Alexandria Hit & Run Accident Lawyer
Helping Clients Across Virginia Navigate Hit & Run Accident Claims
All car accidents are jarring, but one of the most stressful situations an auto accident victim can find themselves in is one in which the driver who hit them speeds away without pulling over. Not only does the victim have to deal with being injured and having their car damaged, but they don’t have the identity of the person who caused the accident and, therefore, cannot file a claim through the at-fault party’s insurance company. In situations like these, it is necessary to contact an experienced car accident attorney who can guide them through seeking compensation.
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, we have decades of combined experience handling various car accident cases in Alexandria and throughout Virginia. If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, we encourage you to contact us today to request a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Call The Barrera Law Firm today at (571) 290-2390 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our hit and run accident attorney in Alexandria!
What to Do After a Hit & Run Accident
If you are involved in a hit & run accident, take the following steps:
- Remain calm. While it may be tempting to try and follow the person who hit you, this will only make things worse and increase your chance of further damage and injury. Stay calm and move to the side of the road when it is safe.
- Call for help. As soon as you are able, call 911 to get police and medical responders to the scene. The police will fill out an accident report, so try to remember the accident and the missing driver as much as possible.
- Take notes. Write down as much information as you know about the person who hit you, including the make and model of the vehicle, any part of the license plate you can recall, and any identifying factors you can remember about the driver. It is also a good idea to take down the names and contact information of witnesses who may have seen what happened.
- Take pictures. If you can, take pictures of the damage to your car, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. If the driver is identified, this evidence may prove useful in proving liability for the accident later on.
- See a doctor. Even if you don’t immediately feel hurt, you may still have suffered an injury and should have yourself checked out as soon as possible.
- Speak with an attorney. Do not attempt to handle a hit & run accident on your own. Retain an attorney who can help you understand your options.
Hit & run accident victims in Virginia may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering through their own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If you are unsure whether you have this coverage, our lawyers can review your policy and inform you of your options.
Causes of Hit & Run Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the largest factors in hit-and-run accidents. It is widely known that alcohol can have very negative effects on the body, including a slower, more delayed reaction time, blurry vision, poor focus and concentration, and lack of coordination, among many other effects. Drivers, especially younger or more inexperienced, are afraid of the possible penalties associated with DUI.
Another reason? The driver does not have insurance. Getting caught strikes fear in many drivers who do not carry insurance or do not have their driver’s licenses on them. The unfortunate reality is that the penalties for being charged with a hit-and-run are much heavier than simply being cited without having a license or insurance. Even then, there are close to 30 million drivers on the road who do not carry insurance.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Hit & Run Accident Claim?
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Virginia, you may be able to claim various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for hospital bills, surgery costs, ongoing medical treatments, rehabilitation, and other related medical care.
- Lost Wages: Recovery of lost income if the accident caused you to miss work, including future lost earning capacity if your ability to work has been affected long-term.
- Vehicle Repair or Replacement: You may claim the expenses for fixing or replacing your damaged vehicle and any other affected personal belongings.
- Physical and Emotional Distress: Compensation may be available for the pain, suffering, and emotional strain caused by the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages related to the accident's impact on your relationship with your spouse or family.
- Punitive Damages: In situations where the driver's conduct was particularly outrageous, you may be entitled to additional damages intended to penalize the wrongdoer and discourage such behavior in the future.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Hit & Run Accident Claim in Virginia?
In Virginia, the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a hit-and-run accident is two years from the date of the incident. For claims related to vehicle damage, the statute of limitations is five years. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial; failing to file within the specified timeframe can result in losing your legal right to seek compensation. The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, can assist you in ensuring that your case is filed promptly and all necessary legal procedures are followed to preserve your rights.
Contact Our Alexandria Hit & Run Accident Attorney Today
Hit & run accidents can be complex, but an Alexandria car accident attorney at our firm can help by investigating your accident, working with law enforcement to identify and locate the liable party, and/or making a claim through your insurer. We understand this is a stressful time, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Contact The Barrera Law Firm today to schedule a meeting with our hit and run accident lawyer in Alexandria!
