accident lawyers to fight for your right to maximum benefits. Here is our Glastonbury hit and run lawyer location.
Is There a Time Limit in Connecticut for Filing a Hit-and-Run Car Accident Claim?
You should be aware of a few different time limits if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Connecticut. The first is the time limit on filing an auto insurance claim. If you need to file a UM claim under your auto policy, you must meet that deadline contained in your policy. Under CT law you have three years from the date of the incident to make a UM claim.
Also, the statute of limitations for a hit-and-run injury claim may not begin until you know or reasonably should have known the identity of the at-fault driver. In injury cases where at-fault parties conceal their actions or identities, the statute of limitations is on hold.
It’s essential to speak to our hit-and-run accident attorney to determine which time limits apply to your specific case. Never assume you have plenty of time to file your lawsuit without consulting our Glastonbury hit and run accident lawyer.
Contact a Glastonbury Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Glastonbury, Connecticut, contact the experienced attorneys at Jainchill & Beckert, LLC, for a free consultation. We’re ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and assist you in seeking compensation from every available source.
