Can you get compensation after a hit-and-run?

Whether you are a motorist, a cyclist or a pedestrian, a hit-and-run accident is every road user’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, these types of accidents are far too common on American roads.

In a typical car accident, you will file a claim against the at-fault party for the resulting damages. However, if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may not identify the other party because they fled the scene. And this can make the process of pursuing damages quite difficult.

But what is hit and run in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, hit-and-run is defined as the intentional failure of a driver who has been involved in an accident to stop at the scene, share their identity and provide relevant aid to the victim. “Identity” in this context refers to their name, address, vehicle registration number and/or reporting the accident to the police.

How to recover damages following a hit-and-run accident

If you sustain injuries in a hit-and-run accident, you are justifiably concerned if you are going to obtain compensation to pay for your medical expenses and other damages. Fortunately, there are a number of options you can consider. Here are some of these options:

• The liable driver’s insurance company – If the police manage to locate the responsible driver, you may be able to file a car accident claim against them and receive the financial restitution you are entitled to through their insurance company.
• Your own insurance company – Sometimes, the police, despite their best effort, might fail to locate the other driver. In this case, you may have no choice but to seek compensation from your own insurance carrier. Subject to the terms of your policy, you will be able to receive compensation for your treatment costs, loss of income, out-of-pocket expenses and other damages.

A hit-and-run accident can leave you with serious injuries and property damage. Find out how you can explore your legal options while pursuing compensation following a hit-and-run accident.