If you have been in a Boston hit-and-run car accident, a Boston hit-and-run car accident attorney will be able to provide you with legal assistance and advice. Personal injury lawyers understand how frustrating and emotionally draining it can be when dealing with serious injuries after a car accident.
Common Causes of Hit-And-Run Accidents
Accidents of any kind can devastate you and your vehicle, but they can be even more challenging when the other driver does not stop or leaves the accident scene without providing any information about their identity. Some of the most common causes of hit-and-run accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Ignoring posted traffic signs
If you ever notice yourself or another person driving in a distracted or negligent way, prioritize your safety so that you can save yourself (and others) the physical and mental trauma of an accident.
Hit-And-Run Injuries
It can be challenging to avoid an injury in a hit-and-run, especially if it happened suddenly. Sometimes, after a hit-and-run, victims may sustain severe injuries and, in some cases, death. The following are some examples of physical damages you might experience in a hit-and-run accident:
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Head trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Neck pain
- Back problems
In many cases, victims of hit-and-runs have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a condition where people develop symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, depression, and suicidal thoughts after experiencing a traumatic event. If a hit-and-run accident harmed you, you might need professional help to cope with your mental health after a traumatizing car accident.
Getting Compensation for Your Injuries
As a victim suffering any of these injuries or damages, you could be eligible for compensation. The compensation amount will be based on your injuries and damages specific to your case. The severity of the injuries depends on several factors, including:
- Vehicle's speed
- Amount of force applied to the body
- Location of the collision
- Type of vehicle
- Age of the victim
- Time elapsed between the accident and arrival of emergency services
Your lawyer will also take a closer look at how the accident's expenses have affected you financially. They might review medical bills, prescriptions, in-home care, and more as they calculate a settlement estimate.
What to Do After Hit-And-Run Accident
When you are involved in a car accident, you should immediately call 911 to report the incident. This way, police officers can investigate the scene and determine whether the other driver was negligent. If the other driver refuses to cooperate, file a complaint with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Filing a claim against the responsible party is essential to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.
You should also be sure to obtain copies of all relevant documents about the accident. Some of these documents may include the following:
- Police reports
- Insurance policy statements
- Witness statements
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene
- Medical reports
- Traffic camera and CCTV footage
Dealing with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often deny valid claims because they believe that the victim did something wrong. For example, if another car rear-ended you while you were stopped at a red light, your insurance company could argue that you failed to yield the right of way. Many people assume that their insurance company will cover all their claims, so they fail to protect themselves from fraudulent practices. A Boston car accident lawyer would have experience with how insurance companies operate, as well as how to negotiate with them.
You Can Pay Directly from Your Settlement
A car accident may debilitate you financially, mentally, and physically, leaving you destitute. Paying for medical bills and a lawyer may seem overwhelming. If you are worried about the cost of hiring an uninsured motorist accident lawyer, you can hire an auto accident lawyer on a contingency-fee basis. This means you will only be charged once you have won your case, that way, you don't have to stress about the cost while trying to recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Massachusetts Hit-And-Run Laws
In Massachusetts, hit-and-run drivers are considered "careless" under the law. Carelessness is when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle, including failing to stop after an accident, rendering aid, or leaving the scene without providing identification.
Hit-and-run drivers can receive either criminal or civil charges. Criminal penalties range from fines to imprisonment, while civil penalties can include compensatory damages, attorney fees, and court costs.
Boston, MA Statutes of Limitations
The statutes of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit varies depending on the type of negligence. The timeline begins running once a plaintiff discovers, or should have discovered, the cause of the accident. For a hit-and-run, this means that the statute of limitations starts running when the injured party learns about the identity of the negligent driver.
- The limitation runs for one year from the date of the accident.
- If the defendant does not provide proof of insurance, then the statute of limitations runs for two years from the date of the incident.
- If the defendant provides proof of insurance, then it runs for three years.
How Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Can Help
An experienced Boston car accident lawyer will know what questions you will face and how best to guide you through the legal process after your accident. A lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance companies to settle your claim quickly and fairly. They can also assist you in pursuing criminal charges against the person responsible for causing your accident if necessary.
Contact Dolman Law Group Today
The Boston personal injury lawyers at Dolman Law Group wants to ensure that you get the justice you deserve. We will help answer your questions and be there every step of the way fighting for you to receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering. Do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
76 Canal Street, Suite 302
Boston, MA 02114
(857) 407-4182
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