Obtaining compensation after an accident can be complicated, especially when there are injuries involved. When the person who hit you leaves the scene, your situation becomes even more complex. It is still possible for you to recover damages for your injuries, however.
With the help of an Okemos hit-and-run accident lawyer, you may be able to file a claim to obtain compensation for the injuries and other losses you suffered in your accident. It is recommended that you consult with our experienced Okemos car accident lawyers at White Law PLLC. We can help you review your options for obtaining justice after your hit-and-run accident.
Michigan Hit-and-Run Information
A hit-and-run accident is one in which an individual involved in the collision flees the scene without providing sufficient information to the other individuals involved. These accidents can cause tremendous physical and financial burdens on victims. Many times, hit-and-run accidents lead to delays in victims obtaining medical attention and compensation for their injuries.
The number of hit-and-run accidents in Michigan is alarming. According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, there were 34,572 hit-and-run collisions in Michigan in 2022. These accidents accounted for nearly 12% of the 293,341 crashes in the state that year.
Michigan law requires drivers who know or have reason to believe that they have been involved in an accident to stop at the scene immediately and notify law enforcement. Unless there is a reasonable belief that staying at the scene will result in further harm, they must also wait for law enforcement to arrive. Failure to adhere to this requirement can result in imprisonment and a fine.
Your Fight Is Our Fight
Reasons Drivers in Okemos Flee the Scene After Accidents
There are several reasons why a driver may risk punishment and flee after an accident. Some of these reasons are obvious; however, some may come as a surprise. Common reasons drivers in Okemos may flee an accident scene include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving a stolen vehicle
- Driving without a license or with a suspended license
- Driving without insurance
- Possession of outstanding warrants
- Driving with illegal goods
If you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries, regardless of why the person responsible fled the scene. Obtaining damages after your accident can be difficult when you do not know the identity of the individual at fault. A hit-and-run accident attorney in Okemos, MI, can investigate your accident and identify your options for seeking recovery for your injuries.
We’re not just lawyers. We’re passionate advocates who will ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Liability in Okemos Hit-and-Run Accidents
In some hit-and-run accidents, you may never determine who was liable for your collision. In such instances, you can obtain compensation for your injuries from your own insurance company. Because Michigan is a no-fault state, you are required to file a claim with your own insurance company regardless of who was responsible for your accident.
Under your insurance coverage, you can receive compensation up to your policy limits for your medical expenses and lost wages. You can also file a claim under your collision coverage for damage to your vehicle. Unfortunately, filing a claim with your own insurance company does not cover your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, mental trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If law enforcement is eventually able to identify the party responsible for your hit-and-run accident, you may also be able to file a mini-tort lawsuit against the driver. A mini tort lawsuit is one in which you can file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver for damages exceeding your insurance policy limits, up to $3,000. You may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for your additional damages.
We understand that you may be going through a difficult situation and we are ready to help however we can.
What to Do if You Are in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Okemos
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Okemos, you are probably overwhelmed with where to start in filing a claim for compensation for your injuries. An experienced Okemos hit-and-run accident attorney can help you through the claims process. However, there are certain steps that are important for you to take to support your claim, including the following:
- Write down whatever information you recall, including the color, make, or model of the vehicle that hit you and the direction in which it traveled.
- Record the at-fault driver’s license plate number if you saw it.
- Call the police immediately and request an accident report.
- Collect contact information for any potential witnesses to your accident.
- Seek medical assistance even if you do not have immediate signs of an injury.
- Contact your insurance company to notify them of the hit and run.
- Consult with an Okemos hit-and-run lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
After you notify your insurance company of your accident, it is recommended that you let your hit-and-run attorney in Okemos communicate with them. The goal of the insurance company is to pay as little as possible to you after your accident. Our personal injury lawyers at White Law PLLC can use the evidence you have to negotiate with the insurance company to get you maximum compensation for your damages.
You will always work directly with your attorney throughout your case.
Get Help from a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Okemos, MI
Seeking compensation after a hit-and-run accident can be complex. Michigan’s no-fault insurance process can be difficult to navigate, especially when your damages exceed your policy limits. Our skilled hit-and-run accident attorneys at White Law PLLC can help you navigate the complex process of obtaining monetary damages for your injuries.
In addition to investigating your accident to determine what policies may cover your damages, we can also explore other potentially liable parties against whom you may be able to file a claim. Contact our hit-and-run accident lawyers at White Law PLLC today for a free consultation to discuss your options for obtaining maximum compensation after your accident. We can help ease the burdens you are facing after your unfortunate hit-and-run accident.
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