Hit-and-Run Car Accident Injury Lawyers
A hit-and-run car accident is one in which one party involved leaves the accident scene.
Sometimes, the vehicle may not even be identified, especially if it’s dark, there aren’t any witnesses, or if you’ve been hurt too badly to take in the other car’s information. Usually, the driver leaves without providing the other driver with their name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and the tag number of their vehicle. But, sometimes, these hit-and-run vehicles are identified, either by witnesses at the scene of the accident or at a later date by police efforts.
Like any other type of major accident, hit-and-run accidents can have serious consequences, including life-changing, catastrophic injuries. Establishing liability can be difficult when there is no one present at the scene to hold accountable.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Ontario, it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.
Hit-and-Run Accident Cases are Different From Other Types of Car Accidents
Even though you may have auto insurance to cover you in case of an accident, you may soon realize that Ontario insurance laws are different for hit-and-run cases. Even if you aren’t able to identify the vehicle that fled, you may still have coverage under your own policy for your property damage and any medical bills.
Hit-and-run accidents don’t just happen between two drivers. Sometimes, a pedestrian, motorcycle operator, or cyclist is struck by a car that flees the scene. People who were riding a bicycle or walking, and not covered by their auto policy, may be protected by the Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (MVACF).
This is a province-sponsored coverage program for people who do not have insurance. It offers accident benefits for people who were not at fault for the accident and contains provisions that allow the accident victim and their legal representation to file a tort claim against the unidentified driver through the MVACF.
At DWA Law, we offer a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your claim.
What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Ontario?
Although the minutes after a motor vehicle accident can be chaotic, painful, and confusing, it’s important to follow these steps after an accident to ensure that, as a hit and run victim, you’re able to get the settlement you deserve with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Call the police and emergency medical services (EMS)
Immediately call 911 for police and EMS. Even if the other driver flees, the police can gather valuable evidence to track them down. Furthermore, you should always seek medical care after an accident, even if you don’t feel hurt. Sometimes, accident injuries don’t show up right away, but having prompt medical attention can diagnose them and get you the right treatment.
Plus, your medical records from right after the accident are valuable evidence for your car accident attorney. The medical records document that the injuries you suffered did, in fact, occur because of the accident, and weren’t caused by something else.
Document everything you remember about the accident
If you’re able, write down any information you remember about the accident, including a description of the at-fault vehicle and any part of the license plate number you noticed. Also, even though this information may be in the police report, write down the circumstances of the accident and your own account of how the accident happened.
Look around at the area where the accident happened. There could be a red light camera or security cameras at nearby stores or banks that could have captured part of the accident. Note the location of these for your lawyer. Also, be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the collision.
Keep a journal of the accident’s aftermath
Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle or bike, as well as all of your injuries and any torn clothing or shoes or other property damage. Save all receipts for any medical care you required as a result of the accident.
In addition, log how your injuries are affecting your life and whether or not you had to miss work because of the accident or due to healing from your injuries. Sometimes, you may be entitled to pain and suffering compensation if your injuries had a significant impact on your quality of life. Make sure to document how your injuries are affecting your level of independence and your ability to work or go to school.
Contact a hit and run car accident lawyer
It’s best to have legal representation from the beginning. Sometimes, your own insurance company may try to deny your accident claim. Having a personal injury law firm at the outset protects your legal interests and ensures that you get the coverage and settlement you’re entitled to.
Furthermore, if the police are able to locate the other driver, or if they turn themselves in, then you may be able to file a suit for damages against them to cover all the expenses you incurred as a result of the accident, even if your own insurance offers a settlement. A car accident attorney can file this for you and pursue your case against the hit-and-run driver.
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DWA Law – Personal Injury Lawyers
The veteran car accident lawyers at DWA Law Personal Injury firm can help you navigate the legal system and the terms of your insurance policy to help ensure you get the favorable results following a hit-and-run accident.
If you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, a DWA personal injury lawyer will work tirelessly to make sure that your rights under Ontario law are respected and that you get a fair outcome to your hit-and-run claim.
