What You Need to Know About Hit-and-Run Accidents in Virginia

Guilty people run, which is why it's not unusual for a driver whose negligence or carelessness causes him to hit a pedestrian, bicycle rider, motorcycle, or another car to drive away to try to avoid taking responsibility for his actions. If you are the victim of the hit-and-run driver, you can take a few steps to get help with your recovery. 

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash

The first thing you should do is call the police to report the crash. The police will make an effort to find the driver, particularly if there are serious injuries at the scene. If the driver who caused the accident is found, he or she will face charges of leaving the scene of an accident and not reporting the accident, under Code 46.2-894. Charges can also be filed against a passenger in the vehicle aged 16 or more who fails to report the accident to the police. If convicted, the driver or passenger will be guilty of a Class 5 felony, which carries a punishment of no less than one year imprisonment or jail time.

If the driver is located, you can then pursue his auto insurance for your damages. However, it is likely that one of the reasons he fled the scene is that he doesn't have insurance, or doesn't have enough of the right kind of insurance. Your next two calls should be to your own auto insurance company and to a personal injury lawyer.

Your Options After a Hit-and-Run

If you were injured in the crash, you have a few options for recovering damages.

• Your own insurance. If you have collision coverage, you will be reimbursed for the material damage to your vehicle. If you have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, your losses should be covered, but you will have to fight your insurance company to get the compensation to which you are entitled.
• The at-fault driver. If the other driver is located and has insurance, his policy can be pursued to cover your losses or to reimburse your insurance company. 
• Other liable parties. Depending on the complexities of the case, there may be other insurance policies to pursue. A lawyer can investigate the accident and determine if there are other liable parties.
• Help from a personal injury lawyer. Whether you are dealing with your own insurance company or with the at-fault driver's, you will need help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

The sooner you call Dulaney, Lawyer & Thomas, the sooner we can get to work identifying all possible sources of compensation and fighting to get you the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Don't Give Up Just Because the Other Driver Is Gone

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Virginia hit-and-run accident, please contact our Warrenton or Culpeper accident attorneys today for a free discussion of your case. We will provide you with a realistic assessment of your case and help you find avenues for compensation. Even if you are only dealing with your own insurance company, it's important to have an experienced lawyer representing your claim. We fight for our clients.