If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident in Plymouth, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You’re not alone. These incidents can be traumatic and often leave victims with serious injuries and mounting expenses.
At Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, our hit and run accident lawyers in Plymouth understand that you need guidance and support to secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Working with a dedicated Plymouth car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and work towards obtaining the fair compensation you need to move forward.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident
Following a hit and run accident, one of the most important moments is the immediate aftermath. You must take immediate steps to guarantee your safety and gather information for potential legal action. Move to a safe location, away from the accident site, to avoid further risk of injury.
Call the police and report the incident, providing as much detail as possible. Take photos and videos of any damage to your vehicle, as well as any visible injuries you’ve sustained. Make note of any witnesses and their contact information. This accident documentation will be important for building a strong case.
Additionally, seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, as some injuries may not manifest immediately. Remember, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a hit and run accident can greatly impact the outcome of your case. Our Plymouth personal injury lawyer can help you start building your case.
How Long Do You Have to File a Hit and Run Accident Claim in Plymouth?
In Massachusetts, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim, including those involving hit and run accidents. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long to take legal action, you likely will lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
That’s why it’s important to speak with a Plymouth hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible, especially in hit and run cases, where time-sensitive evidence like surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts can disappear quickly.
Even though three years sounds like a long time, these cases often take months of investigation to identify the driver and prepare your claim. You’ll also need to deal with your own insurance company if the driver isn’t found. Your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage might apply, but deadlines for notifying your insurer can be much shorter than the lawsuit deadline.
Tracking Down the At-Fault Driver in a Hit and Run Case
When you’re involved in a hit and run accident, you must act fast to track down the at-fault driver. Here’s what to do:
Gather Evidence Quickly
Since the clock starts ticking immediately after a hit and run accident, you must act swiftly to gather evidence that can help track down the at-fault driver.
It’s fundamental to preserve any evidence that could help identify the fleeing driver, including vehicle parts left behind or surveillance footage. Your accident documentation should include details such as the time and location of the incident, the direction the at-fault driver was heading, and a description of the vehicle.
Identifying Witness Statements
You’ve taken the first step in documenting the accident scene, now it’s time to focus on identifying witness accounts that can help track down the at-fault driver. Witnesses can provide details about the hit and run driver’s vehicle, license plate, and direction.
However, it’s important to assess eyewitness reliability and potential statement inconsistencies. When gathering witness statements, ask open-ended questions to encourage detailed descriptions and avoid leading questions that might influence their responses.
Pay attention to any discrepancies in their accounts, as these can impact the credibility of their testimony. By carefully evaluating witness statements, you can increase the chances of tracking down the hit and run driver and building a strong case. Our team will give you the Stone Cold Guarantee® and help you gather the evidence necessary.
Filing a Claim and Negotiating With Insurance Companies in Plymouth
After a hit and run crash, one important step is filing a claim with the insurance company. Be prepared to provide detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, and location. During the claim process, you’ll likely engage in insurance negotiations with the insurance company.
This may involve multiple phone calls, emails, and written correspondence. It’s important to keep detailed records of all interactions, including dates, times, and the substance of the discussions. Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to minimize its payout, so it’s important to be prepared and assertive when negotiating your claim.
Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Plymouth Can Pursue Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
When pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries, you’ll need to go through the injury claims process.
Injury Claims Process
Start by documenting your injuries, including medical records, treatment plans, and any relevant correspondence with healthcare providers. This thorough injury documentation will help bolster your claim.
Be aware of compensation timelines, as they can vary depending on the circumstances of your accident. Working with an experienced hit and run accident lawyer in Plymouth can help you know that you’re taking the right steps to pursue maximum compensation within the required timeframe.
By providing documentation, you may be eligible for damages such as pain and suffering, lost income, medical expenses, and property damage.
Proving Fault and Liability
Proving fault and liability is an important component of your hit and run crash case, as it directly impacts the amount of compensation you’re eligible to receive for your injuries. You’ll need to demonstrate that the other driver’s actions led to the accident and that they’re responsible for your losses.
This involves a thorough liability assessment, examining factors like traffic laws, witness statements, and vehicle damage. Your lawyer will help you handle the process of fault determination and building a strong case to support your claim. By establishing clear liability, you’ll be better positioned to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Our Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Plymouth
As you deal with the aftermath of a hit and run crash, remember that a skilled lawyer, such as those at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, is important for securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you never need to reach into your pocket to pay us.
Not Trusting What You’re Being Told?
Better Phone Stone
800-577-5188
START MY NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
