Lutherville Hit & Run Accident Attorney
According to a study completed by the AAA, hit-and-run crashes are increasing throughout the United States. Data indicates that deadly hit-and-runs are happening more often every year, and from 2009 through 2016, they rose by 7.2 percent each year. These crashes are devastating to the victims and their families. Of course, there is often a lack of closure and frustration at the dismissiveness of the drivers who commit such horrible acts. There are also practical concerns, though. For instance, where can the victim of a hit-and-run turn to collect compensation for his or her injuries? If the hit-and-run driver is never identified, the victims may feel that they have nowhere to turn to recover for their injuries.
While hit-and-runs can be complicated claims in Lutherville, Maryland, you do have possible ways to recover for your injuries. Contacting a Lutherville, Maryland personal injury attorney is one way that you can collect compensation for your injuries.
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to find solutions for our injured clients. We know that victims of hit-and-runs face emotionally devastating situations and financial hardships as a result. Call us today at 410-769-5400 to consult with one of our experienced Lutherville, Maryland, personal injury attorneys.
Compensation May Be Available Even if the Driver is Never Apprehended
Unfortunately, many drivers involved in hit-and-runs are never identified; this can be incredibly hard to accept as a victim of one of these crashes. While it might be hard to come to terms with the fact that someone could cause so much pain and get away without consequences, it is important to understand that this does not mean that you are without options to recover for your injuries.
In Maryland, car insurance policies must include coverage for uninsured drivers. What this means is that if you are struck by a driver who does not carry insurance, your policy will step in and cover you for your injuries. In these cases, having this coverage is important. After all, many people who lack insurance also lack any assets that could be used to cover the harm caused to you in a crash.
In the case of a hit-and-run crash, your insurer will treat the situation as if the unidentified driver is uninsured. In this way, you will be able to collect compensation for your injuries.
One issue is that the policy that insurers must provide is only the state-mandated minimum car insurance. The policy can be for higher amounts, but only if you selected such coverage. Still, funds are available to help you after a crash.
While you might suspect that dealing with your own insurance company will simplify matters, this may not be so. In many cases, the insurance company will attempt to offer lower amounts or question the severity of the injuries and the need for medical care in the same way they would if someone filed a claim against one of their insureds. For this reason, it is important to have a Lutherville, Maryland, personal injury attorney who is available to represent you and ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to and that you and your family need. Your attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf with your insurer.
Lutherville, Maryland Police Officers Often Identify Hit-and-Run Drivers
While hit-and-run drivers sometimes escape, many are later caught by the police. Some of the ways that investigators are able to identify the drivers involved in these crashes include:
- Footage from security cameras in the area;
- Calls to the police from anonymous sources or others with information about the car or driver;
- Notice from someone immediately after the crash when the police use the rapid alert program;
- Witnesses who saw the vehicle and can provide a description;
- Notice from a repair shop where the driver takes their damaged vehicle;
- Evidence such as broken car parts that remain at the crash scene.
Your Lutherville, Maryland, personal injury attorney will be able to contact the police to follow up on your case and make sure that investigators are pursuing the driver. If the police can locate and arrest the driver involved in the crash, you will have more avenues for collecting compensation for your injuries. Filing a claim against the driver or a claim with the insurance company are both possibilities in these cases.
Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP to Speak to an Attorney About Your Claim
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand how difficult it is to face car-crash related injuries, even when the driver does not flee the scene. In hit-and-runs, the situation becomes more severe and more devastating. Still, you have rights and opportunities to collect compensation for your injuries.
Call Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP today at 410-769-5400 to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated and compassionate attorneys.