Arkansas Hit and Run Attorneys
Being involved in an accident can be terrifying. Realizing that the driver responsible for your accident has suddenly fled the scene can turn a scary situation into a real-life nightmare. If the driver is never found, who will pay for your medical expenses, car damages, and lost time from work? While you’re interested in finding the “at-fault” driver to pay for damages and lost wages, the police are only interested in pursuing criminal charges against the hit and run driver. So, who is on your side?
With a hit-and-run accident lawyer on your side, there are ways you can use the law to recover the money needed to help pay for your medical bills. If you have PIP insurance, you may be able to start collecting money from your own policy until the driver who fled the scene of the accident is found. Hit-and-run accidents are why Uninsured Motorist Coverage exists on an auto policy. If you carry this insurance coverage, which is a good idea for everyone, it will step into the place of the wrongdoer and cover your personal injuries up to the policy limit. Uninsured Motorist Coverage is in addition to your PIP coverages, such as med pay.
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Hit and Run Accidents in Arkansas
In the state of Arkansas, drivers are required by law to remain at the scene of the accident if any injury or damages to another person or property are caused. If the damage involved is to property only, the law states that the driver must make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the property and report the accident. If that accident resulted in injury or damage to another vehicle, all Arkansas drivers must wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene. Failure to do so could be considered a hit and run accident.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 11% of all reported accidents are hit and run accidents where the driver left the scene.
Even though it is illegal to leave the scene of a crash, drivers do so for many reasons, including:
- Driving drunk
- They have illegal drugs or weapons in the vehicle
- Fear of facing angry motorists
- In shock
- Flight or fight reaction
- Lack of insurance (uninsured motorist)
- Driving on a suspended license
- Prior convictions or on probation
- Evading liability
- Fear of skyrocketing insurance rates
Sadly, hit and run accidents can occur at any time and to anyone, even in Little Rock. They’re more common, however, at night when fleeing drivers are less likely to be noticed by bystanders or witnesses. They’re also extremely common when the driver hits a car that is parked, such as in parking lots or on streets. When drivers collide with a parked car, there may not be any witnesses around, especially in dark or enclosed parking garages or on side streets. Their fear of being “caught” or being held liable for damages may cause them to flee the scene of the crash.
Injured in a Hit and Run Accident? Call Us Today!
What to Do After a Hit and Run?
There are important steps you can take after a hit and run accident to ensure that you have the best chance of recovering compensation. Failure to follow these steps could result in you being unable to receive the money you need to repair your vehicle and pay for your medical expenses after the accident.
Look around for a note that the other driver may have left for you. If you see the collision or see the driver leave the scene of the accident, take note of any details such as car make and model, license plate, unique modifications to the vehicle, etc.
If there are others around, ask them if they noticed who hit your vehicle or saw any other details about the person(s) involved. Gather their names and addresses and notes on anything they happened to witness.
Snap some pictures of the accident scene, as well as the damage to your vehicle. Be sure to notice any important evidence such as skid marks, intersections, lights, and eyewitness cars.
Call 911 as soon as you are able. The Arkansas police will need to fill out an accident report and begin looking for the hit and run driver. They may even be able to get security camera footage to help track down the “at fault” driver.
You will need to report your accident to the insurance company as soon as you are able. They will need to begin the claims process and if you have optional PIP or UM/UIM coverage, they’ll need to draw from these policies quickly to cover your injuries.
Hit and run accidents are complex. That’s why it is so important to have an experienced and skilled hit and run accident attorney on your side throughout the process. Law enforcement officers are interested in finding the hit and run driver, but they’re not interested in making sure you are compensated. Your Arkansas lawyer will be on your side, helping you deal with insurance companies and law proceedings throughout this difficult ordeal. Schedule a consultation with a trusted law firm as soon as possible.
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