Hit-and-run accidents are quite common. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads. These accidents are responsible for several injuries and deaths in Middletown, Connecticut.
Also, due to the nature of the accident, most survivors do not know what to do after a hit-and-run crash. They often wonder if the rules are different and they should take additional steps than they would in a collision where all the parties remained at the scene. This article looks at what a hit-and-run crash is under Connecticut law and what a person involved in one should do.
If you suffer injuries from a hit-and-run accident, contact a Middletown car accident lawyer immediately. A lawyer is always helpful in accidents of this nature.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident Under Connecticut Law?
Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 14-224, each operator of a motor vehicle who is knowingly involved in an accident that results in the injury or death of any other person:
- Shall at once stop and render such assistance as may be needed
- Shall give their name, address, and operator’s license number and registration number to any officer or witness to the injury or death of any person
- Suppose the person is unable to give their information to the parties mentioned above. In that case, they shall immediately report such death of any person to a police officer, a constable, a state police officer, an inspector of motor vehicles, or at the nearest police precinct or station.
- Shall state in such a report the location and circumstances of the accident causing the injury or death of any person and such operator’s name, address, operator’s license number, and registration number.
Failure to do the above amounts to a hit-and-run accident.
For a free legal consultation, call (855)-285-3425
What Should You Do Following a Hit and Run Accident?
Having established what amounts to a hit-and-run accident, the next question is what you should do after such a collision. Below we share some useful information.
Try to Identify the Driver
One unfortunate thing about hit-and-run crashes is that the police are sometimes unable to identify the fleeing driver. This is often the case where the driver flees in their vehicle, and there’s no video footage of the car’s make or license plate.
As such, you should try as much as possible to get the vehicle’s details before the drivers flee the scene. This detail would help in identifying the motorist.
However, this might be difficult, especially if you suffer severe injuries and cannot get the details yourself. In such a situation, you can ask witnesses if they remember any details about the fleeing driver.
The details needed to identify the driver are the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate. If the driver alighted before leaving the scene, a description of their height, race, sex, and age would also help.
Get Medical Treatment
Another thing to do about a hit-and-run accident is to get medical treatment. Getting medical care is needed whether or not the accident was minor or severe.
This is because should the police find and apprehend the hit-and-run driver, you need your medical records to prove your injuries and the amount spent. In addition, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, the medical report would serve as evidence when claiming against the policy.
Make an Insurance Claim
Connecticut laws mandate drivers to carry liability insurance. In addition, drivers must have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. When a hit-and-run accident happens, you can file a claim with your insurer if you have uninsured motorist coverage. If the police arrest the hit-and-run driver and their insurance is not enough to cover your losses, your underinsurance policy comes into play.
Note that having these policies doesn’t guarantee that your insurer will compensate you immediately after making a claim. Usually, they find ground to deny such claims. Hence, before commencing the process, get a Middletown personal injury lawyer involved.
Get Legal Representation
In a hit-and-run accident case, you need an attorney to help you follow the police’s investigation. The preceding is very important if your injuries keep you in the hospital for a long time.
First, an attorney ensures the police are doing all they can to locate the fault driver. Once they do, the lawyer starts the claims process against the fault party and follows the criminal case against them.
Were You Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Contact Aeton Law Partners Now!
At Injured CT, our Middletown personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases. We’ll help you navigate the insurance claim process and file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver if needed. Contact us today to learn more about our services. We offer free consultations.
Call or text (855)-285-3425 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form