hit and run lawyer - hit and run accident lawyers in Maryland

hit and run lawyer

When you’re involved in a hit and run accident, the experience can be traumatic and life-changing. If you’ve been a victim of a hit and run incident in Maryland, you may face unexpected medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and emotional distress. What’s even more difficult is when the person responsible for the accident flees the scene, leaving you to deal with the aftermath on your own.

In such cases, having a hit and run lawyer by your side is essential to protect your rights and help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages. The role of a hit and run accident lawyer, what steps to take after a hit and run accident, and how to ensure you get the best legal representation in Maryland.

What is a Hit and Run Accident?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without providing identification, insurance details, or assisting the injured party. This can apply to both car-on-car accidents and incidents involving pedestrians or bicyclists. Hit and run accidents are not only morally wrong but illegal under Maryland law.

Consequences of a Hit and Run Accident

Hit and run accidents can have serious legal consequences for the fleeing driver. Depending on the severity of the accident, penalties can range from fines to imprisonment. For victims, the impact can be devastating both physically and financially. Without the responsible party present, victims are often left wondering how they will cover medical expenses, repair bills, and other damages.

Why You Need a Hit and Run Lawyer

Navigating the legal complexities of a hit and run accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from physical injuries. A hit and run attorney in Maryland can provide the following essential services:

Investigating the accident: Your lawyer can work with law enforcement, insurance companies, and investigators to gather evidence, identify the responsible party, and build a strong case.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and time-consuming. A hit and run accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance adjusters to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a civil lawsuit: If the driver is identified, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Maximizing your compensation: With an experienced lawyer, you’re more likely to secure the best possible outcome, including compensation from your own insurance if the driver is never found.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Maryland

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, it is important to act quickly and carefully. Here are the critical steps you should take:

Stay Calm and Stay Safe

After a hit and run accident, ensure you are in a safe location, away from oncoming traffic. If your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road to avoid causing further accidents. If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately.

Call the Police

It’s crucial to report a hit and run accident to the police as soon as possible. This creates an official record of the accident and increases the chances of tracking down the responsible party. Provide as much detail as possible, including the time, location, and any details about the vehicle or driver.

Gather Evidence

While waiting for the police to arrive, try to gather evidence if you are physically able. Take photos of your car, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and see if they are willing to provide a statement to the police.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately. Your medical records will also be vital evidence in your legal case.

Contact a Hit and Run Lawyer

A hit and run lawyer in Maryland can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. The sooner you consult with an attorney, the better chance you have of securing compensation for your injuries and damages.

How a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Hiring the best hit and run attorney in Maryland can make all the difference in your case. Here’s how:

Case Investigation

A hit and run lawyer will start by thoroughly investigating your case. They’ll review police reports, talk to witnesses, examine any available surveillance footage, and consult accident reconstruction experts if needed.

Legal Advice and Guidance

Your attorney will provide you with expert legal advice tailored to your situation. They’ll guide you through the complexities of Maryland’s hit and run laws, explain your rights, and help you understand your legal options.

Pursuing Legal Action

If the hit and run driver is identified, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. In Maryland, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage

If the driver is not identified, your attorney can help you file a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage, which is required in Maryland.

Common Challenges in Hit and Run Cases

While hit and run accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure justice for their clients, these cases come with unique challenges:

Identifying the Driver

The biggest challenge in hit and run cases is identifying the driver responsible for the accident. Without a suspect, it can be difficult to recover compensation through legal means. Your lawyer will work closely with law enforcement to uncover leads and track down the person responsible.

Statute of Limitations

In Maryland, victims of hit and run accidents have a limited time to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If the driver is not found within that time, you may lose your right to pursue legal action.

The Importance of Choosing the Best Hit and Run Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer is crucial to the success of your case. Here’s what you should look for in the best hit and run lawyer:

1. Experience and Expertise

Look for a lawyer who has extensive experience handling hit and run cases. The best hit and run attorneys in Maryland will have a proven track record of success in helping clients recover compensation after a hit and run accident.

2. Strong Communication Skills

Your lawyer should be an effective communicator who keeps you informed at every stage of the process. They should be available to answer your questions and provide updates on your case.

3. A Dedication to Client Advocacy

The best hit and run accident lawyers are dedicated to advocating for their clients’ rights. They will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

Maryland Hit and Run Laws: What You Need to Know

Understanding Maryland’s hit and run laws is crucial if you’re involved in an accident. Maryland law requires that drivers involved in an accident stop and provide assistance to any injured parties. Failing to do so can result in severe penalties, including jail time, fines, and the suspension of the driver’s license.

Penalties for Hit and Run Drivers

Misdemeanor hit and run (minor property damage): Punishable by fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Felony hit and run (serious bodily injury or death): Can result in fines up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

What to Do if You Are a Victim of a Hit and Run

If you are the victim of a hit and run accident in Maryland, the first step is to contact a qualified hit and run lawyer. They will help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the case.

Compensation in Hit and Run Cases

In Maryland, victims of hit and run accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical Expenses: Covers hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for your lost wages.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver is identified and found to be reckless or malicious, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hit and Run Lawyers in Maryland

1. What should I do if the driver who hit me is never found?

If the hit and run driver is never found, you can still pursue compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. A hit and run accident attorney will guide you through this process.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a hit and run accident in Maryland?

In Maryland, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the responsible driver is identified after this period, you may lose your right to sue.

3. How can a hit and run lawyer help me if the driver has no insurance?

If the driver is identified but has no insurance, your attorney can help you seek compensation through other means, such as your own uninsured motorist coverage or filing a lawsuit directly against the driver.

4. How much does it cost to hire a hit and run lawyer?

Most hit and run lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your attorney will take a percentage of your settlement or court award.

Conclusion: Get Help from a Hit and Run Lawyer in Maryland

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run accident is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. The right hit and run lawyer can help you pursue justice, recover compensation, and move forward with your life. If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run accident in Maryland, contact Houlon Berman, a leading hit and run law firm, for a free consultation.

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