Gulfport Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer
Regardless of who may be at fault for an auto accident, every driver involved has a duty to stop at the scene. In fact, a failure to remain at the scene of a wreck that results in an injury or death is a criminal offense. Making matters worse, obtaining compensation for any sustained injuries after a defendant flees the scene can become extremely difficult.
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision with a driver who fled the scene, a Gulfport hit and run car accident attorney may be able to help. A dedicated Gulfport car accident lawyer could work to perform the necessary investigations to find a defendant, as well as to examine your own insurance policy for any available benefits.
Helping to Find a Fleeing Driver
A major part of being a responsible driver is helping anyone injured in an accident. No matter who is at fault, state law requires drivers to remain at the scene of any wreck that results in personal injury. Under Mississippi Code Annotated § 63-3-401, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident.
Unfortunately, hit and runs still occur, and an inability to locate a defendant and his or her insurance company may limit a person’s legal avenues for pursuing compensation following a crash. For this reason, a tenacious Gulfport lawyer who has experience with hit and run car wrecks could work to uncover evidence that might help to identify a liable driver who fled the scene. A legal professional might do this by acquiring traffic camera footage, making inquiries from local police departments, and tracking down witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.
What to Do if a Driver Cannot be Found
Despite a person’s best efforts, it may still be impossible to identify a defendant following a hit-and-run. However, this does not necessarily mean that an injured person will be unable to collect any form of compensation for his or her injuries. All insurance policies in Mississippi must contain a provision for uninsured motorist benefits unless they are rejected in writing by the insured. The “UM” benefits are designed to provide compensation from one’s own insurance company when one is injured by a negligent or reckless driver that has no insurance, or not enough insurance to make the injured person whole. “UM” coverage can apply in hit and run situations, although there are certain steps that must be taken to make sure that coverage is not waived or forfeited. UM coverage can compensate you for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress and similar types of compensation that could have been recovered from the at-fault driver if he had insurance. Also, one could have optional med pay coverage under their own automobile policy, that may help pay for some medical bills regardless of who is at fault.
An attorney in Gulfport could work to determine if a person’s policy contains these provisions and, if so, pursue a claim for compensation, with or without initiation of a civil lawsuit, following a hit and run.
Consult a Gulfport Hit and Run Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in an auto accident is always frightening. However, many people hope they will be able to pursue compensation when another motorist is to blame. Unfortunately, some careless or reckless drivers will simply flee the scene of a wreck, leaving an injured individual to cover the resulting medical bills, potential lost wages, and other damages alone.
However, with the help of a Gulfport hit and run car accident lawyer, you could better understand your legal options and decide how to best proceed. A qualified attorney could work tirelessly to identify the at-fault driver a claim and, short of that, determine other potential avenues available for pursuing compensation. Consultations are always free, so contact us today.
