Every year, hundreds of thousands of hit-and-run car accidents occur across the United States, according to the website autoinsurance, leaving victims injured, in need of help, and unsure of their next steps. AAA reports that around 40 fatal hit-and-run crashes occur in Louisiana every year. In fact, Louisiana has one of the highest rates of hit-and-run crashes in the country.
If you have suffered injuries in a hit-and-run car crash, you need a skilled accident lawyer in Lafayette, Louisiana to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. At The Thibeaux Firm, our dedicated legal team understands the unique challenges that hit-and-run accidents present. Led by Attorney Omar Thibeaux, we are committed to providing respectful, understanding, and caring legal representation to victims of these traumatic incidents. As “The 25% Attorney,” Attorney Thibeaux charges a flat 25 percent fee for cases where he wins compensation for car accident victims, not the 33 to 40 percent that’s industry standard. That means you take home more of the financial award you need and deserve.
Don’t wait another moment to get the help you need. Contact The Thibeaux Firm today for a free consultation with a hit-and-run lawyer in Lafayette, and let us get started on your case right away.
How Lafayette Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Hit and Run
When you are dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run, having an experienced Lafayette car accident lawyer by your side can make a tremendous difference. Attorney Thibeaux and his hardworking legal team can assist you in several crucial ways, including:
- Investigating the accident and cooperating with law enforcement to identify the at-fault driver
- Gathering and preserving evidence to support your car accident claim
- Handling the complex insurance claims process
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Representing you in court if necessary
Our determined approach has helped numerous clients in Lafayette car accident cases, including those involving hit-and-run crashes. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Why Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur
Understanding why drivers flee the scene of an accident can help you build a stronger car accident claim. Common reasons an at-fault party may flee include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – Impaired drivers often panic at the thought of facing DUI charges, which can result in severe legal consequences.
- Lacking insurance or a valid driver’s license – In Louisiana, driving without insurance or a valid license carries significant penalties. Drivers in this situation may flee to avoid these consequences, not realizing that leaving the scene of an accident is an even more serious offense. This is particularly common in hit-and-run accidents involving younger or financially struggling drivers.
- Outstanding warrants or previous legal issues – Individuals with existing legal problems, such as outstanding warrants or those on probation, may flee an accident scene to avoid interaction with law enforcement.
- Feeling panic or fear of consequences – Sometimes, drivers flee simply out of panic or an overwhelming fear of facing the immediate consequences of the auto accident. This knee-jerk reaction is not legally justifiable and can significantly complicate the car accident claim process for injury victims.
- Protecting their personal or professional reputation – Some drivers, particularly those in high-profile positions or with public reputations to maintain, might flee to avoid immediate scandal or negative publicity.
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can result in severe penalties for the at-fault driver. If the car accident victim has sustained serious injuries or loses their life, the hit-and-run driver may face up to ten years in prison.
When you hire our personal injury law firm to represent you after a hit-and-run crash, we can seek financial compensation and justice on your behalf. Our Lafayette personal injury attorney leaves no stone unturned in identifying possible avenues for financial recovery.
Insurance Options for Dealing with a Hit and Run Claim
The first step car accident attorneys take after a hit-and-run crash is to try to identify the negligent driver. If the driver can be identified, you can file a liability insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurer, just as you would if they had stopped like they were legally required to.
When the responsible party cannot be identified, injury victims of hit-and-run accidents often worry about how they will cover their medical expenses and property damage. Fortunately, several insurance options may help, such as:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage – This optional coverage can provide compensation if the at-fault driver is never found or lacks insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This no-fault coverage can help pay for medical costs and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
- Collision Coverage – This can help pay for repairs to your vehicle, even if the authorities never identify the at-fault driver.
Attorney Thibeaux can help you understand your policy and maximize your benefits under these coverages.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash
If you have sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Louisiana, taking the proper steps immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Report the Accident – Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request police assistance. A police report is crucial for your personal injury claim and can potentially help identify the fleeing driver.
- Get Medical Help – Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you have sustained serious injuries. Some conditions may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical treatment creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.
- Write Down Information – Be sure to jot down your memory of what happened while it’s still fresh. Include as much descriptive information as possible, including any portion of the fleeing driver’s license plate number, their physical appearance, and a description of their vehicle.
- Talk to Witnesses – Gather contact information from any witnesses at the scene. Their statements could be valuable in your case, especially if they caught a glimpse of the fleeing vehicle.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider – Notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be honest about what happened, but avoid admitting fault or speculating about details you’re unsure of.
- Take Prompt Legal Action – In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for most car accident cases is two years. This means you have two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contacting an experienced auto accident lawyer in Lafayette as swiftly as possible can ensure you do not miss this crucial deadline.
Contact an Experienced Lafayette Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a hit-and-run accident, you may be feeling anxious and uncertain about what your medical, financial, and emotional future holds. The caring and hardworking team at The Thibeaux Firm is here to help. We handle all types of car accident claims, from minor fender benders to fatal accidents resulting in wrongful death lawsuits. Contact us today for a free initial consultation, and find out how our legal representation can make a difference in your case.