What is a hit and run accident?
When someone causes an accident and flees the scene (usually to avoid responsibility), it is known as a hit and run. Sometimes this happens on the road. You could be rear-ended and not have a chance to see anything but the taillights of the person who hit you, or you could return to your car to find it damaged with no sign of a responsible party.
Take immediate action
The other driver has sped away, leaving you in a state of disbelief and panic. In the immediate moments after your hit and run accident, it is incredibly important to keep your wits about you and follow the same steps as you would in a normal accident:
- Call the police
- Seek medical attention-either at the scene or with your doctor
- Notify your insurance company
- Collect any witness statements and information
- Document the scene with photographs
Once an official police report has been made, seek immediate medical attention and then notify your insurance company. Even if you feel fine, make you have a medical professional evaluate you. You could have life-threatening injuries and not even realize it. Also make sure to document your accident. Every piece of evidence matters in hit-and-run cases.
New Hampshire's hit and run laws
In the state of New Hampshire, the law states that people involved in a collision must stay at the scene or immediately travel to the local police station to report the accident. They must also exchange information, unless a police officer is involved to record them. The driver who fled the scene may be responsible for the damage, medical bills, and other losses.
In addition, they may be charged with a hit and run misdemeanor or felony, a serious criminal offense.
It may be possible to collect damages in a hit and run accident even when the other driver is never identified.
How much can I get in a hit-and-run lawsuit?
There is no set dollar amount as far as how much money you should receive for your hit-and-run accident. The bottom line is you should be compensated for all your injury-related expenses.
Many people only consider short-term expenses, such as emergency medical bills right after the accident, but you should also be compensated for additional expenses in the future. This includes future medical bills, replacement income during your recovery and lost future income if you cannot return to work.
Calculating all these bills and expenses can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to consult with an attorney familiar with these cases and the laws governing them. Your lawyer can work with you to estimate the value of your case and file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Can I sue my insurance company after a hit and run?
One of the reasons why hit-and-run accidents are so complicated is because many people aren’t sure who they can sue or take legal action against after their crash. In many cases, your best option may be to take legal action against your own insurance company.
These cases are much more complicated than many people might realize. That’s because only certain people with certain types of insurance can take legal action against their own insurance company after a hit-and-run in New Hampshire.
You’ll likely need uninsured motorist (UM) coverage in order to take legal action against your insurance company. However, it’s always best to discuss your options with an experienced attorney who can answer your questions and explain how the legal system works.
Why should I hire a hit-and-run attorney?
The stakes are high after a hit-and-run accident. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the length of your recovery, the financial impact of your crash can add up fast. If you don’t have a lawyer fighting for your rights, you might not get the money you may be entitled to for your crash.
Experienced attorneys understand how the system works. They know how to negotiate with insurance companies. If necessary, they can help you take legal action, including filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
It’s also important to remember that you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action in New Hampshire. In most cases, you only have three years from the date of your crash. If you miss that deadline, you could miss your only opportunity for justice. That’s why it’s critical that you talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
Count on our lawyers after your crash
Hit and run cases can be very complicated. And if you make a mistake, you might miss out on your opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you deserve for your accident. Your claims process will likely be even more confusing since you will need to make a claim against your own insurance company if the hit-and-run driver cannot be located.
Your case will be easier if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist insurance. But there's no guarantee your claim will automatically be approved. That's why it's important to have an experienced attorney on your side. Contact us using our online form or call 603-742-2332. We can help you get the justice you deserve.
