Mobile Hit & Run Accident Attorney

Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Mobile, AL?

When you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the situation can be extremely distressing. Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional trauma of the accident, but you may also be left with mounting medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. It is crucial to seek legal assistance from a knowledgeable hit-and-run accident lawyer to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you've been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Alabama, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and uncertain about your legal rights and options. At Cunningham Bounds, we understand the challenges faced by victims of hit-and-run accidents, and we are here to help. As leading personal injury lawyers in Alabama, we have extensive experience representing clients in hit-and-run accident cases and have a proven track record of success in obtaining justice and maximum compensation for our clients.

Call (251) 299-0101 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Hit & Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident refers to a situation where a motorist involved in a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, or property leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves, provide assistance to the injured party if necessary, or report the incident to the appropriate authorities. In a hit-and-run, the responsible party flees the scene in an attempt to avoid legal consequences or personal accountability for their actions.

Hit-and-run accidents can occur in various contexts, including car collisions, bicycle accidents, or incidents involving pedestrians. They can range in severity from minor fender benders to more serious accidents causing significant injury or even death. Regardless of the extent of the damage or injuries caused, leaving the scene of an accident without fulfilling legal obligations is considered a criminal offense in most jurisdictions.

The obligations following a typical accident include stopping at the scene, exchanging information with the other party involved, providing necessary aid to anyone injured, and reporting the incident to the police. Failing to fulfill these responsibilities can lead to criminal charges, such as hit-and-run, and may result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension or revocation, and potential imprisonment.

Common Reasons Why Hit & Runs Occur

Hit-and-run accidents occur for a variety of reasons, often involving a combination of factors. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Fear of Consequences: The driver may fear legal repercussions or financial liabilities if they stop after an accident, especially if they were at fault or if they were driving illegally (e.g., without a valid license or insurance).
• Intoxication: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may panic and flee the scene to avoid being caught for driving while intoxicated, which can lead to more severe penalties.
• Panic and Shock: In some cases, the driver may panic or experience shock immediately after the accident, leading them to flee without fully realizing the consequences of their actions.
• Lack of Awareness: The driver may not realize they were involved in an accident, especially if it was a minor collision or if they were distracted while driving.
• Unlicensed or Uninsured Driving: Individuals driving without a valid license or insurance may flee the scene to avoid legal repercussions, as they may face additional charges for driving illegally.
• Criminal Intent: In some cases, hit-and-run accidents are intentional, motivated by criminal activities such as car theft, insurance fraud, or other illicit purposes.
• Prior Criminal Record: Drivers with a history of traffic violations or criminal offenses may be more likely to flee the scene to avoid arrest or prosecution, especially if they fear harsher penalties due to their past record.
• Poor Driving Conditions: Inclement weather, low visibility, or other adverse driving conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents, and some drivers may choose to flee the scene rather than deal with the consequences.
• Emotional State: Extreme emotions such as anger, frustration, or panic can impair judgment and lead drivers to make impulsive decisions, including fleeing the scene of an accident.
• Hit-and-Run Culture: In areas where hit-and-run accidents are more prevalent or socially tolerated, individuals may be more inclined to flee the scene rather than take responsibility for their actions.

How to Recover Compensation from a Hit & Run Accident in AL

In Alabama, recovering compensation in a hit-and-run accident can be challenging since the responsible party has fled the scene and may be unidentified. However, there are still potential avenues for pursuing compensation, such as:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and damages from your own insurance company. UM coverage is designed to provide benefits when the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be identified, such as in hit-and-run accidents.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If you have PIP coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it may provide benefits for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. PIP coverage can be used to cover your immediate expenses while pursuing compensation through other means.
• MedPay Coverage: Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage is similar to PIP coverage but may be limited to covering medical expenses only. If you have MedPay coverage, it can help reimburse you for medical bills resulting from the hit-and-run accident.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the at-fault driver is identified or located at a later time, you may pursue compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against them. However, if the driver is uninsured or lacks the financial means to pay damages, recovering compensation through a lawsuit may be difficult.

Here are some steps to take immediately after a hit-and-run to protect your health and rights to compensation:

• Report the accident: Immediately report the hit-and-run accident to the police. Provide as many details as possible, such as the time, location, description of the other vehicle involved (if known), and any eyewitness accounts. A police report will be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
• Seek medical attention: If you or anyone involved in the accident has sustained injuries, seek medical attention promptly. Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Additionally, medical records will document your injuries and serve as evidence in your claim.
• Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any visible skid marks or debris. Note down any details you can remember about the other vehicle involved, such as its make, model, color, or license plate number, if available. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as their statements may be valuable.
• Notify your insurance company: Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the hit-and-run accident. Provide them with all the relevant information and documentation you have gathered. Depending on your policy, you may be entitled to coverage under uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) provisions, which can provide compensation in hit-and-run cases.
• Consult an attorney: It is advisable to consult an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in hit-and-run accidents in Alabama. They can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you maximize your chances of recovering compensation. They will also help you navigate any potential claims against the unidentified driver.

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