Hit and Run Accident Attorney In Hattiesburg, MS
Car accidents can cause severe injuries, financial hardship, and emotional trauma that make recovery difficult. In a hit-and-run, the stress and anxiety you may feel can be even more intense, with the uncertainty this type of accident can create. A Hattiesburg hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you navigate the unique challenges a hit-and-run accident presents and can pursue compensation for your losses.
Why Work With Us?
At WaideLaw, we help hit-and-run victims by building a legal strategy founded on the principles of Isaiah 1:17 and Mississippi’s hit-and-run accident laws. Attorney Daniel Waide is committed to bringing justice and compensation to accident victims, helping them move forward after this traumatic experience. Outside of law, he is passionate about supporting the community through involvement with youth sports leagues, an interest rooted in his own football experiences.
An Overview of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Hattiesburg
Whether out of fear of consequences, shock, or a lack of insurance, there are many reasons someone may leave the scene after causing an accident. Yet, this leaves accident victims worried about their ability to file an accident claim and recover compensation.
Hit-and-run accidents can happen anywhere. However, there are a large number of hit-and-run incidents in parking lots and busy city streets. Whether you are in a public parking area on Pine Street or driving along Front Street, stay aware of other drivers.
Hit-and-run accidents not only affect drivers. In fact, 25% of pedestrian deaths and 24% of cyclist deaths also occur because of a hit-and-run crash. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers all have the ability to file a claim after a hit-and-run accident.
Determining Liability in a Hit-and-Run Accident
While most car accident claims are filed against the at-fault driver, this is not always the case for a hit-and-run accident. The Hattiesburg Police Department and a Hattiesburg hit-and-run accident attorney can investigate a hit-and-run to identify the driver.
They may analyze evidence that includes:
- Witness testimonies
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
- Paint chips and other vehicle debris
If the at-fault driver is identified, your lawyer can help you file a claim against them. Otherwise, they can explain alternate methods of recovering compensation, such as filing through your own uninsured motorist coverage.
The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case
In Mississippi, uninsured motorist coverage is automatically included in auto insurance policies, but drivers may opt out. Of all Mississippi drivers, 28.2% are uninsured, so having your own uninsured motorist coverage can be a good idea. Uninsured motorist coverage can help you recover your damages after a hit-and-run.
Even though an uninsured motorist claim is through your own insurance provider, you should still hire a hit-and-run accident lawyer. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by downplaying your damages, denying claims, and adding unnecessary roadblocks during the claims process. A Hattiesburg hit and run accident lawyer can challenge these techniques to help you get the most out of an uninsured motorist claim.
Why You Should Hire a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
A hit-and-run accident case has a variety of legal complexities that can be difficult to navigate. A lawyer can make the claims process easier for you by:
- Investigating the accident: An experienced lawyer can analyze evidence from the accident scene to build a strong claim.
- Navigating complex insurance issues: An accident lawyer can explain the process of filing a claim and explain your insurance coverage for a hit-and-run accident case.
- Calculating your losses: A car accident attorney can make sure your damages are properly valued to cover your losses.
FAQs
What Damages Can You Claim in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
In a hit-and-run accident, you can claim any actual, measurable damages you have suffered. This may involve economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or property damage. You can also claim non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A Hattiesburg hit and run attorney can evaluate your damages to pursue fair compensation and make sure each of your losses is included in your claim.
What Is the Penalty for a Hit-and-Run in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, hit-and-run penalties depend on the damage. If the accident caused property damage or minor injuries, it is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100-$5,000 and 30 days to one year in jail. Severe injuries or death are a felony punishable by a fine of $1,000-$10,000 and between five and 20 years in prison. Since criminal penalties don’t compensate the victim, filing a claim is an important step after a crash
What Should You Do After a Hit and Run?
In Hattiesburg, if you were involved in a hit and run, you should move to a safe location, check for injuries, contact the police, and receive medical attention. Then, gather evidence by taking photos of your car’s damage and the scene of the accident, getting contact information from witnesses, and writing down the exact time, date, location, and details of the at-fault driver or their vehicle.
What Should You Do If You Hit a Parked Car?
After hitting a parked car, there are several steps you must take under Mississippi’s hit-and-run accident laws. Immediately stop and try to locate the owner. If the owner is not there, leave a note with your name, address, phone number, and license plate number. Then, take photos of the accident scene and any vehicle damage. If there is significant property damage or you are injured, you must file a written report with the police.
Contact WaideLaw Today – Effective Hattiesburg Hit-and-Run Accident Law Firm
Hit-and-run cases can be overwhelming, but experienced legal support can make this process easier. By investigating the accident, exploring alternate ways to pursue compensation, and managing the legal requirements of a claim, a dedicated lawyer can help you through every step of this process.
The legal team at WaideLaw is passionate about seeking justice for their clients. Contact WaideLaw to set up a consultation to learn how we can pursue the full recovery you are entitled to, despite the unique challenges a hit-and-run accident case involves.
