Hit and Run

HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT LAWYER IN HUNTSVILLE AL

Decatur, AL, Hit and Run Accident Attorney

A hit-and-run is an accident in which the driver intentionally leaves the scene without providing contact information. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a hit-and-run accident in Alabama, call 256-534-3435 To get a free consultation from a hit-and-run lawyer. For more than 60 years, the attorneys at Ferguson & Ferguson have represented victims of personal injury claims in Alabama. Our firm has the resources to properly investigate your case and find the driver responsible for your injuries and property damage. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. Contact our team today for a free consultation. We are available to speak 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call now.

What To Do After A Hit-and-Run Accident

1. Ensure your safety and the safety of others.

• Stop your car and turn on your hazard lights. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible.
• Check for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately.

2. Call the police:

• Report the accident to the police as soon as possible, even if there is only property damage.
• Provide them with the details of the accident, including the location, time, and any description you have of the vehicle that hit you.

3. Gather information:

• If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and contact information. They can provide valuable details to the police.
• Look for any security cameras or dashcam footage that might have captured the accident.
• Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding scene.
• Taking note of the color and model of the vehicle
• Collecting information from witnesses
• Take down the license plate number
• Noting any identifying characteristics of the driver
• Take note of the direction that the car is going
• Call Ferguson & Ferguson

4. Contact your insurance company and get treatment.

• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, following their guidelines for filing a claim. See your medical provider and get treatment.

5. Don’t pursue the fleeing driver:

• It is important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Chasing the driver can put yourself and others at further risk.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov/
• The Insurance Information Institute (III): https://www.iii.org

Mistakes Made After A Hit-and-Run Accident

• Not filing an accident report with the police
• Failure to report the accident to your insurance company
• Not getting medical treatment
• Relying on your insurance company to help you
• Not hiring an attorney

Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents

The most common reasons drivers leave the scene include:

• Driver was impaired, drowsy or distracted.
• driver was unlicensed, suspended, revoked, or uninsured.
• driver was an illegal immigrant, otherwise lacked legal status or had outstanding wants or warrants.
• Self-preservation.
• Street racing, stolen vehicle.
• Aggressive driving.
• Youthful indecision.
• The driver hits a bicyclist
• The driver does not have insurance
• driver is in trouble with the law
• driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident
• On cell Phone

Hit-and-run accidents in Huntsville can have devastating consequences, with over 100 motorists per month losing their lives in such incidents, as revealed by one study. Shockingly, more than half of these fatalities involve pedestrians, highlighting the serious nature of hit-and-run incidents on the city’s streets. It is estimated that a significant proportion of deadly pedestrian accidents, up to 1 in 5, involve drivers who flee the scene without taking responsibility for their actions.

The reasons why drivers choose to leave the scene of an accident vary widely and shed light on the complexities of human behavior behind these incidents. From impaired, drowsy, or distracted driving to being unlicensed, suspended, revoked, or uninsured, there are multiple factors that may drive individuals to flee instead of facing the consequences of their actions. Furthermore, drivers lacking legal status, having outstanding warrants, or being involved in street racing or driving stolen vehicles contribute to the alarming trend of hit-and-run accidents in Huntsville.

In addition to these factors, the fear of legal repercussions and the desire for self-preservation play a significant role in drivers’ decisions to flee the scene. Youthful indecision, aggressive driving, and the influence of drugs or alcohol further complicate the already dangerous situation of a hit-and-run accident. The absence of insurance, trouble with the law, and distractions like being on a cell phone add to the myriad reasons that drivers may choose to evade responsibility for their actions.

Understanding the multitude of reasons behind hit-and-run accidents in Huntsville is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent such incidents and holding accountable those who choose to disregard the safety of others on the road.

Compensation in a Huntsville Hit-and-Run Car Accident

There are some types of losses that typically compensated for in hit-and-run accidents. These include:

• medical bills and expenses
• pain and suffering
• emotional distress
• permanent injury or disability
• lost wages
• Property damage
• Wrongful death

Hit-and-Run FAQ’S

How do I calculate my loss of earnings?

If you’ve suffered an injury from a car accident and have missed work as a result, you may be able to claim compensation for your lost earnings. Here’s how you can calculate your lost income:

Firstly, if you are an employee who receives a regular hourly wage, obtaining a statement from your employer detailing your absence, along with documentation from your doctor, should suffice as proof for your claim. It’s also beneficial to include any supporting documents that demonstrate typical additional earnings such as overtime or commissions, which may require past pay slips or tax records to validate.

For those who are self-employed, the process can be more intricate due to variable income patterns. Each situation will need personalized attention. For instance, if you operate your own transport services, providing records of previous transactions or contracts, along with your recent tax filings, might be necessary to establish your typical earnings before the accident. Likewise, if you run a personal service business like a beauty salon, evidence of pre-booked appointments and the potential revenue from these bookings could be compiled through digital calendar screenshots and a detailed list of prices for the scheduled services.

In any case, combining these documentation efforts with professional advice from a legal or financial expert will help in accurately presenting your lost earnings for compensation purposes.

How do I calculate my future medical expenses before settling my car accident case?

To project future medical expenses in a car accident claim, ensure that your medical condition is fully stabilized. In severe cases, involve life care planners to forecast your future medical care needs. Consider long-term medication, medical procedures, therapy sessions, nursing services, and regular consultations. Validate projections with expert testimonies. Seek the advice of an experienced car accident attorney to guide you and protect your rights and help you receive adequate compensation.

What type of medical expenses am I entitled to after a car accident?

If you’re in a car accident that’s not your fault, you can claim compensation for various medical expenses, including emergency treatments, ongoing medical care, and specialized services required for your recovery. You can also claim expenses related to physical therapy, chiropractic sessions, and surgical procedures, as well as out-of-pocket expenses like co-pays and deductibles. It’s advisable to seek the expertise of a legal professional specializing in car accident cases to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.

What are compensatory damages?

Compensatory damages are financial awards that help restore the injured party as closely as possible to their pre-incident state. In Alabama, they cover medical costs, lost income, property damage, physical pain, emotional distress, and long-term disabilities. The goal is to provide a monetary equivalent for the losses and hardships experienced by the victim, such as in a car accident, helping them recover from the financial impact of the incident and return to their pre-incident state as closely as possible.

What are punitive damages?

Punitive damages are awarded in legal cases to punish the defendant’s egregious behavior and to act as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future. In Alabama, such damages may be granted in cases involving automobile accidents if the defendant acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for the safety of others.

How can I prove the driver who hit me was on their cell phone?

To prove that the driver who hit you was using their cell phone at the time of the accident, you can take several legal actions. Experienced car accident attorneys often request the court to issue subpoenas for the at-fault driver’s cell phone records. These records can provide evidence of any calls, messages, or data usage that occurred at or around the time of the accident. In more severe cases, such as those involving serious injuries or fatalities, lawyers might also seek a court order to have the driver’s cell phone forensically examined. This examination can uncover more detailed information about what the driver was doing on their phone right before the crash. Such evidence could be crucial in supporting your claim for compensation, including both compensatory and punitive damages.

How long will it take to settle my insurance claim?

The duration required to settle an insurance claim post a car accident is not fixed and can fluctuate widely. This variability is influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the incident, the amount of damage and injury involved, the responsiveness and policies of the insurance companies, and the potential necessity for legal negotiations or litigation. Some claims might be concluded in a short period, whereas others might need extended negotiations or legal intervention to resolve. For a clearer estimate of how long it may take to settle your specific claim, consulting with a car accident attorney would be advantageous.

How long will it take to settle my insurance claim?

The duration required to settle an insurance claim post a car accident is not fixed and can fluctuate widely. This variability is influenced by several factors, including the complexity of the incident, the amount of damage and injury involved, the responsiveness and policies of the insurance companies, and the potential necessity for legal negotiations or litigation. Some claims might be concluded in a short period, whereas others might need extended negotiations or legal intervention to resolve. For a clearer estimate of how long it may take to settle your specific claim, consulting with a car accident attorney would be advantageous.

Why Hire Huntsville Hit and Run Attorneys at Ferguson & Ferguson?

If the hit-and-run driver that caused the accident is not found, you are likely to be left in the position of trying to obtain compensation you need from your own insurance company. If you were in your own car at the time of the accident, you will be seeking uninsured motorist compensation from your automobile insurance company. You will also be dealing with your health insurer to cover your medical bills. You may be attempting to obtain other types of compensation from your homeowner’s policy, depending on the terms and conditions of that insurance.

Determining what insurance coverage may be available to someone injured by a hit-and-run driver can be highly complicated. You need a qualified attorney with over 30 years of car accident and insurance experience

If you or someone you know is the victim of a hit-and-run accident, contact our Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama, hit-and-run accident attorneys. Our lawyers have years of professional experience and have helped countless clients get the help they deserve. While most attorneys will do everything that they can to avoid the courtroom, we make it clear that we are not afraid to go there. To schedule your free consultation with an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer, call our office at 256-534-3435 or contact us online. We handle all hit-and-run accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that we do not take a fee until you receive compensation. You will not incur any legal fees or costs for our time and assistance.

Huntsville Office Location:
303 Williams Avenue SW
Suite 321
Huntsville, AL 35801

Decatur Office Location:
211 Oak Street, NE
Decatur, AL 35601