Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law represents anyone that’s been injured in an Oklahoma City car accident. Every car accident is somewhat frustrating, but it takes on a different tone when the driver flees the scene. Hit-and-run victims often face tough recoveries and mounting medical bills alone. If you or a loved one are in this situation, our Oklahoma City car accident lawyers will help you get the support you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Unfortunately, not every car accident situation is the same. Under the best circumstances, you and the other driver will work out a lot of details with each other. This makes the claims process pretty straightforward and usually doesn’t even require a lawyer.
However, a hit-and-run is much different. Basically, it comes with all the problems as a regular car accident with the added difficulty of not having the information you need to file a claim. That’s why you need experience in this situation, and our lawyers at Ylla Gosney can help you by:
- Going over your options and rights in a hit-and-run case.
- Investigating the accident to try and find out who the driver is or if someone else might share fault.
- Helping you in filing and negotiating an insurance claim, even if it’s through your own insurance company.
- If we find the driver, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Hit-and-run accidents in Oklahoma City bring specific challenges for you and your family. We understand these obstacles and have a strong record of helping our clients get the financial support they need to recover.
What Should You Do Following a Hit-and-Run Accident?
For as frustrating as a hit-and-run accident is, the steps you take in the aftermath are even more important than a regular car accident. A hit-and-run accident can feel overwhelming, but Oklahoma law still gives you options to seek compensation for damages. Here’s how you can protect your rights and work toward getting the compensation you deserve:
- Call 911 – Make sure you and any passengers are safe. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for an ambulance and get care from paramedics.
- Remember details – Do the best you can to remember any details about the other vehicle, like the make, model, color, and license plate if you can. The more information you have, the better chance you have at finding the driver.
- Report the accident to the police – When you’re on the line with 911, have them send the local police right away. When they get there, let them know that the other driver fled the scene. Share any details you remember about the other vehicle, and mention any witnesses.
- Start collecting evidence – If it’s safe, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including damage to your car, skid marks, or debris on the road.
- Contact your insurance company – Report the accident to your car insurance company so they can start the claims process. Also provide them with the police report number and other accident details.
- Keep records of expenses – Save all medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and other accident-related expenses.
Obviously, a hit-and-run is a pretty scary situation. But even with these unique challenges, you still have options.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Legally speaking, you have the same rights after a hit-and-run accident as you would in any other car accident. In reality though, the actual process is different. Liability falls on the driver that hits you, meaning they technically have to pay for your damages. However, without their details, you can’t file a claim against them directly. This often means you’ll need to rely on your own insurance.
Here’s how that works usually:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage – Oklahoma drivers aren’t required to carry UM/UIM coverage, but in a hit-and-run, this is the necessary policy that will pay for your losses because the other driver will be treated as uninsured if they flee the scene. Most auto policies have this coverage, which has a minimum of $25,000 to $50,000.
- Collision coverage – This type of insurance covers damage to your vehicle, no matter who caused the accident. While it’s often the priciest coverage, it covers any repair costs for your car.
- Health insurance – Health insurance helps cover immediate medical costs for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. This will be important if you or anyone else is injured, since this will take care of medical expenses and other related costs.
Once you iron out all the insurance details, you can move forward with the actual claim, where you can recover typical damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Long-term care costs
- Lost wages or future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses, if needed
- Punitive damages, for severe negligence
Remember, a hit-and-run accident is both a civil and criminal matter, so police will investigate to find the driver. The more serious your injuries, the tougher the penalties for the driver if they’re found. Still, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file your civil claim in Oklahoma.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Understanding why hit-and-run accidents happen doesn’t make them any less frustrating. But it does give you some insight into the process and can help you be at least slightly prepared if you’re involved in one:
- Fear of legal trouble – Some drivers may leave an accident scene out of fear of legal consequences, like getting arrested for DUI if they were drinking or using drugs.
- Lack of awareness – In busier areas of Oklahoma City, some drivers might not realize they hit someone due to distractions or inattention. They may leave without even knowing they caused an accident. This is especially prevalent among older drivers
- Financial concerns – Drivers without insurance or a valid license may flee to avoid paying for damages or facing legal issues.
- Panic or shock – Sometimes, drivers panic or feel overwhelmed after an accident and leave in confusion or fear, not necessarily out of bad intentions.
Whatever the reason for the hit-and-run, it’s essential to get medical help and report the accident to the police. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you get financial support for your injuries and other damages.
Dedicated Support For Hit-and-Run Accident Victims in Oklahoma City
A hit-and-run accident in Oklahoma City can feel overwhelming, and it raises all sorts of problems. You are usually left wondering how you’ll cover medical bills or car repair costs. But you don’t have to face this alone. The experienced car accident lawyers at Ylla Gosney are here to help. We offer dedicated, personalized support and strong representation to go after the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
