Winchester Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers

Dedicated Attorneys Representing Clients for Accidents Caused by Hit-and-Run Drivers in Winchester, VA

A car accident can be a traumatic experience, but when the driver who was at fault for the collision flees the scene, victims may feel even more distressed and uncertain about what to do. Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims with serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and vehicle repair costs, and without an identifiable party to hold accountable, a person may worry that they have no way to recover compensation for these damages.

At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, we help victims of hit-and-run accidents in Winchester explore their options for financial recovery. With over 120 years of combined experience, our team of attorneys is dedicated to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. We will take aggressive action to protect our clients' rights, and we will advocate for them throughout the legal process to ensure that they will have the resources they need as they recover from their injuries.

Why a Driver May Flee the Scene of an Accident

Under Virginia law, drivers who are involved in a car accident are legally required to stop, check for injuries, provide aid if necessary, and exchange contact and insurance information with others who were involved. However, there are some situations where a driver may choose to flee the scene. They may have a variety of reasons for doing so, including:

• Driving Without a Valid License: Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses may face criminal charges for driving when they are not allowed to do so. These drivers may choose to leave the scene of an accident in an attempt to avoid legal consequences.
• Lack of Auto Insurance: Uninsured drivers may fear that they could be held financially responsible for an accident. They may flee rather than face penalties for driving without coverage.
• Driving Under the Influence: Intoxicated drivers may leave an accident scene because they want to avoid DUI charges, which carry severe criminal penalties in Virginia.
• Fear of Arrest: Drivers with outstanding arrest warrants or prior criminal convictions may flee to avoid interactions with law enforcement that could lead to arrests or additional criminal charges.
• Distracted or Reckless Driving: A driver who was texting, speeding, or engaging in other reckless behavior may panic and leave the scene to try to avoid liability.

Regardless of the reasons for fleeing, hit-and-run drivers are breaking the law. Their actions may put accident victims in difficult situations as they determine how to address the injuries and financial losses suffered in a collision. Fortunately, there are legal options available to those who have been harmed in these cases.

Options for Hit-and-Run Victims in Virginia

Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims wondering how they will pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. While identifying the at-fault driver is the ideal outcome, victims still have options for recovering compensation even if the driver is not located. One of the best ways of doing so is through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. A person's auto insurance policy will typically provide financial protection when the driver at fault for an accident either lacks insurance or cannot be identified, as in a hit-and-run accident.

To file a UM claim, an accident victim must report the hit-and-run to law enforcement as soon as possible and provide any available evidence of the crash. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize UM payouts, so having legal representation during the claims process is crucial to ensure that an injury victim can secure fair compensation.

Identifying a Hit-and-Run Driver

There are some steps that may be taken to locate a driver who fled the scene of an accident and hold them accountable. Our lawyers can help determine whether it may be possible to track down a hit-and-run driver through methods such as:

• Surveillance Footage: Traffic cameras, security cameras from nearby businesses, or dashcam footage from other drivers may provide valuable evidence, such as the license plate number of the at-fault driver.
• Witness Testimony: Bystanders who saw the accident may provide descriptions of the vehicle or the driver or information such as the direction in which the driver fled.
• Police Investigations: Law enforcement officers can use evidence such as vehicle debris, tire marks, or forensic analysis to identify the responsible party.
• Social Media and Community Alerts: Publicizing information about the hit-and-run vehicle may lead to tips from the community that can be used to locate a driver.

If the at-fault driver is identified, a victim can pursue a personal injury claim against them, seeking full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

Contact Our Winchester, VA Hit-and-Run Accident Attorneys

When a driver flees the scene of an accident, victims will need to understand what they can do to obtain financial compensation for the injuries and damages they have suffered. At Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC, our lawyers can provide guidance and representation in these situations. We can help take steps to identify a driver or assist with insurance claims, and we will fight to make sure victims will be able to receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 540-662-4222 to arrange a free consultation.