5 Types of Evidence to Prove a Hit-and-Run Crash
When a driver hits and leaves you without notifying the authorities or offering assistance, they can face legal consequences for a hit-and-run violation. In most cases, this includes monetary compensation for the injured victim.
However, this becomes complicated when you can’t locate the driver. How can you receive compensation if you don’t know who and where the at-fault party is? Fortunately, some insurance policies cover damages from such instances. But, you must first prove that you were genuinely hit by a fleeing driver, resulting in your injuries.
In this article, you will learn what evidence to use to justify a hit-and-run crash and how to increase your chances of receiving compensation.
What Constitutes Hit-and-Run?
Suppose you were driving at night when a speeding driver rear-ended you. The other driver fled the scene without helping you, leaving their contact information, or notifying the authorities. In this case, the speeding driver committed a hit-and-run violation.
As such, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in a traffic collision and leaves the location without stopping to help the other persons involved or provide essential contact information. This also happens when the driver fails to report the crash to law enforcement.Â
In every country, hit-and-run is illegal. However, the consequences of such violations vary. In most cases, hit-and-run drivers face legal repercussions, such as fines, monetary compensation to the injured victim, and jail time.Â
5 Evidence to Prove a Hit-and-Run Crash
Some people think winning a hit-and-run case or locating a fleeing driver is nearly impossible. However, with sufficient evidence, you can still catch the culprit and receive compensation. Sometimes, you can even obtain a settlement for the damages done by the fleeing driver, even if you can’t locate them by using your insurance.
However, you must justify that a hit-and-run driver struck you to be able to claim a settlement. Hence, seeking legal representation is crucial. For instance, having a skilled DUI lawyer by your side can significantly help you navigate the complexities and secure the settlement you deserve in drunk driving cases.
The following evidence can be beneficial in proving your hit-and-run case:
Photos of the Car Accident
Physical evidence from the collision, such as paint scratches, skid markings, or vehicle debris, can be used to piece together the sequence of events that led up to the hit-and-run. Additionally, these can offer information about the kind of vehicle that was involved.
So, after the crash, you must take a photo of the accident scene, including the physical evidence at the site. When doing so, you may also include other information that may have contributed to the crash, such as the area where the accident occurred, the signs within the location, and the road and weather conditions at the time of the hit-and-run collision.
Surveillance or CCTV footage
Security or traffic cameras in the area may have recorded the events before the hit-and-run accident, as well as the car involved and its license plate number. Finding the at-fault driver may be made easier with the help of this proof.
Aside from this, you can also use the footage from your dash camera to identify the driver and prove the accident. In most cases, dash cams can capture the plate number and type of vehicle at the front of the car.Â
Witness Testimonies
Testimonies from those at the scene might yield important information regarding the specifics of the hit-and-run incident, such as the vehicle’s description and the direction in which it fled.
However, sometimes, insurance companies say that the witness statements may be tampered with or biased, especially if you, the victim, gathered this evidence. So, you must also gather the witness’ contact details, such as their name, phone number, and address. Your lawyer can contact them and collect their testimonies as the legal process progresses.
Police Report
It’s important to promptly report any car accident to the authorities, especially if it leads to injuries or damages. Doing so is essential for filing a claim, as the police report is crucial evidence of the incident.
The police report contains vital details pertinent to your case, including the possible license number and identification of the driver, the extent of damages incurred, any violations by the involved drivers, and the officer’s assessment of the accident’s cause and circumstances.
Medical Records
When filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation, one of the most essential things the court considers is the severity of the damages. You won’t have a case if the hit-and-run driver hits you and DOES NOT cause any injury or damage. On the other hand, if you sustain injuries or damages from the collision, that can be grounds for a personal injury claim.
Hence, you must collect all medical records proving that your injuries result from the collision caused by the hit-and-run driver. Otherwise, your case will be dismissed.
Can I Receive Compensation if I Can’t Locate the Driver?
If you can’t locate the fleeing driver, you can still receive compensation for the damages through your insurance policy. Certain coverages, such as Uninsured Motorist Coverage, pay for the damage expenses of the crash, provided that the at-fault driver fled or did not have sufficient insurance. Usually, such insurance can cover medical bills, vehicle damage costs, and lost wages.
Despite this, securing a settlement for an accident, especially if you can’t locate the driver, can be overwhelming and complicated. Sometimes, insurance companies try to avoid paying damages by insisting that you don’t have enough proof to prove your claim.
This is where the best lawyer for a car accident comes in. They can use their expertise, experience, and resources to gather sufficient evidence to justify your claim. They will also calculate the total damages to maximize your compensation. With the help of a competent attorney, you will understand the suitable legal options based on your situation and needs.Â