5 Reasons to Hire a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run in Virginia

If you’re involved in a car accident in Virginia, state law requires you to stop, check on the other driver, and exchange contact information with them. Anyone who flees the scene of the accident without completing these steps is guilty of a hit-and-run.

While this may mean that the police will attempt to find and arrest the fleeing driver, that doesn’t necessarily help you if you were injured in the accident. The police might never find and identify the culprit, or it might take them years to do so.

In the meantime, you have serious injuries that require medical attention, and you may need help covering the expenses associated with those injuries. Will the insurance company provide it? It might, but there’s no way to be certain.

You’re much better off putting your trust in a qualified car accident lawyer after a hit-and-run in Virginia. Here are five reasons to consider hiring a personal injury attorney to manage your case.

1. Gaining Insight Into Relevant Laws

Virginia’s hit-and-run laws affect the criminal and civil liability of the driver who fled the scene. Civil liability is important because it affects how much compensation you can get from your insurance company. Criminal liability may come into play if the driver is later located and charged with the crime.

An experienced hit-and-run lawyer can explain these laws and how they might affect your case in greater detail.

2. Gathering Strong Evidence to Support Your Case

While the driver who fled the scene is most likely at fault in a hit-and-run accident, there’s no guarantee that the insurance company will accept this as a fact. Adjusters will still investigate the accident, hoping to find evidence to decrease your payout.

With the help of a hit-and-run lawyer, you can easily fight fire with fire. Attorneys are familiar with how to investigate accident scenes and uncover evidence that supports their clients’ claims. Your lawyer will use this information to build a compelling case and petition for fair and adequate compensation on your behalf.

3. Understanding the Insurance Claims Process After a Hit-and-Run

The insurance claims process is typically complicated as it is. It can be even more so after a hit-and-run in Virginia.

This is likely by design. Insurance companies understand that when claimants get frustrated by the process, they’re more likely to drop their claims or accept a lowball settlement just to get it over with.

Our knowledgeable attorneys are well acquainted with the intricacies of insurance policies and the various twists and turns of insurance claim procedures. We don’t get caught off-guard by fine print or legalese, meaning your case is likely to go more smoothly and be resolved more quickly.

4. Fighting to Maximize Your Compensation

Another major advantage of having an attorney from Commonwealth Law Group represent you is that our legal professionals have decades of experience handling these types of cases. This will allow us to accurately determine the value of your case based on the nature and severity of your injuries.

With strong evidence and a solid understanding of the costs of your injuries, we’ll have all the leverage we need to negotiate for a fair settlement.

Insurance companies know they can’t pull a fast one on us. Furthermore, when you have legal representation, there’s an implicit threat that you’re willing to file a lawsuit. Most insurance companies will play ball to avoid going to court.

5. Reducing the Stress of the Legal Process

The legal process after a hit-and-run in Virginia can be quite stressful. You may be seriously injured and need to focus on recovering from the effects of your accident. The last thing you need is to have to put energy into pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Unfortunately, Virginia doesn’t give you many options. The state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury. If you don’t act promptly, you could forfeit your right to seek compensation. Your lawyer can act in your stead, taking the appropriate action swiftly and reducing the pressure of the ticking clock.

FAQ

Will It Help Me if the Other Driver Is Convicted of Fleeing the Scene of the Accident?

Most likely. Typically, the fact that the other driver fled is evidence that they were at fault. A conviction would serve as additional evidence to support your claim.

Can I Still Get Compensation Even if the Other Driver Is Never Identified?

Yes. You may be able to get coverage for injuries and property damage from your own insurance, depending on the type of policy you have. While it’s obviously better to receive payment from the at-fault driver’s insurer, limited compensation is better than none.

Can I Get a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Attorney in Virginia?

Yes. Commonwealth Law Group offers free consultation to all potential clients. This gives you a chance to discuss your case with a qualified attorney before deciding to retain their services. During your no-cost consultation, we’ll explain our fee structure and answer any questions you may have to make sure you know what to expect.

Talk to a Hit-and-Run Attorney in Virginia Today

At Commonwealth Law Group, we believe anyone who’s injured in a car accident deserves an opportunity to seek fair compensation. Our dedicated legal team will fight to get you what you’re owed after you suffer injuries in a hit-and-run accident. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.